(Submitted by Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris) 

Dear Citizens of Jonesboro,

First and foremost, thank you for the opportunity and privilege to serve as your Mayor. Your incredible support continues to inspire our progress every day! When I announced my candidacy, I promised transparency and that I would keep you
updated on the progress of the town.

When I took office on January 1, 2023, we faced significant challenges- unpaid bills
totaling over $700,000, including a daunting $307,000 electric bill, phone service disruptions, and local businesses unwilling to extend credit due to unpaid debts.

Unfortunately, some bills to our valued partners had been unpaid for months.
Despite these hurdles and additional difficulties caused by false allegations from former Mayor Leslie Thompson, Alderman Devin Flowers, and Alderman Robert Hunter, which led to increased audit fees of over $20,000 and temporarily
paused our pursuit of vital state and federal grants, we have made substantial progress.

I am thrilled to report that the Town of Jonesboro is now moving confidently forward, committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Here’s a snapshot of our exciting progress with recent grant funding:

Main Street Sidewalk Improvement – $896,000.00
Jackson Parish Hospital Water Well – $750,000.00
South-End Water Well Completion – $698,640.00
Keep Louisiana Beautiful Initiative – $6,000.00
North Allen Street Sewer Line Replacement – $279,570.00
Airport Apron Repair (initiated previously) – $317,824.00
Drainage Improvements (Pearrie to Talbot Street) – $1,000,000.00
Water Meter Replacement & Street Repairs – $1,900,000.00
Well Consolidation & Automation Project – $2,000,000.00
North Sewer Pond Consolidation – $3,890,000.00
Walking Trail French Drains – $7,000.00

We’re excited about these developments and committed to making Jonesboro a town we can all proudly call home. Your input and suggestions are always welcome!

Warmest regards,
Dr. James “Spike” Harris
Mayor, Town of Jonesboro