Madison Parish jury approves consent agenda, authorizes invoice payments and hires fee accountant

At its June 9 meeting the Madison Parish Police Jury approved routine administrative actions and moved to strengthen its year-end accounting ahead of the audit.

On a motion by Juror Jerry Hicks, seconded by Juror Dave Wilson, the jury approved the consent agenda (which included the June 9 minutes and the Outstanding Invoice Report). The secretary then requested permission to pay outstanding invoices based on available funds; Juror Johnny Hughes moved and Juror Dave Wilson seconded approval to pay invoices as funds permit and the record states the motion carried (no roll-call tally shown in transcript).

Secretary/Treasurer Margarett Dew reported revised cost estimates for an upcoming parish election to renew ad valorem taxes for three propositions (garbage, the health unit, and the courthouse and jail). The secretary estimated each proposition’s election cost at roughly $10,700, for a combined estimate of approximately $32,100.

Following a brief discussion, the jury agreed to exempt management employees (the Secretary, Bookkeeper, Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent) from the requirement to clock in; Juror Jerry Hicks moved and Juror Dave Wilson seconded and the motion carried.

The jury also agreed to hire a fee accountant, at the audit firm’s recommendation, to assist with posting this year’s year-end adjustments and other pre-audit entries. Juror Jerry Hicks moved and Juror Johnny Hughes seconded the motion; the transcript records a unanimous roll-call vote with all five jurors recorded as 'yea'. The transcript does not specify contract terms, cost, or the accountant firm’s identity.