MANSFIELD, La. (AP) - An audit shows the DeSoto Parish Police Jury was not in compliance with state bid law last year when it entered an agreement with a construction company for repair work on parish roads.
The report by independent auditors Johnson, Thomas & Cunningham, of Natchitoches, covered parish's finances for fiscal year 2011.
According to The Times of Shreveport auditors noted the Police Jury paid a construction company $1.1 million to haul and spread asphalt on parish roads without seeking bids.
The Police Jury responded that when the project began, parish Administrator Steve Brown obtained quotes for the work. As the jobs grew he used the same contractor to expedite the repairs. Police Jury officials agreed the move was in error and bid requirements will be followed in the future.