By Shannon Wright
The Village of Heflin held its regular monthly council meeting on Thursday, February 5, with officials reporting quiet operations and discussing road maintenance efforts.
Steve Ramsey, Vice-President of the Webster Parish Police Jury, was in attendance and spoke to the council about the annual discretion funds allotted to the village. Heflin receives $16,000 each year, which is designated for road-related needs such as road work, culvert installation, ditch clean out, mowing and other maintenance projects. If the full amount is not used for major projects, the funds may also be applied to routine maintenance like mowing, upgrading equipment or repairs on equipment, ditch cleaning and improving drainage.
In a phone interview following the meeting, Ramsey explained the money comes from road district funds, which are generated by a millage tax approved by voters every 10 years.
“That millage was most recently renewed in November,” Ramsey said. “Each small municipality in the parish receives $8,000 from the road district funds, with an additional $8,000 coming from interest earned on proceeds from the sale of the parish landfill.”
Ramsey also encouraged the mayor, council members, and residents in attendance to sign a document supporting a grant application for repairs to Lake Road.
“The proposed project is a joint effort between Webster and Bienville parishes, with both police juries seeking grant funding so the entire stretch of road can be repaired,” he said. Ramsey noted that oil and gas traffic on the road has slowed, making this an ideal time for repairs. The effort has been underway for approximately three years, and the grant request must be submitted by the end of the month. A decision is expected by June.
During the meeting, the council voted to continue using Wise, Martin & Cole as the village’s certified public accounting firm. While the council acknowledged previous issues with delays, members said they have been assured the firm is making internal changes to prevent future problems.
Jessie Williamson, the village water operator, told the council there was little to report. “The water system is in good condition and everything is running fine,” he said.
Police Chief Paul Migues echoed those sentiments, noting that there have been no major policing issues within the village. “There’s not much going on other than a couple of dog disturbances and people hitting deer,” Migues reported.
Although there are no projects or events currently underway in the village, Mayor Ralph James and the council remind residents of the importance of community involvement and encourage residents to attend council meetings.
The meetings are typically held on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Village Clerk Sherry Limosnero at 318-377-9799 or by email.