Police Jury loses three administrators

By Raymond L. Daye

Openings in three key administrative positions and at least nine Parish Maintenance Barn jobs were announced during the Police Jury Personnel Committee meeting on May 7.
 
Secretary-Treasurer Tina Lemoine announced her resignation after 10 years with the jury, six in her current position. She said she needs to resign to become the primary caregiver for her elderly mother.
 
“I love my job and I love this jury,” Lemoine said. “You have done a great job with the money you have been given, but unfortunately there’s not much of it at this time.”
 
Jury President Charles Jones noted that Lemoine had expressed her intent to resign some time ago, so jurors knew it was coming.
 
“Tina’s leaving will create a tremendous vacuum here. She will be missed,” Jones said.
 
Parish Superintendent Anzell Jones’ resignation announcement was more of a surprise to jurors.
 
“I feel it is something I need to do,” Anzell Jones said. “It is time to move on.”
 
Anzell Jones has worked with the parish for about 10 years, eight years as the parish Office of Emergency Preparedness director and two years as parish maintenance superintendent.
 
Juror Jones said the Police Jury should take this opportunity to increase the job qualifications and salary of the parish superintendent’s position in hopes of attracting applicants that would be able to move the department forward. Jurors had discussed such a thing earlier this year when they reviewed proposed reorganization plans. Those plans were set aside, at least temporarily, due to budget concerns and repair emergencies -- primarily with the parish’s aging timber bridges.
 
The other administrator handing in her notice was Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Director Kathy Reynaud, who said she is leaving the position she has held for 15 years to accept another position.
 
“I have worked with the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury for 15 years, and I have to say that this is one of the best juries I have ever worked with,” Reynaud said.
 
Permit Clerk Brittney Covington was transferred to serve, at least temporarily, as the HCV director.
 
Jurors discussed whether to hire another permit clerk, possibly a part-time clerk, or try to make do with a reduced staff. A decision will be made at a later time.
 
The jury will be advertising for four seasonal workers, two full-time laborers, one truck driver and two heavy equipment operators. The seasonal workers will be temporary for the summer and possibly early fall only. The five other Parish Barn positions are to fill vacancies.