DERIDDER—The Beauregard Parish Police Jury met in committees on Tuesday to set the agenda for the regular meeting on Feb. 9.

The Legislative Committee discussed the creation of a Drainage Board. The Police Jury would like to appoint five board members who would create a plan concerning drainage to help stop flooding in Ward Six.

The committee also discussed the creation of economic development in Wards Four and Six.

According To Betty Cunningham, Secretary/Treasurer of the Police Jury, Southwest Louisiana has grown tremendously in population since the hurricanes of a few years ago; Ragley, especially, has grown in population but not in businesses. The committee suggested the creation of an economic development board, so businesses and, in turn, the economy of Southwest Louisiana will grow.

The Finance Committee said that the Beauregard Parish Police Jury has ordered and paid for a court reporting and recording system at the request of Judge Martha O'Neal. The new computer laptop system will replace the outdated court reporter typist system. The total cost was $8,335.

Last year, the Ragley Historical Society was awarded a $25,000 capital outlay grant to build two restrooms and a resource room. Bids they received were rejected due to the excessive amount.

Ragley Historical Society has received permission from the state to purchase materials, hire a licensed electrician, licensed plumber and ask for volunteers to do the work.

Tayra De Haven, Assistant to Betty Cunningham, and juror Gary Crowe will apply for a $25,000 grant from Pepsi for work on the Old Gothic Jail. The Police Jury approved the motion to allow them to pursue the grant paperwork, which must be in by Feb. 15. The public is asked to visit www.refresheverything.com and vote on the project during the month of March.

Pepsi gives $1.3 million in grants every month.

The Personnel Committee accepted the resignation of Robert Welborn, Water Works District #3 board member, due to his age. The board requested John M. Williams to finish Welborn's term, which ends Dec. 31, 2010.

Steward Bailey, Beauregard Parish Fire District #3 board member, resigned as of Jan. 19. The board requested he be replaced by Jerry Andrews.

The police jury will vote on these items during the regular police jury meeting, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 9.