St. Joseph, LMA work to improve equipment

Newly-elected St. Joseph Mayor Matt Alexander welcomed representatives from LaMATS last week to discuss a variety of issues and programs vital to the town’s resurgence. 

“We met with them to discuss the services they have available and discuss ways we can work together in the future,” Alexander said.

The town’s newly appointed Chief of Police Jimmy Brooks and St. Joe resident Leslie Durham (who is Governor Edwards’ appointee to the Delta Regional Authority and a long-time friend of the LMA/LaMATS), joined Mayor Alexander, LaMATS Executive Director Cliff Palmer and millage consultant, Kristyn Childers, to explore ways to help advance the town’s priorities.

In the coming weeks, LaMATS will assist the town in the procurement of much-needed equipment for their police department; in pursuing federal funds to reclaim an abandoned school property through the EPA’s Brownfields Program, and to evaluate their water and gas systems as part of a new, comprehensive master plan. 

“Helping these new leaders improve their community and local government is what LaMATS is all about,” said Palmer. “We appreciate the warm welcome Mayor Alexander and his colleagues gave us and look forward to great things to come.” 

Brooks said his department is in desperate need of donated police equipment, including a vehicle (car, truck, or SUV), a handheld or vehicle-mounted radar, handheld radios, and a computer for the department.

“We’re always happy to have visitors from down South,” Brooks said. “Were glad they’re helping us getting the equipment we need.”

Anyone having surplus equipment meeting these needs to please contact Chief Brooks at jimmy.brooks@tosjmo.com or 318-439-8928, Town Clerk Louise Garner at 318-766-3713 ext. 2003, or LaMATS Executive Director Cliff Palmer, at cpalmer@lamats.net or 225-344-5001.