CLINTON — A grassroots group in East Feliciana Parish is pushing to change how the parish is governed, moving from a police jury system to a home rule charter.

The group, East Feliciana Future Now, says they believe the change would give citizens more power in the parish.

Juanita Parks, one of the group's organizers, said her research into changing forms of government in Louisiana parishes started in January after she read an article about economic opportunities that might come from a data center possibly located in St. Francisville.

"This is research we've done and places we've been to," Parks said.

Parks and fellow organizer Jim Moss point out that both Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana parishes have already switched to a home-rule charter and seen success. Louisiana's police jury form of government has been around since the early 1800s.

Parks says she's seen a difference when other parishes split power between an executive branch, like a parish president, and a legislative body such as a council.

"Their parishes have changed and increased in their budgets," Parks said. "They've put old buildings back together, fixing the roads, fixing the bridges, just so much is coming in there."

The group has held public meetings to gauge interest in the change.

"Based on what we have right now, it's showing that the people want a home rule charter," said Jim Moss.

Getting there comes with real hurdles. The group would first need the existing police jury to agree to give up its own power. If enough police jurors agree, a group of citizens would be appointed to study and draft a new plan of government.

Marigny spoke with several police jury members, none of whom would go on camera. They did not appear supportive of the idea.

If the police jury does not take the lead, the group has six months to collect around 1,200 signatures from registered East Feliciana voters to call for an election to select a charter commission.

The group says they plan to hold meetings in the future to educate the public on the possible change and to gather signatures.