About The department of facilities & Maintenance

The Department of Facilities and Maintenance has the sole responsibility for daily operations and maintenance of all Parish facilities.

The Facility Maintenance Department has the unique challenge of maintaining all Parish facilities.  In caring for Parish facilities, this department completes on average ten thousand work orders each year and what is noteworthy about this feat is that it is done with a talented work force that is half the size of most Parishes of comparative size.

The Department utilizes its in-house workforce and outside resources to accomplish needed facility renovations that are necessary to keep pace with ever changing facility use and functions.  Due to the ages of our facilities, it requires a considerable amount of resources to maintain facilities that are safe for public use.  Annually we successfully complete approximately twenty capital projects that bring about significant improvements in the facility operations, while enhancing the quality of life for the citizens, tenants, and employees of the Parish of Caddo.
Construction Management - the Department oversees all facility construction projects for the Caddo Parish Commission.  To carry out this objective, the department puts together all requests for proposals based on facility use requirements, and utilizes the Louisiana bid law procedures in selecting a contracting firm to accomplish the project.  In addition, we oversee the daily progress of all work to be performed within the scope of the project to ensure that all work done meets approved engineering standards, quality, and cost effectiveness.
Providing security is another primary function of the department.  The Commission contracts security with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The Caddo Sheriff’s Office staffs security checkpoints with armed Sheriff’s Department Security Officers.  In addition, both Milam Street and Texas St. entrances of the Caddo Parish Courthouse are open to better serve our citizens.  This further enhances security and provides safer surroundings for all employees and citizens in the Courthouse.  The goal of our security efforts is embodied in the concept of providing a safe environment for our citizens who conduct business in Parish facilities and to protect citizens, employees, and Parish assets from those who may want to disrupt operations or damage assets.
The Environmental Services workforce is among the “Unsung Heroes” of the Facilities and Maintenance Department.  They work behind the scenes in providing facility care at a level that has made the Parish facilities a “showcase” among state owned facilities.  Annually this workforce removes tons of trash, mop, strip and wax thousands of linear feet of floor space. We also take pride in our recycling program by annually contributing over a ton of paper products to local recycling centers.
The Department of Facilities and Maintenance works closely with the Caddo Parish Commission and the Registrar of Voters in establishing polling locations for the citizens of Caddo.  The Department has the responsibility of ensuring that 90 polling locations comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act facility requirements.

Compliance Efforts of Caddo Parish

A survey was performed at the Courthouse to ensure the building complied with the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The purpose was to pinpoint problems that may exist with the physically challenged. Our survey was accomplished by Courthouse personnel. A copy of this report was provided to the Federal Department of Justice and we were notified that Caddo Parish was in compliance.

Courthouse Accessibility

Two handicap-accessible parking spaces are provided at the east side of the building near the main handicap entrance. At this entrance push-button controlled automatic door openers have been installed for added convenience. Upon entering the Courthouse, the disabled would not have any problems maneuvering on flooring of marble, tile, brick, and short-loop carpeting. Typical corridors range from 5 feet to 8 feet in width.

Courthouse Elevators

The Courthouse has three main elevators that have 46-inch door openings that remain open for six seconds, allowing ample time to enter. The elevator doors have infrared beams spaced every 2 inches to ensure that the doorway is not obstructed. The elevator controls are mounted according to ADA codes. The controls are equipped with visual and voice floor indicators for each floor. Braille markings are provided at elevator door jams and car buttons.

Additional Amenities

Water fountains and cups are positioned for accessibility. In the restrooms, grab bars are in place.

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency evacuation chairs are located in various areas of the building in the event of an emergency. There are also trained personnel available to help the physically challenged exit the building safely.

Upcoming Improvements

Funds are included in the annual budget to continue to improve our accessibility.