The Town of Jonesboro Board of Aldermen met on Tuesday, May 10th at the Charles H. Garrett Community Center in Jonesboro. Prior to the session a Public Hearing was held on Ordinance 2022-01 where residents were offered the opportunity to voice their opinions about the proposed increase in sewer rates, but no one spoke at.
During the regular session Devin Flowers, Robbie Siadek, Pete Stringer and James Ginn agreed to adopt the Ordinance that will go into effect immediately. Nia Evans-Johnson was absent. A breakdown of the increase for residential, commercial and industrial entities over the next several years are as follows
Individual, Commercial and Industrial Sewer Charges (Present to 12/31/2024)
Private Homes Inside Corp. limits: $12.00 +$2.00/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Private Homes Outside Corp. limits: $17.00 +$2.25/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Commercial Users Inside Corp. limits: $24.00 +$2.25/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Commercial Users Outside Corp. limits: $26.00 +$2.25/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Industrial Users Inside Corp. limits: $1000.00 + $2.25/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Industrial Users Outside Corp. limits: $1000.00 +$2.25/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Individual, Commercial and Industrial Sewer Charges (1/1/2025 to 12/31/2026)
Private Homes Inside Corp. limits: $12.50 +$2.10/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gall.
Private Homes Outside Corp. limits: $17.70 +$2.35/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Commercial Users Inside Corp. limits: $25.00 +$2.35/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Commercial Users Outside Corp. limits: $27.00 +$2.35/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Industrial Users Inside Corp. limits: $1040.00 + $2.35/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Industrial Users Outside Corp. limits: $1040.00 +$2.35/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Individual, Commercial and Industrial Sewer Charges (1/1/2027 to 12/31/2028)
Private Homes Inside Corp. limits: $13.00 +$2.20/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gall.
Private Homes Outside Corp. limits: $18.40 +$2.45/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Commercial Users Inside Corp. limits: $26.00 +$2.45/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Commercial Users Outside Corp. limits: $28.10 +$2.45/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Industrial Users Inside Corp. limits: $1080.00 + $2.45/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Industrial Users Outside Corp. limits: $1080.00 +$2.45/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Individual, Commercial and Industrial Sewer Charges (1/1/2029 and after)
Private Homes Inside Corp. limits: $13.50 +$3.10/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gall.
Private Homes Outside Corp. limits: $19.15 +$2.55/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Commercial Users Inside Corp. limits: $27.00 +$2.55/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Commercial Users Outside Corp. limits: $29.20 +$2.55/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Industrial Users Inside Corp. limits: $1125.00 + $2.55/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Industrial Users Outside Corp. limits: $1125.00 +$2.55/1000 gallons or portion thereof over 2000 gallons
Ordinance to adjust Aldermen District Boundaries Introduced
Ordinance 2022-02 was introduced that will adjust the boundaries of Town of Jonesboro Aldermen Districts. The adjustment is being done in accordance with Louisiana State Revised Statute 33:1371 which states the boundaries of Aldermen Districts are to near as reasonably practical as to provide for population equality and in accordance with the findings of the 2020 US Census.
| DISTRICT | POPULATION | IDEAL SIZE | DEVIATION % | WHITE | % WHITE | BLACK | % BLACK |
| A | 924 | 902 | 2.44% | 569 | 61.58% | 304 | 32.90% |
| B | 937 | 902 | 3.88% | 563 | 60.09% | 298 | 31.80% |
| C | 869 | 902 | (3.66%) | 199 | 22.90% | 648 | 74.57% |
| D | 877 | 902 | (2.77%) | 143 | 16.31% | 685 | 78.11% |
| TOTAL | 3,607 | 1,474 | 40.86% | 1,935 | 53.65% |
Added Notes:
(1) Total Population – 4,106
(2) Redistricting Population – 3,607
(3) Prison Population tabulated at 499 is not used for redistricting purposes
Additional Business
In addition to the normal handling of bills and financials, along with reports given by heads of the Police, Fire and Public Works Department, three Ordinances in relation to the 2021-22 budget was introduced, the board agreed to advertise for fuel bids and to advertise for appointment of an official journal. A CS Software purchase in the amount of $8,000.00 and cloud contract of $150.00 per month was also approved.
Robert Hunter was appointed to the Zoning Commission, Sirena Jackson was hired as a part time Jonesboro Police Department Officer and Dispatcher and it was agreed for the town to become a member of One Call (811).
Special Guest Speakers
Before the meeting concluded with comments by the Aldermen and Mayor Leslie Thompson, two speakers were introduced. First was Mr. Khaalid Hakeem who spoke to the Council about wanting to include a parade and outdoor event to the Juneteenth Holiday Celebration. After discussion it was agreed that the Town of Jonesboro would set aside the old Fairgrounds area for the outdoor events that Hakeem and his organization have planned.
Next up was Mr. Jeff Glover of MGM Development Group who thrilled those in attendance by announcing that the proposal for the Jonesboro Senior Village had been approved by the state and that the 10.5 million dollar, multi-unit, housing project designed for seniors aged 55 would begin by the end of the month.
To report an issue or typo with this article – CLICK HERE
