Finance Committee - May 12, 2026

The Ascension21 Finance Committee meeting held on May 12, 2026, focused extensively on procurement and contract approvals across various parish projects and services. Key actions included approval of a three-year contract with Louisiana Claims Administrators for claims management, a $1.2 million contract with Nickel State University to manage the West Ascension Early Learning Center, and a monthly $14,250 agreement with the Women's Hospital Foundation for healthcare services. The committee also approved several professional service contracts, including Alura Solutions LLC for the ADA Transition Plan Project and Mujo Architect LLC for the National Guard Armory renovation. Change orders were authorized for construction projects such as the Pavilion at Oakrove Park and the Dutchtown Rear Access Road, with adjustments to contract amounts and timelines. Additionally, a significant $471,736.97 increase was approved for the Energy Transition Parkway project due to additional pipeline coordination work, which drew public concern over transparency and use of public funds. The committee also authorized the Parish President to execute documents related to the Community Development Block Grant Program and approved a legal services contract capped at $49,000. A budget amendment for the 2026 operating and capital budgets was passed, and personnel classification updates were reported.