In an effort to help “clear the air” and answer the many questions that have been asked, Jackson Parish Recreation District (JPRD) Director Justin Dodson has issued a detailed statement that allows residents of the area to know truthful facts about the current state of affiars and future hopes and not be forced to rely on the banter that has been presented by word of mouth and in social media outlets
Questions I’ve Been Asked About the Jackson Parish Recreation District
A Message from Director Justin Dodson
Over the past several months, I have been asked a number of questions about the Jackson Parish Recreation District. Many of these questions have come from conversations throughout the community, while others have been shared on social media.
Rather than responding to each question individually, I thought the best approach would be to answer them all in one place.
My name is Justin Dodson, and I have had the privilege of serving as the Director of the Jackson Parish Recreation District since the beginning of 2025.
Before I answer these questions, I want everyone to know that my goal is simply to provide information and explain the facts as I understand them. I respect that people may have different opinions, and I welcome honest conversation. As both a coach and a director, I believe communication is one of the most important parts of building a successful team, a successful organization, and a strong community.
When I accepted this position, I had some understanding of how the Recreation District operated, but I have learned far more over the past year and a half. I continue to learn something new every day, and I intend to keep learning for as long as the Board and the citizens of Jackson Parish believe I am the right person to serve in this role.
The questions below are some of the most common ones that have been brought to my attention. There may be others that I have not yet heard, but I wanted to take this opportunity to answer the questions I have received openly and honestly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they raising the tax?
Why is it a property tax instead of a sales tax?
Are they building another nine holes at the golf course?
What is the plan for the pavilion?
What do they do with all the money they have?
Why are the Board meetings held at 12:00 p.m.?
Why are they being secretive about everything?
Why do I need to make an appointment or text the Director before meeting with him?
Why do they show favoritism to certain schools?
What are the plans if the tax fails?
What are the plans if the tax passes?
I hope the information below helps answer these questions and provides a better understanding of where the Recreation District is today and where we hope to go in the future. Below are several of the questions that have been brought to my attention. I would like to address each one individually.
Why are they raising the tax?
The tax millage in 2017 was 4.63 mills, which generated approximately $983,600 for the Jackson Parish Recreation District. Approximately two years ago, the millage was adjusted to 5.07 mills, an increase of 0.44 mills, so that the recreation department would continue receiving approximately the same amount of revenue despite changes in property values. The purpose of this adjustment is not to increase the amount of money the recreation department receives, but rather to maintain approximately the same annual funding level of $983,600.
Why is it a property tax and not a sales tax?
When I first became Director, I asked that same question myself, and I am still researching the issue so I can provide the most complete and accurate answer possible. I have spoken with the attorneys at Foley & Judell in Baton Rouge, and they explained that Jackson Parish has already reached the maximum sales tax percentage allowed within the incorporated areas of the parish. According to the information they provided, there is only 1% of available sales tax remaining in the unincorporated areas of the parish.
However, because there are significantly fewer retail sales occurring in those unincorporated areas, that remaining sales tax would not generate enough revenue to operate the recreation department. Based on the information I have received, the recreation department could not continue operating at its current level without the property tax millage. That being said, I want the citizens of Jackson Parish to know that I will continue researching every available option. If there is a legal and practical way to reduce the burden on property owners while continuing to provide quality recreation services, I will continue working toward that goal
Are they building another nine holes at the golf course?
We are looking at ways to expand to 18 holes, but at this time we understand we can not just go and build it. We understand that we need to make sure we are not wasting money on this project. We also understand that we need to make sure funding is figured out for how to make this project a reality. The only golf course project currently being discussed is the renovation and improvement of the existing course. The focus is on maintaining and improving what we already have so that it remains a quality facility for the citizens of Jackson Parish. We will continue to look for ways to fund this project because we believe it is worth looking into. We would love to have 18 holes at the course.
What is the plan for the pavilion?
I was hired as Director in January of 2025. From the day I started, I have invited several people with experience and knowledge in livestock events and rodeos to come look at the pavilion and offer their opinions. Almost every one of them told me that the current building simply is not large enough to host a rodeo. Another concern that was consistently brought up was parking. After spending several months evaluating different options and trying to determine the best path forward, the Board and I decided to begin looking into the possibility of building a new rodeo arena on the back side of the recreation property. This location would provide enough space for a larger arena while also allowing for adequate parking for events. As we were working through those plans, the Town of Jonesboro began making improvements to the existing arena in town. Because of those improvements, the Board decided it would be best to put our plans for a separate rodeo arena on hold for the time being.
That brings us back to the current pavilion and what our plans are for that facility. Our immediate plans are to purchase livestock panels that can be used to create temporary fencing for smaller events. We also want to make the pavilion available to host any and all 4-H events they would like to have there. Since I became Director, we have already hosted a rabbit show and a four-wheeler safety training event inside the pavilion. We have also had a few people express interest in hosting smaller events there, although at this time no additional events have been scheduled outside of the 4-H activities. If the pavilion is not utilized the way we hope in its current form, then we do have another long-term vision for that building. Our plan would be to convert that space into a gymnasium that could include three basketball courts, pickleball courts, volleyball courts, an indoor walking track, a small weight room, an event room, and a Jackson Parish Sports Hall of Fame. A facility like this would provide tremendous benefits to the people of Jackson Parish. It would allow the recreation department to no longer rely on school gyms for recreation basketball. Currently, we use three different gyms during basketball season, and many parents with multiple children find themselves rushing from one gym to another trying to watch all of their kids play.
Having everything under one roof would make scheduling much easier. We would no longer have to schedule around high school or junior high practices and games, and parents would have one central location for recreation basketball. In addition, the schools themselves would benefit from having another large facility available. Just as many schools currently utilize the clubhouse for events, this building could also be used to host larger tournaments, proms, homecomings, and other community activities. Another exciting opportunity would be pickleball. Pickleball is currently one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The building would have enough space for four indoor pickleball courts, giving our community another recreational opportunity that currently does not exist.
Again, I want to make it clear that these are simply ideas and long-term plans that the Board and I have discussed. Nothing has been finalized or set in stone. However, we believe it is important to always be looking toward the future instead of only focusing on the past. My goal has always been to use taxpayer dollars as wisely as possible while providing the greatest benefit to the citizens of Jackson Parish.
────────
What do they do with all the money they have?
I can only speak about the projects and improvements that have taken place since I became Director.
Last year, the recreation department invested approximately $160,000 in new lighting for our four main ball fields. Before this project was completed, only 85 of the 160 field lights were operational. That created a significant safety concern for everyone using our facilities. Along with replacing the lighting, we also upgraded the system so that every light can now be controlled remotely. We can turn all of the lights on or off from wherever we are. If lights are accidentally left on after practices or games, I can shut them off without having to drive back to the complex. This helps save time, reduce unnecessary utility costs, and better manage our facilities. We also have a tremendous number of children and parents who use our fields after normal operating hours to hit, throw, or practice. We are one of the few recreation complexes that allows families to continue using the fields after hours. I truly believe that is a blessing that many people may not realize we have here in Jackson Parish, and I want to continue providing that opportunity whenever possible.
Another major investment was replacing the turf playing surface on five fields. This project cost approximately $300,000 and was completed to improve the safety of our athletes. The average lifespan of athletic turf is around 12 years, especially on fields that receive as much use as ours. As the turf wears down and becomes flat, baseballs and softballs begin to react almost as though they are rolling across concrete, increasing the chance of players getting injured. Replacing the turf was an investment in making our playing surfaces safer for every child who uses them.
We also upgraded our internet infrastructure to support live streaming of recreation league games and other events held on our fields. This was our first year using this camera system, so we have experienced a few bugs and technical issues along the way. I can promise you that we will continue working to improve the system and resolve those issues so it becomes even better in the future.
Those are some of the larger purchases that have been made since I became Director. We have also completed numerous maintenance projects and other improvements throughout the recreation department that may not always be noticed but are necessary to properly maintain our facilities.
Every expenditure made by the recreation department is documented in our annual audit. Once the State returns the completed audit to us, I would be more than happy to show it to anyone who would like to review it. I am also proud to say that our most recent audit was completed with no findings, something our staff and Board worked very hard to achieve.
Why are the Board meetings held at 12:00 p.m.?
We hold our Board meetings at 12:00 p.m. because it is the best time to have everyone who may be needed in attendance. That includes Board members, myself, attorneys, contractors, financial representatives, and others who may be involved with specific agenda items. We have held a few meetings later in the day, but we have not seen increased public attendance at those meetings. That does not mean we are opposed to holding meetings at different times in the future. The biggest challenge is coordinating schedules so that everyone necessary can be present, especially during ball season when many people are committed to practices and games in the evenings. If you ever have a concern or something you would like to discuss with me, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will gladly meet with you. If there is enough public interest in having future Board meetings at a later time, I will do my best to work with the Board to see if that can be accommodated.
Why are they being secretive about everything?
This is probably the question I understand the least because everything we do is public record.
I have always believed that communication is important, and I want the public to feel comfortable asking questions. If you ever have a concern or need clarification about something, please ask. If I know the answer, I will gladly provide it. If I do not know the answer, I will do everything I can to find it for you.
Neither the Board nor I have any desire to keep information from the public. We are committed to operating openly and transparently, and I want everyone to know they are welcome to ask questions at any time.
Why do I need to make an appointment with the Director or text to make sure he is there?
To be completely honest, I am not very good at sitting behind a desk all day. I enjoy being outside and working alongside our employees whenever I can. Whether it is repairing the sprinkler system, mowing grass, maintaining equipment, working on projects at the golf course, helping at the Recreation Department, or assisting with maintenance at our schools, I believe that if I am capable of doing the work myself, it can help save taxpayer dollars by reducing the need to hire outside contractors. My father taught me a great deal about repairing stuff on my own, and I try to use those skills every chance I get.
Because I spend so much of my day moving between facilities and working throughout the parish, I am often away from my office. That is why I ask people to call or text me before stopping by. It is not because I do not want to meet with anyone—it is simply to make sure I am available when you arrive. If you ever need to meet with me, please call or text me anytime. I will do my very best to make myself available and meet with anyone who needs me.
Why do they show favoritism to some schools?
This is another concern that I honestly struggle to understand. Yes, I coach softball at Quitman High School, and I do so completely free of charge. I do not receive any compensation for coaching. I coach because I love the game, because my daughters will attend school there, and because I genuinely care about every young lady I have the opportunity to coach. Quitman holds a special place in my heart because of my family and my passion for the sport. I care deeply about every school in Jackson Parish.
I graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School, and it will always be my alma mater. Jonesboro-Hodge is home to me, and the coaches there know that I will do everything I can to help support their programs whenever they need assistance. As for Weston, some of my closest friends teach and coach there. We have always welcomed Weston to use our facilities whenever they are available, and, in many cases, they have used our fields more than any other school. I will continue to extend that same hospitality to Weston, just as I will to every school in Jackson Parish. Most recently, we entered into an agreement with Cornerstone to allow them to use one of our back fields as the home field for their very first high school baseball season. My goal has never been to favor one school over another. My responsibility is to serve all of Jackson Parish, and that includes every school, every student, every coach, and every family. I will continue doing everything I can to support each of them fairly and equally.
What are the plans if the tax fails?
If the tax is not approved, the Recreation Department will look very different in the future. The one area that would likely continue operating much as it does today is the golf course. Since 2024, the golf course has not received taxpayer funding from the Recreation Department’s General Fund. The course has been self-sustaining through its own revenue. The only taxpayer expense currently associated with the golf course is insurance, which is included as part of a combined insurance policy. The Recreation Department, however, would face significant changes. We would likely have to begin charging gate admission during games to help cover the cost of umpires and scorekeepers. Field lights would have to be used much more conservatively, and the gates would likely remain locked except during scheduled activities. Registration fees for youth sports would also have to increase substantially. In many surrounding communities, registration fees already exceed $120 per child, and we would likely have to move in that direction as well. It is difficult to predict exactly what the Recreation Department would look like, but I can confidently say that it would be much different than it is today.
What are the plans if the tax passes?
If the voters approve the tax, I will continue doing everything I can to improve the Recreation Department while also maintaining the facilities we already have. My goal has always been to build upon what we have, make responsible improvements, and ensure that every project benefits the people of Jackson Parish. At the same time, we must continue maintaining our existing facilities so that they remain safe and enjoyable for future generations. As the Recreation Department continues to grow, I also promise to do a better job of communicating with the public about future projects, improvements, and tax-related information. The next opportunity to place this tax before the voters will be April 17, 2027.
I truly appreciate everyone who has taken the time to read this letter. If I can ever answer a question, provide information, or be of assistance in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me at (318) 243-7251.
Closing Thoughts
I want to end by saying this:
I am not asking anyone to vote one way or the other. My purpose in writing this letter is simply to provide information, answer questions that have been brought to my attention, and share some facts along with a few opinions that are my own. I encourage everyone to do their own research, ask questions, and vote for what you believe is best for Jackson Parish. Thank you for taking the time to read this. It is an honor to serve this community, and I will continue doing my very best to represent Jackson Parish with honesty, transparency, and hard work.
Thank you, and God bless.
Justin Dodson
Director
Jackson Parish Recreation District