By Paige Nash

The Webster Parish Police Jury (WPPJ) unanimously approved their budget for the year 2024 following a public hearing last Tuesday, December 5, that resulted in zero concerns, questions or objections.  

The jury will enter the new year with a $21.7M budget which is nearly $950,000 more in comparison to their previous $20.7M budget for 2023.  

One significant increase in expenditure includes a recently adjusted amount to be distributed to the 11 municipalities in the parish. There are 11 municipalities in total. Sibley, Heflin, Doyline, Dubberly, Sarepta, Cotton Valley, Cullen, Shongaloo and Dixie Inn make up the 9 smaller ones, with Minden and Springhill being the two larger cities within the parish.  

“On behalf of the City of Minden, I want to thank you for increasing your municipality funding,” said Minden Mayor Nick Cox, who attended the meeting. “We really appreciate that.” 

The 9 smaller towns and villages previously received municipal funds in the amount of $8,000, they will now receive $16,000 each. Minden and Springhill received $16,000 in previous years and will now receive $32,000 each. These funds can be used for roads, bridges, drainage and right-of-way cleaning inside the municipality. 

After numerous budget workshops and a request made by the Webster Parish Coroner Allen Mosely, FNP, the jury also agreed to give them an additional $15,000 annually for their office expenses.  

In regard to revenue, License and Permits is projected to see an increase, along with fines and forfeitures, use of money and library revenue. The total revenue including operating transfers in and the beginning fund balance in the amount of $3,807,072 totals to a proposed $21,719,251.00.  

Expenditures show increases to health and welfare, public works as well as the library. Total expenses in the amount of $16,682,973 in addition to a reserve amount of $5,536,278 balance the budget.