City Government

The city of Winnsboro was incorporated in 1902. It was the seat of the first courthouse which was built in 1843. The first mayor was W.P. Power, who served as mayor for two years.

Winnsboro is governed by the Larawson Act, which states the city must have a mayor and five councilmen. The mayor is responsible for the day to day operations of the city. A council meeting is held the third Monday of each month, which includes the Mayor and Councilmen.

Board of Aldermen

Winnsboro City Officials

Mayor: Jack Hammons

City Clerk: Roxie Fletcher

City Attorney: Samuel T. Singer

General Superintendent: Clarence (Skipper) Stinson

Police Chief: Lester Thomas

Fire Chief: Truman Welch

City Judge: Ann McIntyre

City Marshall: Ronnie Temple

City Court

The City Court building is one of the oldest buildings in the city of Winnsboro. After the city purchased the building in 1992, for $21,000, renovations totaling $30,000 were required before the building could be used. Originally, the City Court building was one of the first hardware stores in the city. The building has seen several owners as well as types of businesses within its walls. It seems only right for a building with such history to help serve the city its made that history with. The Winnsboro City Court serves the Ward 7 area which encompasses not only the city of Winnsboro but the immediate surrounding areas. The Court handles civil suits within the Ward 7 area with a jurisdictional limit of $15,000.00. Additionally, the Court has a Small Claims Division, which exists to handle small minor civil disputes and to recover claims of up to $2,000.00. The Court also handles misdemeanor criminal cases. Ann B. McIntyre is the City Court Judge, Gayla Stevens is the Clerk of Court, and Debbie Curington is the Deputy Clerk.

Teen Court

In January 1993, a Teen Court program was added to the city helping to lower the crime rate among juvenile offenders. Teen Court of Winnsboro-Franklin Inc. was an idea of Judge E. Rudolph McIntyre, Jr. Judge McIntyre presides as judge on each teen court trial as if it were any trial he conducts at Winnsboro City Court. Teen Court has a Board of Directors and an administrator. Over 250 junior high school and high school students serve as student attorneys, prosecutors, bailiffs, clerks, and jurors. The students who serve as attorneys and prosecutors must maintain a C average in school. After attending and observing a training session, student attorneys and prosecutors prepare the cases for the local judge to hear.

Teen court deals with juveniles between the ages of 12-16 years if age. First time offenders charged with crimes such as traffic violations, open container, shoplifting, property damage, simple battery and disturbing the peace are put on trial to be judged by their peers. This is an alternative to the judicial process of juveniles. The student juries then decide each sentence of community service and jury duty. Restitution might also be imposed.

If the defendant successfully completes the program, his or her record is erased. If not, the case is referred back to the Chief of Police or to the parish juvenile probation officer to take a more strict action.

Teen Court meets an average of twice a month and hears three or four cases each session. This program not only attempts to correct the mistakes of the juvenile offenders, but it gives all young adults who participate a perspective of the law and how to abide by it.

Teen Court of Winnsboro-Franklin Inc., is administered by Winnsboro City Court. It is an alternative program dedicated to the judicial adjudication of first-time offenders charged with a misdemeanor offense. These juveniles are prosecuted, defended and sentenced by their peers. The City Court Judge, local attorneys, adult and student volunteers assist with this community oriented project.

Parish Government

Franklin Parish has offices in Winnsboro and is governed by a police jury of seven, one of which serves as a parish president. Unlike most elected officials, police jurors possess both administrative and legislative powers. The legislative functions include enacting ordinances and resolutions, establishing programs and setting policy. As as administrative body, the police jury prepares the budget, hires personnel, spends money, negotiates contract, and in general, directs these and other activities under its supervision.

State Government

Noble E. Ellington, Jr. State Senator District 32. (1996-date) State Representitive (1988-96) Democrat. Born on May 28, 1942. Cotton Merchant for 36 years and lives in Winnsboro. Graduated from Louisiana Tech, Ruston, LA with a B.S. degree in Ag/Business.

Memberships: American Legislative Exchange Council, State Co-Chairman, 1994; National Council of State Legislators, International Trade Committee; Southern Legislative Council, Agriculture and Rural Development Steering Committee; Senate and Governmental Affairs; Judiciary C, Chairman.

Address:
Winnsboro Office
4272 Front St
Winnsboro, LA 71295
(318) 435-7313
1-800-256-7313
Fax: (318) 435-9885
Baton Rouge: (504) 342-0650
342-5636

Leon Kenney. State representative (1996 to date) Democrat. Born on March 25, 1935. Farmer living in Columbia, LA. Graduated from high school and flight school. Has served on the School Board and Police Jury. Past President, Farm Bureau. President, Homeland Bank; Member, ASCS Comm., Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development Board. Baptist.

Address:
(Office) P.O. Box 485
Columbia, LA 71418
(318) 649-9100
(Home) Rt. 1, Box 309
Columbia, LA 71418
(318) 649-2141
Fax 318-649-9102
Email larep020@iAmerica.net.