logo
Log In Subscribe e-Edition Archives
logo
Log In Subscribe e-Edition Archives
Google Play App Store
  • News
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Photo Gallery
  • Columns/Opinions
  • Obituaries
  • Classifieds
  • Public Notices
  • Special Sections
    • News
    • Sports
    • Lifestyle
    • Photo Gallery
    • Columns/Opinions
    • Obituaries
    • Classifieds
    • Public Notices
    • Special Sections
News
By Craig Franklin Editor on
December 13, 2023
Jena Council Adopts $9.6 Million Budget

Following a public hearing Monday morning, December 4, the Jena Town Council officially adopted their 2024 Budget that continues to increase in part due to higher sales tax collections.

The public hearing and adoption were part of the Council’s monthly meeting at the Jena Town Hall. The proposed budget had been on public review since it was introduced during last month’s meeting.

The budget totals $9,633,416.00 in total revenue; $5,776,636.22 in operating expenses; and $5,496,975.00 in capital improvements, for a deficit of $381,760.22.

The budget shows the general fund with $1,859,226.00 in revenue; $1,750,186.22 in operating expenses; and $108,675.00 in capital improvements.

The utility fund has $6,363,190.00 in revenue; $2,232,950.0 in operating expenses; and $5,388,300.00 in capital improvements.

The sales tax fund has $1,411,000.00 in revenue; $1,793,500.00 in operating expenses; and nothing in capital improvements.

Many projects and improvements are allocated within the budget all with improving the overall condition of the town.

Mayor LaDawn Edwards and the entire council noted that many hours were spent constructing the budget and making sure every part of the town was appropriately funded.

Also at the meeting, the Council voted to move their first meeting of the new year to January 8, 2024, in light of the January 1, 2024 holiday. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m.

In other business, Jeffery Benson presented the monthly fire report and noted that the department is starting to receive much needed equipment that was purchased through grants recently.

“We haven’t gotten it all in yet but what we do have we love,” Benson informed the Council. “Thank you for helping us get this.”

For the month of November, the department responded to two structure fires, one grass fire, one powerline/electrical fire, one electrical fire, one tree fire-lightning strike fire, one brush fire, one vehicle fire, and one fire alarm.

Town Superintendent Ronny Steele reported that with the cooler weather, water usage for the town has decreased significantly from the previous month, noting that a total of 17,675,000 gallons of water was produced with a daily average of 589,167 gallons. This resulted in a decreased of usage from October to November of 15.8%.

“We also had 11 water repairs this month and three sewer issues,” Steele reported. “There were two gas leaks repaired and six gas meters were replaced or installed.”

The Superintendent also updated the Council on the large Water Sector grant the town learned they were recipients a few months ago. He noted that town engineers are continually working on the plans and preparing them to be submitted to the Department of Health and Hospitals for approval. He said the plans should be submitted before February 2024.

In the submitted police report, it was noted that for the month of November the Jena Police Department made two arrests, issued six citations, had one vehicle assistance, worked six vehicle accidents and responded to 112 complaints.

For November, the department collected $1,213.00 in fines and other fees.

During the Mayor’s report, Edwards said the annual Jena Senior Citizens Christmas Supper was a huge success, although they were about 30 fewer people that attended this year from last year.

“We feel this was because the Jena Giants’ football game was the same night and many went there,” she said. “But the food was delicious and I want to thank everyone who had a part in making this a success.”

Speaking of the Jena Giants, Council Member Lester Francis offered his congratulation to the team for a great year.

“We are very proud of each player,” he said. “They made history. They have a bond like I’ve never seen, especially this senior class.”

He continued to note how thankful he is that Head Coach Jay Roark is at the helm of the Giant program.

“Coach Roark teaches them the best on and off the field,” he said. “He’s a great guy and I don’t know if we could replace him.”

All of the members of the Council and Mayor offered their congratulations as well.

ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
It might also interest you...
The Whimsical World of Dr. Seuss!
A: Main, News
The Whimsical World of Dr. Seuss!
June 18, 2025
Approximately 25 parish youth performed The Strand Village Project #thrive production, “Seussical Jr.” last Friday at the Jena High School auditorium....
this is a test
No Water In Jena Tonight
A: Main, News
No Water In Jena Tonight
By Craig Franklin Editor 
June 18, 2025
The entire Town of Jena Water System will be turned off tonight, Wednesday, June 18, from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m., to allow contractor crews to complete ...
this is a test
Olla Lacks Funds For Sewer Project
A: Main, News
Olla Lacks Funds For Sewer Project
By Reagan Franklin Assistant Editor 
June 18, 2025
The Olla Town Council learned last week that they are still short of funds to begin work on the much-needed Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. Accord...
this is a test
Temporary Bridge Opens In Tullos
A: Main, News
Temporary Bridge Opens In Tullos
By Craig Franklin Editor 
June 18, 2025
Motorists who travel regularly on US 84 through Tullos were delighted to see the new temporary bridge opened last month as the area continues to wait ...
this is a test
Work On New Olla Pool Progressing
A: Main, News
Work On New Olla Pool Progressing
Staff Report 
June 18, 2025
If everything would have gone according to plans, construction on a new swimming pool in Olla would have begun this summer. Unfortunately, it will lik...
this is a test
Road Problems Discussed Again at Jury Meeting
News
Road Problems Discussed Again at Jury Meeting
By Craig Franklin Editor 
June 18, 2025
For the second meeting in a row, the condition of parish roads was one of the main topics discussed at the LaSalle Parish Police Jury’s monthly meetin...
this is a test
ACE Circular
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ACE Circular
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Search Public Notices

The Jena Times
OLLA-TULLOS-URANIA SIGNAL
P: (318) 992-4121

Office Hours:
Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm
Sat-Sun, Closed

This site complies with ADA requirements

© The Jena Times

  • Advertisers
  • Contact
  • Privacy Accessibility Policy