By JIM BUTLER

Louisiana Central enters its second half-century on sound financial footing, according to a Legislative Audit report.

The organization known as Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance until 2011, when merged with Cenla Advantage Partnership, serves Rapides and nine other area parishes.

Its new president and CEO,  Chris Musingill, has been on the job about a month. He succeeds the retired Jim Clinton.

The audit report for 2024, released this week, notes revenues of $2.9 million, almost all from contributions, gifts and grants.

Spending totaled $2.7 million, program services accounting for $2.1 million.

Payroll expense was $1.3 million. Legal and professional fees took $469,090. Auditors note no public funds are used to pay the CEO of the non-profit.

Net assets at year’s end were $1.4 million, a year-over-year increase of about $200,000.

LA Central is located at 1302 Murray St.