By: Danielle Harkins
In 1839, Union Parish constructed its first courthouse as the central hub of the newly forming parish. As the years passed and the community evolved, the need for an updated facility became evident. In 1962, a new courthouse was built on the same historic square, honoring the community’s request to keep the courthouse at the heart of Farmerville.
To make this possible, the Union Parish Police Jury voted in April 1959 to acquire an $800,000 bond. Of that amount, $599,000 was allocated for construction of the new building, with the remaining funds covering furniture, a new jail facility, and other essential supplies needed to operate effectively.
Fast forward over six decades, and one of the most pressing challenges facing the courthouse today is its outdated HVAC system. Over the years, the aging unit has struggled—especially during the intense Louisiana summers. Last year, temporary cooling units were brought in to manage interior temperatures, but these proved to be a short-term solution for a growing problem.
Recognizing the urgency, the Police Jury began soliciting bids to replace the system. However, the proposed costs were nothing short of staggering—with estimates nearing $1,000,000. Jurors spent significant time reviewing the scope of the project, including necessary roof repairs that must be completed before any HVAC installation can begin.
It’s eye-opening to compare the figures: in 1962, the entire courthouse was constructed for $599,000; in 2025, replacing just the HVAC system is expected to cost nearly double that amount.
“Just a few weeks ago, we spent $6,000 to patch the system and keep it running a little longer,” said Police Jury President Glenn Hutto during Tuesday evening’s meeting. “It only lasted four days. We knew we had to get everyone out of the building for the summer.”
During a recent committee meeting, Police Jury Secretary Paula Strickland reported that $50,000 has already been invested in planning and preparation for the HVAC replacement project.
The Union Parish Police Jury has now signed off on an $850,000 bond to begin the replacement process. Their efforts did not go unnoticed.
“I want to thank the jurors for all they’ve done to help us get through this summer,” said Judge Bruce Hampton during the Police Jury meeting. “I started working in Union Parish in 1991, and I’ve lived through a lot of hot summers —including the time I served as the jury’s attorney. I’m especially grateful to Mrs. Strickland for working so hard to secure temporary office spaces for everyone and for coordinating courtroom arrangements. Everything is running smoothly so far. Once our IT team finishes setting up at the Union Parish Detention Center, we plan to hold criminal court proceedings there.”
President Hutto expressed appreciation to Judge Hampton for his support and patience during this transition. “It’s been a challenging process, but your kindness and presence at tonight’s meeting mean a lot to us,” he said.