VIDALIA — An ethical issue of selling government land to employees came up at the Concordia Parish Police Jury meeting Monday.

Bids came in for the tracts of land near Black Lake last month at the previous jury meeting.

The highest came from Charles Tarver, who is the Homeland Security Director for Concordia Parish.

Ward 2 Juror Willie Dunbar said he is concerned with keeping with Louisiana Code of Ethics of not auctioning off items to employees.

“We are looking and hoping we can get the right answer for it,” Dunbar said. “I don’t want any trouble.”

Tarver’s bid was for $8,863 per year, with the second highest being $6,000 from Cynthia Bayou Land Co.

Secretary Treasurer Kevin Friloux said he would contact the District Attorney’s office before finalizing the deal.

“Charles Tarver is not a policy maker, he’s just an employee,” Friloux said. “I’m sure the D.A. is going to say it’s OK.”

The District Attorney Brad Burget was absent from Monday’s meeting after being requested to settle a policy issue brought up at the last two month’s heated meetings.

The issue was over who has the authority to move items on and off of the meeting agenda.

Friloux said the District Attorney sent a letter to a jury saying he would not be able to present.

In other news from the meeting:

• The contract for elevator maintenance at the old and new courthouses was examined after 30 years.

The jurors took new bids for the contract and expect to save the Parish nearly $2,500 a year October, Friloux said.

• The jury agreed to solicit bids or proposals for repaving the courthouse parking lot.

Police Jury President Melvin Ferrington said the parking lot has been discussed often, and new pavement is needed.