July 14, 2026 Jonesboro, Louisiana The Jackson Parish School Board met in a Special Called Meeting on July 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Jackson Parish School Board, 315 Pershing Highway, Jonesboro, La. The following were present for roll call: Mary Saulters, Dennis Clary, Paulette Belton, Wade McBride and Gerry Mims Absent: Rick Barlow and Calvin Waggoner Motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by and carried to enter into Executive Session to discuss pending litigation in that matter styled, JoAnna Chretien vs. Jackson Parish School Board, bearing Suit No. Jack 23000005. Motion was made by Gerry Mims, seconded by Wade McBride and carried to return to open session with no action taken. Motion was made by Paulette Belton, seconded by Wade McBride and carried to add Item 4A to the agenda: Consider recommendation of John J. Rabalais, Attorney at Law, in regards to pending litigation in that matter styled, JoAnna Chretien vs. Jackson Parish School Board, bearing Suit No. Jack 23000005. Motion was made by Dennis Clary, seconded by Wade McBride and carried to accept recommendation of John J. Rabalais, Attorney at Law, in regards to pending litigation in that matter styled, JoAnna Chretien vs. Jackson Parish School Board, bearing Suit No. Jack 23000005. Motion was made by Wade McBride, seconded by Gerry Mims and carried to adjourn at 11:25 a.m. President Secretary Published in the Ruston Daily Leader; $18.00 on Jul 17, 2026.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING A public hearing will be held at 5:30pm August 11, 2026, at Chatham Village Hall located at 1709 Oak St Chatham, LA regarding the following Ordinance: ORDINANCE 2026-01 Amended budget FY 2025-2026 ORDINANCE 2026-02 Budget for FY 2026-2027 Anyone who needs assistance, please call Village Hall at 318-249-2541 during office hours of Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm and Friday 8pm – 12pm. Gregory C. Harris Mayor Village of Chatham Published in the Ruston Daily Leader; $6.00 on Jul 17, 2026.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING A Public Meeting Will Be Held at The Following: DATE: Tuesday July 14 ,2026 TIME: 6:00 P.M. PLACE: North Hodge Village Hall 5204 Quitman Hwy. North Hodge, LA 71247 AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. INVOCATION 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. PRESENT 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS #1 6. BILLS TO BE PAID 7. OLD BUSINESS 8. NEW BUSINESS Introduction of Amended Budget for F.Y. 25-26 Introduction of Amended Budget. Appointing Village Lawyer Vote to be Made. Resolution for 2026 Millage Rates Vote to be made. Rescinding Appointment of Maintenance Supervisor Vote to be made. 9. PUBLIC COMMENTS #2 10. POLICE COMMENTS 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS 12. MAYOR COMMENTS 13. ADJOURNMENT In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact the Village Clerk at (318)259-4272 describing the assistance that is necessary. Published in the Ruston Daily Leader; $12.00 on Jul 17, 2026.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of the heirs of Betty Lee Jones Winn, please contact Darrell R. Avery, Attorney at Law, 318-259-9040, 215 Sixth St. Suite A, Jonesboro, LA 71251. Published in the Ruston Daily Leader, Ruston, LA on Jul 17, 2026.

RESOLUTION NO. 1644 OF 2026 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY TO ENTER INTO AWARD AGREEMENT AND RELATED DOCUMENTS WITH THE DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO A GRANT FROM THE DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE WEST ALABAMA AVENUE WATER AND SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT WHEREAS, the Delta Regional Authority (hereinafter "DRA") was created by Congress by the Delta Regional Authority Act of 2000, as amended, as a federal/state partnership now comprised of 252 counties and parishes within the eight states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee in order to remedy severe and chronic economic distress by stimulating economic development and fostering partnerships that will have a positive impact on the Delta Region’s economy; and, WHEREAS, the City of Ruston, Louisiana (hereinafter sometimes “City of Ruston” or “Awardee”), acting by and through its Board of Aldermen (the “Board of Aldermen”) proposes to apply for an award with DRA for the Fiscal Year 2026 federal award program cycle; and, WHEREAS, the DRA has certain requirements in connection with the award which are set forth herein and the City desires to comply with such requirements. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, LOUISIANA: §1. That Ronny Walker, Mayor, be and is hereby designated and appointed to perform on behalf of the City of Ruston and has the authority to make those acts and assume any and all duties in dealing with the award with DRA for the Fiscal Year – 2026 federal award program cycle. §2. That Ronny Walker, Mayor, is hereby authorized to execute and submit any and all documents including, but not limited to, applications, award closing documents, request for funds, status reports to DRA for the Fiscal Year – 2026 federal award program cycle. §3. That the Awardee agrees to provide additional funds in the amount of approximately $100,000.00 to said award. §4. That in the event of an administration change, the new Mayor shall continue to have such authority under this Resolution. §5. The Mayor is authorized and empowered to execute all documents and to do any and all things necessary and proper to carry out this Resolution and to fulfill its objects and purposes. §6. This Resolution shall become effective upon final adoption and signature of the Mayor. This Resolution having been read and considered by a quorum of the Board of Aldermen, on motion to adopt by Alderman Bruce Siegmund, seconded by Alderwoman Carolyn Cage, a record vote was taken, and the following result was had: YEA: ALDERWOMAN CAROLYN CAGE ALDERWOMAN MELANIE LEWIS ALDERMAN BRUCE SIEGMUND NAY: NONE ABSTAINED: NONE ABSENT: ALDERWOMAN ANGELA MAYFIELD ALDERMAN JOHN DENNY WHEREUPON, the presiding officer declared the above Ordinance duly adopted on the 13th day of July 2026. ATTEST: JULIE KEEN, CLERK RONNY WALKER, MAYOR Published in the Ruston Daily Leader; $30.00 on Jul 17, 2026.

RESOLUTION NO. 1643 OF 2026 RESOLUTION RELATING TO FY 2026 LOUISIANA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM WHEREAS, the City of Ruston (the “City”) has been afforded the opportunity to participate in the FY 2026 State of Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (“LCDBG”) Program (the “LCDBG Program”) administered by the Division of Administration for the City of Ruston for Sewer Rehabilitiation; and, WHEREAS, it is necessary under the regulations of the LCDBG Program to authorize certain actions and individuals to perform certain designated functions by the State in connection with any LCDBG Program Project (“LCDBG Project”); and, WHEREAS, the City and Division of Administration wish to enter into a Grant Agreement in an effort to establish a contractual relationship for the purpose of funding the LCDBG Project so the State may disburse funds in accordance with federal and state guidelines; and, WHEREAS, it is necessary under the Financial Management regulations of the LCDBG Program to authorize certain individuals to sign for drawdowns for request for payments and to authorize one certain individual to certify the correctness of each signature; and, WHEREAS, it is further necessary under the Financial Management regulations of the LCDBG Program to designate an official depository to hold LCDBG funds; and, WHEREAS, the State requires adequate financial management control over LCDBG funds and the establishment of a Requisition of Funds policy is a vital tool to such control; and, WHEREAS, equal opportunity regulations of the LCDBG Program require the appointment by the recipient of an Equal Opportunity Officer (the “EEO Officer”) to have the responsibility for maintaining all pertinent EEO files, submitting on a timely basis all reports, answering all related correspondence and monitoring all EEO areas; and, WHEREAS, the State requires grant recipients to designate a responsible person to coordinate the City’s efforts to comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and, WHEREAS, the LCDBG Program requires that all grant recipients establish and adopt by resolution a Section 3 Plan and appoint a Section 3 Coordinator and certification procedures; and, WHEREAS, the LCDBG Program requires that all grant recipients adopt by resolution a Residential Anti - Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan; and, WHEREAS, the LCDBG Program requires that all grant recipients adopt a Language Access Plan as part of its Citizen Participation Plan; and, WHEREAS, the LCDBG Program requires that all grant recipients adopt an internal grievance procedure providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging any action prohibited by the regulation of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 24 CFR Part 8, implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Public Law 93-112) and, WHEREAS, the LCDBG Program requires that all grant recipients adopt a policy for communicating information to persons with sensory impairments; and, WHEREAS, the LCDBG Program requires the establishment of uniform Procurement Policies. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, LOUISIANA: §1. The City as legal recipient of the LCDBG funds does hereby authorize the following actions: §1.1 Grant Agreement. The Mayor, Ronny Walker, is authorized to execute and submit the Grant Agreement, as well as all related documents for the LCDBG Project, to be on such other terms and conditions as he shall deem advisable, and to do any and all things necessary and proper to carry out this Resolution and to fulfill its objectives and purposes. §1.2 Financial Management. John Freeman and Julie Keen are hereby authorized to sign “Authorized Signature Card for Request for Payment;” for the LCDBG Program and the Mayor, Ronny Walker, shall certify to the correctness of the signatures; and Origin Bank is hereby designated as the official depository for direct deposit of grant funds for the LCDBG Project. §1.3 Requisition of Funds. All invoices for work performed or materials used in relation to the LCDBG Program, prior to payment, must have attached a signed pre-printed project requisition form. The form and invoice shall be approved in the following order: 1. Approval by Project Administrator for budget control 2. Approval by the Secretary 3. Approval by the Mayor Ronny Walker and Julie Keen are hereby authorized to sign checks written on the LCDBG account. §1.4 Equal Opportunity. Julie Keen is hereby appointed as EEO Officer for the life of the LCDBG Program and as such is charged to faithfully execute all duties and responsibilities herein described. §1.5 Section 504 Coordinator. Julie Keen is appointed as Section 504 Compliance Officer. §1.6 Section 3 Compliance. The City adopts the attached Section 3 Plan and appoints Julie Keen as its Section 3 Coordinator. §1.7 Residential Anti Displacement and Relocation Assistance. The City adopts the attached Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan and appoints Julie Keen as its Coordinator. §1.8 Language Access Plan. The City adopts the attached Language Access Plan as part of its Citizen Participation Plan. §1.9 Grievance Procedure. The City adopts the attached Grievance Procedure. §1.10 Policy Statement. The City adopts the attached Policy Statement for Communicating Information to Persons with Sensory Impairments and a Policy to utilize the Louisiana Hearing Impaired Relay System with applicable relay numbers being: Information 1-800-333-0605, TDD Users 1-800-846-5277 and Voice Users 1-800-947-5277. §1.11 Procurement Policy. The City adopts the LCDBG Procurement Policy and LCDBG Procurement Methods and Procedures. §2. The Mayor is authorized and empowered to execute any and all documents necessary to participate in the LCDBG Program and to do any and all things necessary and proper to carry out this Resolution and to fulfill its objects and purposes. §3. This Resolution shall become effective upon final adoption and signature of the Mayor. Said Resolution having been read and considered by a quorum of the Board of Aldermen, on motion to adopt by Alderman Bruce Siegmund, seconded by Alderwoman Melanie Lewis, a record vote was taken and the following result was had: YEA: ALDERWOMAN CAROLYN CAGE ALDERWOMAN MELANIE LEWIS ALDERMAN BRUCE SIEGMUND NAY: NONE ABSTAINED: NONE ABSENT: ALDERWOMAN ANGELA MAYFIELD ALDERMAN JOHN DENNY WHEREUPON, the presiding officer declared the above Resolution duly adopted in full on this the 13th day of July, 2026. ATTEST: JULIE KEEN, CLERK RONNY WALKER, MAYOR Published in the Ruston Daily Leader; $66.00 on Jul 17, 2026.

ORDINANCE NO. 1910 OF 2026 ORDINANCE AMENDING SEC. 15-26 OF CHAPTER 15 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, LOUISIANA RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE SERVICE COSTS BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, LOUISIANA: §1. Sec. 15-26 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Ruston, Louisiana (the “Code”) is amended to read as follows: ARTICLE II. - RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE & RECYCLABLE MATERIAL COLLECTION * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Sec. 15-26. - Costs. In order to defray the expenses of the collection and disposal of trash and to defray the expenses of the maintenance of the general cleanliness and sanitation of the city, every dwelling unit which has an active city utility account, whether individual or aggregated on a master meter, shall pay the basic service cost monthly. Residential garbage service shall be subject to the following costs: (1) Basic residential garbage service, including trash pickup, shall be $10.00 per month. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * §2. All other Ordinances, or any parts thereof, which are in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed. To the extent that any provision or provisions of this Ordinance are inconsistent or in conflict with any other provision of the Code of Ordinances or any regulations of the City, the provisions of this Ordinance shall be deemed to control. §3. If any one or more of the provisions of this Ordinance shall, for any reason, be held to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Ordinance, but this Ordinance shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provisions had not been contained herein. Any constitutional or statutory provision enacted after the date of this Ordinance which validates or makes legal one or more of the provisions of this Ordinance, shall be deemed to apply to this Ordinance. To this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared severable. §4. This Ordinance shall become effective upon final adoption and publication of the same in the manner prescribed by law or at the inception of the August, 2026 customer service billing cycle, whichever last occurs. This Ordinance was introduced on June 1, 2026, by Alderman John Denny, Notice of Public Hearing was published on June 14, 2026, and said public hearing having been held, the title having been read and the Ordinance considered, on motion to adopt, as amended, by Alderman Bruce Siegmund, seconded by Alderwoman Carolyn Cage, a record vote was taken and the following result was had: YEA: ALDERWOMAN CAROLYN CAGE ALDERWOMAN MELANIE LEWIS ALDERMAN BRUCE SIEGMUND NAY: NONE ABSTAINED: NONE ABSENT: ALDERWOMAN ANGELA MAYFIELD ALDERMAN JOHN DENNY WHEREUPON, the presiding officer declared the above Ordinance duly adopted on the 13th day of July 2026. ATTEST: JULIE KEEN, CLERK RONNY WALKER, MAYOR Published in the Ruston Daily Leader; $30.00 on Jul 17, 2026.

ORDINANCE NO. 1909 OF 2026 ORDINANCE LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL SALES TAX OF ONE AND SEVENTY-FIVE ONE HUNDREDTHS PERCENT (1.75%) IN THE RPO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, STATE OF LOUISIANA (THE "DISTRICT"); DESIGNATING THE FULL AMOUNT OF SUCH ADDITIONAL SALES TAX AS THE SALES TAX INCREMENTS IN THE DISTRICT FROM WHICH THE LOCAL SALES TAX INCREMENTS WILL BE DETERMINED AND USED TO FINANCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS AUTHORIZED BY PART II, CHAPTER 27, TITLE 33 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS AMENDED, DESIGNATING THE INITIAL ANNUAL BASELINE COLLECTION RATE AND ESTABLISHING A MONTHLY BASELINE COLLECTION RATE FOR THE DISTRICT; PLEDGING AND DEDICATING SUCH TAX INCREMENTS TO REIMBURSE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COSTS AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING WHEREAS, Part II, Chapter 27, Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 33:9038.31, et seq.) (the "EDD Act") authorizes municipalities, parishes and certain other local governmental subdivisions to create economic development districts to carry out the purposes of the Act, which economic development districts are political subdivisions of the State of Louisiana and possess such power and authority and have such duties as provided by the Act and other law; and WHEREAS, by Ordinance No. 1888 of 2025 adopted on June 2, 2025, this Mayor and Board of Aldermen (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of the City of Ruston, State of Louisiana (the "City") created the "RPO Economic Development District of the City of Ruston, State of Louisiana" (the "District"), in accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.32; and WHEREAS, La. R.S. 33:9038.39 permits the District to levy a sales and use tax of up to two percent (2%) for authorized purposes; and WHEREAS, La. R.S. 33:9038.34(O) provides for the creation of a special trust fund for the furtherance of economic development projects, as defined in the EDD Act, into which the incremental increases in sales taxes shall be deposited and loaned, granted, donated, or pledged in furtherance of economic development projects (each Project hereinafter approved being referred to herein as a "Project" or "Projects"); and WHEREAS, in accordance with the EDD Act, this Governing Authority, in said ordinance creating the District, did further create a special trust fund, named the "RPO Economic Development District Trust Fund" (the "Trust Fund"), the purpose of which is to fund economic development projects selected by the governing authority of the District in the manner provided by the EDD Act; and WHEREAS, in accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.39, and in order to finance and fund certain Projects, this Governing Authority, in its capacity as governing authority of the District, desires to levy an additional sales tax of one and seventy-five one hundredths percent (1.75%) in the District and to designate such increase in sales tax as the sales tax increment, together with a like amount of State of Louisiana (the "State") sales tax, if approved by the State, which will be used to reimburse costs of economic development projects as defined in the Act; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY ORDAINED by the Governing Authority of the District, that: §1. Adoption of Findings. All of the above "Whereas" clauses are adopted as part of this ordinance. §2. Levy of Sales tax. In accordance with La. R.S. 33:9038.39 and other constitutional and statutory authority supplemental thereto, there is hereby levied in the District, effective October 1, 2026, and continuing for a term of twenty (20) years, an additional sales and use tax of one and seventy-five one hundredths percent (1.75%), upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property, upon the lease or rental of tangible personal property and on the sales of services in the District, as defined by law (the "District Tax"). The proceeds of the District Tax shall be used to pay the costs of economic development projects, as defined in the Act, particularly in La. R.S. 33: 9038.34(M) and La. R.S. 33:9038.36, located within the District, and also to pay the costs of infrastructure improvements outside the District that benefit property in the District. The Uniform Local Sales Tax Code, as enacted by Act No. 73 of the 2003 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, and as it may be amended from time to time, shall apply in the assessment, collection, administration and enforcement of the District Tax, the provisions of which Uniform Local Sales Tax Code are hereby incorporated by reference. As provided by La. R.S. 33:9038.39, no election shall be required in connection with the levy of the District Tax, since there are no qualified electors in the District, as certified by the Lincoln Parish Registrar of Voters by certification attached hereto as Exhibit "A". §3. Vendor’s Compensation. For the purpose of compensating the dealer in accounting for and remitting the District Tax levied by this ordinance, each dealer shall be allowed two percent (2.00%) of the amount of District Tax due and accounted for and remitted to the Tax collector in the form of a deduction in submitting his report and paying the amount due by the dealer, provided the amount due was not delinquent at the time of payment, and provided the amount of any credit claimed for taxes already paid to a wholesaler shall not be deducted in computing the commission allowed the dealer hereunder. §4. Exclusions or Exemptions. This Governing Authority adopts none of the optional exclusions or exemptions allowed by state sales tax law, nor does this Governing Authority adopt any exclusions or exemptions authorized by legislation enacted under Article VI, Section 29(D)(1) of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 that are not allowed as an exclusion or exemption from state sales tax. Included within the tax base of the District tax is every transaction, whether sales, use, lease or rental, consumption, storage or service, with no exclusions or exemptions except for those mandated upon political subdivisions by the Constitution or statutes of the State of Louisiana. §5. Tax Collector. The District Tax is authorized to be collected by a "Collector" which term shall mean the Lincoln Parish Sales tax Commission, or its successor in the role of parishwide sales tax collector. The Collector is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to carry into effect the provisions of this ordinance, to appoint deputies, assistants or agents to assist it in the performance of its duties, and in pursuance thereof to make and enforce such rules as it may deem necessary. The District Tax shall be collected in the same manner, under the same terms and conditions and with the same penalty, interest, collection and compensation arrangements as other sales taxes in the City are collected by the Collector. With regard to the collection of the District Tax on any motor vehicle, automobile, truck, truck-trailer, trailer, semi-trailer, motor bus, home trailer, or any other vehicle subject to the vehicle registration license tax, this Governing Authority, acting through the City and on behalf of the District, for the collection of the District Tax on such vehicles, is authorized to enter into an agreement with the Vehicle Commissioner, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, as provided by R.S.47:303(B). All taxes, revenues, funds, assessments, moneys, penalties, fees or other income which may be collected or come into the possession of the Collector under any provision or provisions of this ordinance relating to the District Tax shall be promptly deposited by the Collector for the account of the District in the Trust Fund, provided, however, any amount which is paid under protest or which is subject to litigation may be transferred to a separate account established by the Collector with said fiscal agent pending the final determination of the protest or litigation. §6. Penalty, Interest and Attorney's Fees. As provided above, the District Tax shall be collected in the same manner, under the same terms and conditions and with the same penalty, interest, collection and compensation arrangements as other sales taxes of the City are collected by the Collector. §7. Designation of Baseline Collection Rate. The District Tax levied pursuant to this ordinance is a new sales tax and the full amount thereof is hereby designated by the Governing Authority to be used in determining the local sales tax increment pursuant to the District Act. The initial annual baseline collection rate for the District, which is the amount of the District Tax collected in the District in the most recent completed fiscal year of the City prior to the establishment of the District, is hereby designated to be Zero Dollars ($0) (the "Initial Baseline Collection Rate"), as the District Tax was not levied during the most recently completed fiscal year of the City prior to the establishment of the District. The monthly baseline collection rate, which is the initial annual baseline collection rate divided by twelve (12), is hereby designated to be Zero Dollars ($0) (the "Monthly Baseline Collection Rate"). §8. CFO Certification. The Chief Financial Officer of the City has furnished the certification in the form attached hereto as Exhibit "B", as to the accuracy of the Initial Annual Baseline Collection Rate and Monthly Baseline Collection Rate and is authorized and directed to publish such certification in the Ruston Daily Leader, the official journal of the City, one time, as required by La. R.S. 33:9038.34(C). If the amounts of the Initial Annual Baseline Collection Rate and Monthly Baseline Collection Rate are not contested within thirty days after the said publication, then such amounts shall be conclusively presumed to be valid, and no court shall have any jurisdiction to alter or invalidate the designation of the amount of either the Initial Annual Baseline Collection Rate and Monthly Baseline Collection Rate. §9. Designation of Sales Tax Increment. The City Council hereby designates the entire amount of the District Tax as the local sales tax increment, which is to be deposited in the special trust fund created herein for the furtherance of economic development projects through reimbursement of costs of economic development projects and hereby pledges and dedicates to such purpose the local sales tax increment in the manner provided by the District Act. §10. Notice to Public. The City Council hereby acknowledges and affirms the prior publication of a notice describing the levy of the District Tax and informing the citizens of the date of consideration of the ordinance adopted on June 2, 2025 creating the District and intent of the District to levy the District Tax such notice having been published once a week for two weeks, on May 2, 2025 and May 14, 2025, in the Ruston Daily Leader, the official journal of the City, in the form of notice attached hereto as Exhibit "C". §11. Use of Sales Tax Increments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, sales tax increments within the District shall be used only for Projects that meet the definition of "economic development project" as that term is defined in La. R.S. 33:9038.34(M). §12. Authorization of Officers. The Mayor, Mayor pro tem and City Clerk are hereby authorized, empowered and directed to do any and all things necessary and incidental to carry out the provisions of this ordinance. §13. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance shall be held to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this ordinance, but this ordinance shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provisions had not been contained herein. Any constitutional or statutory provision enacted after the date of this ordinance which validates or makes legal any provision of this ordinance which would not otherwise be valid or legal, shall be deemed to apply to this ordinance. §14. Repealer. All ordinances or resolution, or parts thereof, in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. §15. Publication; Effective Date. This ordinance shall be published one time in the official journal of the City, and shall become effective in the manner provided by La. R.S. 33:406(C). [THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK] This Ordinance was introduced on June 1, 2026, by Alderwoman Melanie Lewis, Notice of Public Hearing was published on June 14, 2026 and June 21, 2026, and said public hearing having been held, the title having been read and the Ordinance considered, on motion to adopt, as amended, by Alderwoman Melanie Lewis, seconded by Alderman Bruce Siegmund, a record vote was taken and the following result was had: YEA: ALDERWOMAN CAROLYN CAGE ALDERWOMAN MELANIE LEWIS ALDERMAN BRUCE SIEGMUND NAY: NONE ABSTAINED: NONE ABSENT: ALDERWOMAN ANGELA MAYFIELD ALDERMAN JOHN DENNY WHEREUPON, the presiding officer declared the above Ordinance duly adopted on the 13th day of June, 2026. ATTEST: JULIE KEEN, CLERK RONNY WALKER, MAYOR EXHIBIT A to Sales Tax Ordinance STATE OF LOUISIANA PARISH OF LINCOLN CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRAR OF VOTERS I, Sharon Parnell, the duly appointed Registrar of Voters in and for the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana, do hereby certify to the City of Ruston, State of Louisiana, that there are no qualified electors located in the economic development district known as the RPO Economic Development District of the City of Ruston, State of Louisiana, being a commercial tract of land consisting of approximately 0.393 acres located at 201 North Vienna Street, Ruston, LA, and having the specific geographical boundaries set forth in Ordinance No. 1888 of 2025 adopted by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Ruston, State of Louisiana, on June 2, 2025 creating said District. IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my signature, this _____ day of ___________, 2026. Sharon Parnell, Lincoln Parish Registrar of Voters [ORIGINAL ON FILE WITH THE CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, AS AN ATTACHMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 1909 OF 2026] EXHIBIT B to Sales Tax Ordinance STATE OF LOUISIANA PARISH OF LINCOLN I, Julie G. Keen, in my capacity as Finance Director of the City of Ruston, State of Louisiana (the "City"), am the chief financial officer of the City and do hereby certify that the initial annual baseline collection for the additional sales tax of one and seventy-five one hundredths percent (1.75%) that has been proposed to be levied in the economic development district known as the RPO Economic Development District of the City of Ruston, State of Louisiana (the "District"), which is the amount of such designated sales tax collected in the District during the fiscal year of the City of Ruston, State of Louisiana, most recently completed prior to the establishment of the District (i.e. the calendar year ended December 31, 2025), is Zero Dollars ($0). The monthly baseline collection rate of the proposed tax, which is the annual baseline rate divided by twelve (12), is Zero Dollars ($0). IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my signature on this 13th day of July, 2026. Julie G. Keen, Finance Director [ORIGINAL ON FILE WITH THE CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, AS AN ATTACHMENT TO ORDINANCE NO. 1909 OF 2026] EXHIBIT C to Sales Tax Ordinance NOTICE OF INTENTION TO CREATE THE "RPO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, STATE OF LOUISIANA," NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, acting as the governing authority (the "Governing Authority") of the City of Ruston, State of Louisiana (the "City") proposes to consider the adoption of an ordinance, pursuant to La. R.S. 33:9038.32, creating an economic development district within the City to be called the "RPO Economic Development District of the City of Ruston, State of Louisiana" (the "District"). NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN, that upon the creation of the District, the Governing Authority, in its capacity as the governing authority of the newly created District, further proposes to consider the adoption of an ordinance, pursuant to La. R.S. 33:9038.39, levying in the District an additional one and seventy-five one hundredths percent (1.75%) sales and use tax for purposes of paying the costs of any economic development project, as such costs are defined in La. R.S. 33:9038.36 including, without limitation, public works and infrastructure and projects to assist (i) commercial, retail, and related industries, (ii) amusement, places of entertainment, and any other industry described in La. R.S. 33:9038.34(M), as defined in the EDD Act, located within the City (the "District Tax"). The proceeds of the District Tax will be deposited in a special trust fund to be used for the aforesaid purposes, all pursuant to the authority of Part II, Chapter 27, Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 33:9038.31, et seq.). NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN, that the Governing Authority, acting as the governing authority of both the City and the District, will meet in open and public session on June 2, 2025, at six o'clock (6:00) p.m., at the Council Chambers/Courtroom, City Hall, 401 North Trenton, Ruston, Louisiana, to hear any objections to the creation of the District as described above, and will subsequently meet in open and public session, at the same time and place, to consider the introduction of an ordinance levying the District Tax. STATE OF LOUISIANA PARISH OF LOUISIANA I, the undersigned City Clerk of the City of Ruston, State of Louisiana (the "City"), do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of: AN ORDINANCE LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL SALES TAX OF 1909 (1.75%) IN THE RPO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, STATE OF LOUISIANA (THE "DISTRICT"); DESIGNATING THE FULL AMOUNT OF SUCH ADDITIONAL SALES TAX AS THE SALES TAX INCREMENTS IN THE DISTRICT FROM WHICH THE LOCAL SALES TAX INCREMENTS WILL BE DETERMINED AND USED TO FINANCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS AUTHORIZED BY PART II, CHAPTER 27, TITLE 33 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS AMENDED, DESIGNATING THE INITIAL ANNUAL BASELINE COLLECTION RATE AND ESTABLISHING A MONTHLY BASELINE COLLECTION RATE FOR THE DISTRICT; PLEDGING AND DEDICATING SUCH TAX INCREMENTS TO REIMBURSE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COSTS AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING. IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature on this the 13th day of July, 2026. Julie Keen, City Clerk Published in the Ruston Daily Leader; $186.00 on Jul 17, 2026.

ORDINANCE NO. 1908 OF 2026 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING CITY TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH FRONTIER AMERICA REGIONAL CENTER, INC. AND TO SELL PROPERTY TO FRONTIER AMERICA REGIONAL CENTER, INC. WHEREAS, the City of Ruston (the "City") owns an approximate 2.80 acre lot, located on the east side of South Vienna Street and north side of Champions Way in the Sports Complex of the City (the “Property”); and, WHEREAS, the City has obtained an appraisal of the value of the Property (the “Appraisal”); and, WHEREAS, in consideration of certain inducements to be provided by the City, Frontier America Regional Center, Inc. (“Frontier”) proposes to purchase the Property and construct a hotel (the “Hotel”) on the Property which will generate sales taxes and create and maintain new jobs in the City (“the “Project”); and, WHEREAS, the City desires to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (the “CEA”) with Frontier; and, WHEREAS, in the CEA the City will agree to sell the Property to Frontier for a price which may be less than the appraised value reflected by the Appraisal pursuant to certain terms and conditions and Frotier will agree to construct a Hotel on the Property; and, WHEREAS, the Hotel to be constructed by Frontier on the Property is anticipated to generate revenue and create jobs which will more than offset the difference in the purchase price and the appraised value of the Property; and, WHEREAS, in the CEA, in connection with the construction of the Hotel, Frontier has agreed to create a specified number of jobs in the City within a specified period; and, WHEREAS, as provided in the CEA, in the event Frontier does not create the specified number of jobs in the City within the specified period, then Frontier agrees to pay the full appraised value for the Property based on the appraised value set forth in the Appraisal; and, WHEREAS, the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, Article VII, Section 14 (C), provides that for a public purpose the City may engage in cooperative endeavors with any public or private association, corporation or individual; and Article VI, Section 21 (A) authorizes assistance to local industry; and, WHEREAS, the economic benefit to the City, Parish, and State resulting from this Project is projected to be commensurate with the value of the obligations of the City undertaken herein, this Agreement has a public purpose and is in the public interest of the City and its citizens; and, WHEREAS, the Property is no longer needed for public purposes, and, as such, it is in the best interest of the City to sell the Property at private sale to Frontier as an industrial inducement to facilitate economic growth in the City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, LOUISIANA: §1. The Property is declared to be no longer needed for public purposes. §2. The City enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Frontier. §3. The Mayor is authorized and empowered to execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Frontier related to the Project and to execute any and all other documents necessary to complete the Project pursuant to such terms and conditions as he shall deem advisable and do any and all things necessary and proper to carry out this Ordinance and to fulfill its objects and purposes. §4. The City sell the Property at private sale to Frontier for a price that may be less than its appraised value and otherwise pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, Purchase and Sale Agreement, Act of Sale or other agreement between the City and Frontier, as an inducement to Frontier and in order to facilitate economic growth in the City. §5. The Mayor is authorized and empowered to execute all documents necessary to facilitate said sale, including, without limitation, a Purchase and Sale Agreement, an Act of Sale and other related documents, for a price less than the appraised value and pursuant to such terms and conditions set forth in the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement and/or Purchase and Sale Agreement and as he shall deem advisable in his sole discretion, and to do any and all things necessary and proper to carry out this Ordinance and to fulfill its objects and purposes. §6. If any one or more of the provisions of this Ordinance shall, for any reason, be held to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Ordinance, but this Ordinance shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provisions had not been contained herein. Any constitutional or statutory provision enacted after the date of this Ordinance which validates or makes legal any provision of this Ordinance which would not otherwise be valid or legal, shall be deemed to apply to this Ordinance. §7. This Ordinance shall become effective upon final adoption and publication of the same in the manner prescribed by law and otherwise in accordance with La. R.S. 33:4712. This Ordinance was introduced on June 1, 2026, by Alderman John Denny, Notice of Public Hearing was published on June 7, 2026; July 14, 2026; and June 21, 2026 and said public hearing having been held, the title having been read and the Ordinance considered, on motion to adopt, as amended, by Alderwoman Carolyn Cage, seconded by Alderwoman Melanie Lewis, a record vote was taken and the following result was had: YEA: ALDERWOMAN CAROLYN CAGE ALDERWOMAN MELANIE LEWIS ALDERMAN BRUCE SIEGMUND NAY: NONE ABSTAINED: NONE ABSENT: ALDERWOMAN ANGELA MAYFIELD ALDERMAN JOHN DENNY WHEREUPON, the presiding officer declared the above Ordinance duly adopted on the 13th day of July, 2026. ATTEST: JULIE KEEN, CLERK RONNY WALKER, MAYOR Published in the Ruston Daily Leader; $60.00 on Jul 17, 2026.

MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF RUSTON HELD ON MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026, AT 5:30 P.M., IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS/COURTROOM, RUSTON CITY HALL, 401 NORTH TRENTON STREET, RUSTON, LOUISIANA A Special Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Ruston was held Monday, July 6, 2026, at 5:30 P.M., in the Council Chambers/Courtroom, Ruston City Hall, 401 North Trenton Street, Ruston, Louisiana. Present were Mayor Ronny Walker, Aldermen John Denny and Bruce Siegmund, and Alderwomen Melanie Lewis and Carolyn Cage. Alderwoman Angela Mayfield was absent The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ronny Walker at 5:30 p.m. Bruce Siegmund gave the invocation. Carolyn Cage led the Pledge of Allegiance. I. AGENDA: A. ADOPT AGENDA Motion was made by Alderwoman Melanie Lewis and seconded by Alderwoman Caroyn Cage to adopt the Agenda. There were no comments from the public and the motion passed by unanimous vote. II. ADMINISTRATION: A. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY OF RUSTON, LOUISIANA TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY AND TO INSTITUTE EXPROPRIATION ACTIONS NECESSARY FOR CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETION OF I-20 FRONTAGE ROAD – TARBUTTON ROAD TO LA 149 – PHASE 1(A) PROJECT IN THE CITY OF RUSTON, LOUISIANA Bill Carter reported that the Resolution authorizes the City to acquire specified Parcels for Phase 1(a) the I-20 Frontage Road Project which segment begins at the westbound onramp of the I-20 Tarbutton Road interchange and extends west a distance of approximately one-half mile. Motion was made by Alderman John Denny and seconded by Alderwoman Melanie Lewis to adopt the Resolution. There were no comments from the public and the motion passed by unanimous vote. III. ADJOURN MEETING: There being no further business, on motion by Alderman John Denny and seconded by Alderwoman Melanie Lewis the meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen was adjourned at 5:39 p.m. ATTEST: JULIE KEEN, CLERK RONNY WALKER, MAYOR Published in the Ruston Daily Leader; $24.00 on Jul 17, 2026.

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF RUSTON HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2026, AT 5:30 P.M., IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS/COURTROOM, RUSTON CITY HALL, 401 NORTH TRENTON STREET, RUSTON, LOUISIANA A regular meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Ruston was held Monday, June 1, 2026, at 5:30 P.M., in the Council Chambers/Courtroom, Ruston City Hall, 401 North Trenton Street, Ruston, Louisiana. Present were Mayor Ronny Walker, Aldermen John Denny and Bruce Siegmund, and Alderwomen Melanie Lewis, Angela Mayfield and Carolyn Cage. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ronny Walker at 5:30 p.m. Nancy Bergeron gave the invocation. John Denny led the Pledge of Allegiance. I. AGENDA AND MINUTES: A. ADOPT AGENDA Mayor Walker stated that the Agenda needed to be amended by adding two items and deleting two items as follows: ADDED ITEMS: Under Section II. ADMINISTRATION, add Item B. INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. _________ OF 2026 LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL SALES TAX OF ONE AND SEVENTY-FIVE ONE HUNDREDTHS PERCENT (1.75%) IN THE RPO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, STATE OF LOUISIANA (THE "DISTRICT"); DESIGNATING THE FULL AMOUNT OF SUCH ADDITIONAL SALES TAX AS THE SALES TAX INCREMENTS IN THE DISTRICT FROM WHICH THE LOCAL SALES TAX INCREMENTS WILL BE DETERMINED AND USED TO FINANCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS AUTHORIZED BY PART II, CHAPTER 27, TITLE 33 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS AMENDED, DESIGNATING THE INITIAL ANNUAL BASELINE COLLECTION RATE AND ESTABLISHING A MONTHLY BASELINE COLLECTION RATE FOR THE DISTRICT; PLEDGING AND DEDICATING SUCH TAX INCREMENTS TO REIMBURSE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COSTS AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING Under Section II. ADMINISTRATION, Add Item C. NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL 1.75% SALES TAX WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE RPO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF RUSTON DELETED ITEMS: Under Section VI. SECTION 8, Delete Item A. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. _______ OF 2026 APPROVING ANNUAL PLAN AND THE 5 YEAR AGENCY PLAN FOR THE CITY OF RUSTON SECTION 8 HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM Under Section VI. SECTION 8, Delete Item C. AUTHORIZE MAYOR TO SIGN THE CERTIFICATION BY STATE/LOCAL OFFICIAL OF PHA PLANS CONSISTENT WITH THE CONSOLIDATED PLAN OR STATE CONSOLIDATED PLAN Motion was made by Alderwomen Melanie Lewis and seconded by Alderman John Denny to adopt the stated amendments to the Agenda. There were no comments from the public and the motion passed by unanimous vote. Motion was made by Alderwoman Andgela Mayfield and seconded by Alderwoman Melanie Lewis to adopt the Agenda, as amended. There were no comments from the public and the motion passed by unanimous vote. B. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE MAY 4, 2026, REGULAR MEETING Motion was made by Alderwoman Angela Mayfield and seconded by Alderwoman Melanie Lewis to approve the minutes of the May 4, 2026, Regular Board of Aldermen meeting. There were no comments from the public and the motion passed by unanimous vote. II. ADMINISTRATION: A. INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. ________ OF 2026, AUTHORIZING CITY TO ENTER INTO A COOPERATIVE ENDEAVOR AGREEMENT WITH FRONTIER AMERICA REGIONAL CENTER, INC. AND TO SELL PROPERTY TO FRONTIER AMERICA REGIONAL CENTER, INC. Alderman John Denny introduced the Ordinance. B. [ADDED TO AGENDA] INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. _________ OF 2026 LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL SALES TAX OF ONE AND SEVENTY-FIVE ONE HUNDREDTHS PERCENT (1.75%) IN THE RPO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, STATE OF LOUISIANA (THE "DISTRICT"); DESIGNATING THE FULL AMOUNT OF SUCH ADDITIONAL SALES TAX AS THE SALES TAX INCREMENTS IN THE DISTRICT FROM WHICH THE LOCAL SALES TAX INCREMENTS WILL BE DETERMINED AND USED TO FINANCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND AS AUTHORIZED BY PART II, CHAPTER 27, TITLE 33 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS AMENDED, DESIGNATING THE INITIAL ANNUAL BASELINE COLLECTION RATE AND ESTABLISHING A MONTHLY BASELINE COLLECTION RATE FOR THE DISTRICT; PLEDGING AND DEDICATING SUCH TAX INCREMENTS TO REIMBURSE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COSTS AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FOREGOING Alderwoman Melanie Lewis introduced the Ordinance. C. [ADDED TO AGENDA] NOTICE OF INTENT TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL 1.75% SALES TAX WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE RPO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF RUSTON Mayor Ronny Walker read the following Public Notice: PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF INTENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the RPO Economic Development District of the City of Ruston, State of Louisiana (the "District"), is supporting the development of a restaurant facility ("Development") in the Old Federal Building located at 201 North Vienna Street in Ruston, Louisiana, which comprises the boundaries of the District, and proposes to consider the adoption of an ordinance pursuant to La. R.S. 33:9038.39, authorizing an additional sales tax of one and seventy-five one hundredths percent (1.75%) (the "Tax") within the boundaries of the District at the regular City Council meeting on Monday, July 13, 2026, Council Chambers/Courtroom, City Hall, 401 North Trenton, Ruston, Louisiana. NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Tax will be limited to and levied only with respect to the Development and will not include or affect any other businesses in the City of Ruston or the Parish of Lincoln. The purposes of the Tax will be for the purposes of paying the costs of any economic development project within or about the boundaries of the District, as such costs are defined in La. R.S. 33:9038.36 including, without limitation, public works and infrastructure and projects to assist commercial, retail, and related industries. This Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 19.1 of Title 42 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. By: RPO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, STATE OF LOUISIANA III. PUBLIC WORKS A. CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. _________ OF 2026 AUTHORIZING CITY TO ACCEPT RUSTON OWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PHASE 6, US 80, LA 150, LINCOLN PARISH PROJECT John Freeman reported that the Resolution authorizes the City to accept the Ruston Downtown Revitalization Phase 6, US 80, LA 150, Lincoln Parish Project, that Amethyst Construction, Inc. was awarded the contract and the project has been satisfactorily completed. Motion was made by Alderman John Denny and seconded by Alderwoman Melanie Lewis to adopt the Resolution. There were no comments from the public and the motion passed by unanimous vote. B. INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. ________ OF 2026 AMENDING SEC. 15-26 OF CHAPTER 15 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF RUSTON, LOUISIANA RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE SERVICE COSTS Alderman John Denny introduced the Ordinance. C. CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. ________ OF 2026 AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF EQUIPMENT CONDITIONAL SALES LEASE AGREEMENT WITH BANK OZK FOR THE PURPOSE OF LEASING CERTAIN EQUIPMENT John Freeman reported that the Resolution authorizes the City to enter into a Conditional Sales Lease Agreement with Bank Ozk for a sewer cleaner truck. Motion was made by Alderwoman Angela Mayfield and seconded by Alderwoman Carolyn Cage to adopt the Resolution. There were no comments from the public and the motion passed by unanimous vote. IV. AIRPORT A. CONSIDER RESOLUTION NO. _________ OF 2026 AUTHORIZING CITY TO ENTER INTO CONTRACT RELATING TO RUSTON REGIONAL AIRPORT 10-UNIT T-HANGAR PROJECT John Freeman reported that the Resolution authorizes the City to enter into a contract with the lowest responsible, responsive bidder relating to the Ruston Regional Airport 10-Unit T-Hangar Project which involves the construction of a 10-Unit T-Hangar Building. Motion was made by Alderwoman Melanie Lewis and seconded by Alderwoman Carolyn Cage to adopt the Resolution. There were no comments from the public and the motion passed by unanimous vote. V. BUILDING ABATEMENT A. TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON THE ABATEMENT OF THE SUBSTANDARD BUILDING(S) OR STRUCTURE(S) LOCATED AT 1207 JONES A(1). PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ABATEMENT OF THE BUILDING(S) OR STRUCTURE(S) LOCATED AT 1207 JONES Bill Sanderson reported that the City Council previously voted unanimously to accept a recommendation to demolish, remove or improve the building or structure at 1207 Jones Street and to start the property condemnation process. Mr. Sanderson reported that the apparent owners, Ramona Gant Lloyd and Adams Assets, were notified of the hearing and required, by ordinance, to show reason why the buildings or structures should not be demolished or improved as recommended. Bill Sanderson stated that after the hearing, if the Council decides that the facts justify it, a deadline for the owner to demolish or remove the building or structure will be set. Mr. Sanderson reported that it was his recommendation that the Council order the building or structure condemned and a time frame of not more than 30 days be set for the owner to repair, remove or demolish the building or structure. Mayor Walker opened a public hearing at 5:47 p.m. Comments from the public were: Ramona Gant – 653 Hwy 3061, Ruston, LA – Ms. Gant requested more time to make repairs to the structure. Bennie Sawyer – Seattle, Washington – Ms. Sawyer discussed assisting Ms. Gant with grant funds or purchasing the property from Ms. Gant. The Mayor closed the public hearing at 5:54 p.m. and asked if there was any discussion by the Aldermen. Motion was made by Alderwoman Carolyn Cage and seconded by Alderman John Denny to approve the 30-day recommendation. The motion passed by unanimous vote. B. TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION ON THE ABATEMENT OF THE SUBSTANDARD BUILDING(S) OR STRUCTURE(S) LOCATED 2001 BEECH B(1). PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING ABATEMENT OF THE BUILDING(S) OR STRUCTURE(S) LOCATED AT 2001 BEECH Bill Sanderson reported that the City Council previously voted unanimously to accept a recommendation to demolish, remove or improve the building or structure at 2001 Beech Avenue and to start the property condemnation process. Mr. Sanderson reported that the apparent owners, Jorenda Stone, et al, were notified of the hearing and required, by ordinance, to show reason why the buildings or structures should not be demolished or improved as recommended. Bill Sanderson stated that after the hearing, if the Council decides that the facts justify it, a deadline for the owner to demolish or remove the building or structure will be set. Mr. Sanderson reported that it was his recommendation that the Council order the building or structure condemned and a time frame of not more than 30 days be set for the owner to repair, remove or demolish the building or structure. Mayor Walker opened a public hearing at 5:58 p.m. There were no comments from the public. The Mayor closed the public hearing at 5:59 p.m. and asked if there was any discussion by the Aldermen. Alderman Bruce Siegmund suggested a time frame of not more than 60 days to repair, remove or demolish the building. Motion was made by Alderwoman Angela Mayfield and seconded by Alderwoman Carolyn Cage to approve the 30-day recommendation. The motion passed by four (4) votes to one (1) vote with Aldermen Bruce Siegmund voting nay. VI. SECTION 8 A. [REMOVED FROM AGENDA] B. AUTHORIZE MAYOR TO SIGN THE CIVIL RIGHTS CERTIFICATION WHICH CERTIFIES THE SECTION 8 HOUSING AGENCY WILL CARRY OUT THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAM IN CONFORMITY WITH THE TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964, THE FAIR HOUSING ACT, SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973, TITLE II OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, AND OTHER APPLICABLE CIVIL RIGHTS REQUIREMENTS WHICH WILL AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHER FAIR HOUSING IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROGRAM Julie Keen reported that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds the City’s Section 8 program and to receive funding, HUD requires that the City attest to compliance with various Federal laws and regulations that govern the program. Ms. Keen stated that the annual certification would allow Mayor Walker to sign the certification statement, attesting that the City will review the housing policies, which include the Civil Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act, among others, at least annually. Motion was made by Alderwoman Carolyn Cage and seconded by Alderwoman Angela Mayfield to authorize the Mayor to sign the Civil Rights Certification. There were no comments from the public and the motion passed by unanimous vote. C. [REMOVED FROM AGENDA] VII. FINANCE A. REQUEST APPROVAL OF THE CITY OF RUSTON’S PORTION OF THE PROPOSED 2026/2027 BUDGET FOR THE LINCOLN PARISH SALES AND USE TAX COMMISSION Julie Keen reported that the Lincoln Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission had presented and adopted its annual budget for consideration and reported that the portion of the budget for the City of Ruston is $86,281.00 or 34% of the total Commission budget. Ms. Keen reported that the amount is allocated to the City based on the anticipated expenses of the Commission as well as the City’s current sales tax rate. Ms. Keen stated that the amount represents an increase from prior year of $5,400.00 or 7%, primarily due to the increases in employee group insurance and salaries. Motion was made by Alderwoman Carolyn Cage and seconded by Alderwoman Melanie Lewis to approve the City’s portion of the budget. There were no comments from the public and the motion passed by unanimous vote. B. TREASURER’S REPORT Julie Keen reported that sales tax collected in April 2026 was approximately $2,200,000.00, an increase of $50,000.00 or 2.4% from April 2025. Ms. Keen stated that of the total tax collected: general sales tax totaled $1,900,000.00, up $30,000.00 from the prior year, a 1.6% increase; EDD1 sales tax totaled $244,000.00, up $22,000.00 from the prior year, a 10% increase from prior year; and Cooktown EDD sales tax totaled $10,000.00, up $700.00 from the prior year, a 6% increase. The Power & Water EDD sales tax totaled $138.00. VIII. ADJOURN MEETING: There being no further business, on motion by Alderman John Denny and seconded by Alderwoman Angela Mayfield the meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen was adjourned at 6:05 p.m. ATTEST: JULIE KEEN, CLERK RONNY WALKER, MAYOR Published in the Ruston Daily Leader; $144 on Jul 17, 2026.