Vernon Parish Police Jurors will consider financially assisting the parish communications district, after 911 hotline revenues have failed to keep up with the cost of maintaining it.

During the July 21 committee meeting, Parish Administrator-Secretary Rhonda Plummer told jurors that the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Department came to the Police Jury requesting a monetary supplement for the phone line. She recommended the jury increase the cost of landlines in the parish from $0.84 to $0.94 per month. Cell phones would also see an increase of about $0.10 per month and businesses would pay $1.25 more per month.

“If we don’t (increase the monthly rate), then we’re just going to have to keep giving them more money,” she said during the meeting.

She said she estimated if the police jury decides to implement the surcharge, it could bring in $67,000 per year for the communications district.

Plummer also suggested a permit fee of $10 for residential and $15 for businesses. That would generate an additional $24,000.

Some police jurors questioned the need for eight employees in the communications district, and suggested cutting back payroll in an effort to make the hotline sustainable.

The Police Jury also discussed a one-time supplement to the communications district of $80,000 to help make up for the gap. Plummer said during the meeting that the parish has had to chip in to keep the line afloat before.

The Police Jury is slated to vote on the surcharge and permitting fees in August. Members of the public are invited to comment on the issue during the meeting.

Police Jurors also approved a resolution to award the bid for the repair of the roof at the Museum of West Louisiana.

Pat Williams Construction, LLC was awarded the bid at a cost of $282,965 and was the only bidder, said Police Jury President Jim Tuck. He said the Police Jury put it out for bid twice and the company was the only bidder both times.(MGNonline)