Bossier Jury Maintains Charade More Transparently

Parish government takes small steps toward transparency but continues unlawful behavior regarding Library Board of Control

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Bossier Parish Police Jury has taken a small step toward transparency by posting its meeting agenda online, but continues to act unlawfully in its handling of the parish's Library Board of Control. The Jury has violated state law by appointing all 12 of its own members to the Library Board, rather than the required 5-7 citizen members with staggered terms. While the Jury has now 'appointed' all 12 members, the move does not actually resolve the legal issues and is likely to invite a lawsuit the Jury will lose.

Why it matters

The Bossier Parish Police Jury's continued unlawful behavior regarding the Library Board of Control raises concerns about government transparency and accountability. The Jury's actions undermine the intent of the law, which is to have an independent Library Board comprised of citizens, not elected officials. This case highlights the importance of local governments following the letter of the law and upholding democratic principles.

The details

The state statute requires that a parish seat 5-7 citizens of the parish for 5-year terms on the Library Board of Control, appoint officers annually, submit a budget request to the Jury every year, and meet at least once a year. However, the Bossier Parish Police Jury has repeatedly violated these requirements. In 2024, the Jury 'appointed' all 12 of its own members to the Board, which held only one meeting that year. At its latest meeting, the Jury again 'appointed' all 12 of its members to the Board, though this does not actually resolve the legal issues, as there are still too many members named and no designation of staggered terms.

  • In 2024, the last time the Jury 'appointed' members, it tried to place all 12 members onto the Board, which held one meeting that year.
  • One term expired at the end of September in 2024, and another again in 2025.

The players

Bossier Parish Police Jury

The governing body of Bossier Parish, Louisiana, which has repeatedly violated state law in its handling of the parish's Library Board of Control.

Keith Sutton

A Republican Juror who voted against the Jury's latest action of 'appointing' all 12 of its members to the Library Board of Control.

Glenn Benton

A Juror who has a legal appointment to the Library Board of Control until the end of September 2027.

Doug Rimmer

A Juror who has a legal appointment to the Library Board of Control until 2028.

Charles Gray

A former Juror who is currently filling a slot on the Library Board of Control through September 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Three-quarters illegal is still illegal, a fact the Bossier Parish Police Jury can't avoid even as it takes a small step towards transparency.”

— Jeff Sadow, Author (thehayride.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Bossier Parish Police Jury's latest actions regarding the Library Board of Control.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of local governments following the law and upholding democratic principles. The Bossier Parish Police Jury's continued unlawful behavior regarding the Library Board of Control raises concerns about government transparency and accountability, and underscores the need for elected officials to prioritize serving the public interest over their own political interests.