By JIM BUTLER

The Rapides Parish Police Jury expects an electronic requisition program to correct any shortcomings in its purchase order system.

In their report for the year ending Dec. 31, prepared June 19 and released this month, auditors noted imperfections in spot checks of the purchasing system.

Auditors also pointed out the parish failure to meet requirements regarding ethics and sexual harassment awareness and training. The parish responded the requirements will be implemented.

Combined fund revenue for the year was $76.4 million and expenses were $46.8 million.

That revenue included $29.4 million in property tax dedicated to specific uses and $5 million in dedicated sales tax income. General use sales tax income was $3 million.

Public safety took $20.6 million of the combined fund expense and public works $8.7 million.

According to the audit the parish’s restricted fund balances totaled $91.6 million.

The General Fund fund balance was $8.3 million, with $6.4 million unassigned to specific uses.

Police jurors’ lay is set by state law at $1,600 monthly, $19,200 annually.

The president, in this audit year Craig Smith, is paid $24,000 and has use of a parish vehicle. That use value was set at $11,600 on the audit.  

The full audit report is available at the Legislative Auditor website.