A number of audibly angry local residents concerned about road quality were in attendance and ready to be heard during the August 24 special called meeting of the Sabine Parish Police Jury.
Although redistricting was the main point of the agenda for the meeting, it was the locals speaking during the public comments section of the agenda that appeared to be the focus. For several months now the residents have expressed concerns about Pilcher, Merritt Mountain, and Matthews Lodge roads. The residents allege that construction began on the roads and then ceased, which has left them in complete disarray and at the cost of their vehicles and tires. As the item was not on the agenda, the police jury did not respond to the allegations directly, but in past meetings have stated that they are aware of the problem and doing everything that can be done to rectify the situation. Shortages have left them unable to acquire necessary equipment and materials.
Pat Scarborough, who spoke first for the residents made most of the general points. He states that in 30 years of working as an engineer and project manager for larger agencies than any in Sabine Parish, he has never seen such a case of mismanagement.
“I’ve tried working with this police jury and individual members and have gotten some good suggestions but by and large so far all I’ve seen is opposition, excuses, and broken promises,” Scarborough said.
He went on to state that over the past four months he had asked the police jury and Road Supervisor Bobby Hughes to implement planning for all major road projects.
“If an actual plan had been presented to the police jury before Pilcher or Merritt Mountain roads were demolished this whole thing would have been avoided,” he continued.
Scarborough then stated that there was an inexpensive and easy way to do a temporary fix suggested by Ricky “K-Wall” Sepulvado, which is to put oil sand on the milled parts of the road, which would smooth out the roughness and helps until the road can be blacktopped, which is planned for next year. That courtesy should be extended to both Pilcher and Merritt Mountain roads. He went on to ask that a definite plan be in place before anything was done to Matthews Lodge Road.
“I’ll continue to ask this in every police jury meeting I attend including the road and shop, finance, solid waste, or whatever and I will urge everyone I can to fix all three roads,” he said.
The residents have created a Facebook group titled “Sabine Parish Citizens for Better Roads” and encourage others concerned about the roads to join. In three months, they have gained over 1,000 members.