The Washington Parish Council held its regular meeting on Monday, March 10. Though only three items were on the agenda, the Council heard from eight citizens during the public participation portion of the meeting. Following the invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the February 24 minutes, the Council adopted a resolution to reappoint Raymond Myers, Bobbie Kimbrell, Dana Magee, and Reginald "Bubba" Bourne to the Board of Directors of Washington Parish Fire Protection District #7. The terms are effective immediately and will expire on Dec. 31, 2026.
Next, the Council adopted a resolution ordering and calling an election to be held to authorize the renewal levy and collection of special taxes. Director of Finance Donna Graham explained prior to the vote that the October 11, 2025, ballot will encompass four renewal millages. These fund two parish health units at approximately $802,622; four libraries at approximately $1,100,000; Courthouse and public building maintenance at approximately $265,000; and roads/maintenance at approximately $1,000,000 which is used to maintain bridges and parish roads and includes salaries, materials, and equipment.
Council Member and Vice-Chairman Reginald McMasters noted that these are renewals and that it will be "tough" on the parish if these are not kept current. He added that it is crucial to keep and support these taxes. Prior to the Council's vote to adopt the resolution, William Lewis of Angie spoke and explained that he had requested information to explain the tax to others. He would like to see how money collected is being used. He feels people should have an idea how money is being spent in their communities.
Mrs. Graham explained that she can provide him with a road improvement summary for Wards 5 and 7 (Mr. Lewis's home area) but could not do so by council district as it is not tracked that way. Wards 5 and 7 have in recent years seen $3.69 million spent on roads which is 17 percent of five years of capital outlay. Mr. Lewis said he wants more specific rather than general information.
During public participation, Sheriff Jason Smith reported that the 144-bed jail currently has 228 inmates with 209 being in-house. There have been improvements with the Department of Corrections moving those sentenced to prison terms, but with two weeks per month of jury trials, this is likely a temporary situation. The Sheriff also has seen significant progress on a plan for a new jail. He has "stepped back" on the satellite jail in Varnado and a new architect is working on the project. Meanwhile, significant improvements have been made to the cell blocks and kitchens. The 911 call center's equipment has been delivered and is being installed along with an updated computer system and the Sheriff feels this will be a huge improvement for the parish.
Ken Martin from the Washington Parish Democratic Executive Committee submitted in writing the committee's support for the Concerned Citizens of Angie wanting to obtain information by district. "This is a chance to clear up misinformation," said Martin, "and we are all for the betterment of the parish."
Lesley McKinley, President of the Concerned Citizens of Angie shared with the Council that the group is in support of the millage renewal, but they have to be in the position to explain. There is a need for accurate information as misinformation is detrimental. He also challenged the Angie district's councilman Clark Harry to step up first as he is "our voice." McKinley ended with "transparency is key."
Councilman McMasters interjected here that the Council Charter says that the Council cannot interfere with the day-to-day operations of parish government. Councilmen cannot do some things, and different districts require different things. He hopes for understanding moving forward.
William McMorris spoke next as someone who works to preserve, promote and protect communities. He added that the parish has a significant animal control problem. The Washington Parish Animal Shelter Manager has ordinances to propose, and he asks that the Council please support them.
Cynthia August stated she has received several calls of concern about a recent courthouse reception for what The Era-Leader termed as Mardi Gras organizations/krewes. She noted that the words were plural. Her daughter is part of a krewe and served as Queen this season. However, the photo in the paper shows other organizations didn't participate, but they were not invited. She hopes to clear up misinformation.
Nick Smith began by thanking the Concerned Citizens of Angie for their presentations and having known Donna Graham his entire life, he can guarantee that she is "straight as an arrow" and will assist them however she can. He then questioned the purchase via grant money of generators and asked why not use tractor generators that cost less. Councilman McMasters explained that stations are needed that run when personnel aren't there.
Mark McMorris is also with animal rescue and reminded the Council that he appeared two years ago pushing for animal ordinances. He has put together a program of three potential ordinances. Councilman McMasters explained that we have a shelter, not a control facility and we don't have the tax base for a control facility. Mr. McMorris said the parish should charge for a license to have an animal to generate revenue, and a full-time animal control officer is needed.
In the President's Report, Director of Finance Donna Graham will have a firm closing of 2024's books at the next meeting and will be ready for auditors. Transportation Manager Danny Knight reported that in the month of February, crews completed drainage projects on 30 roads, installed 7 culverts, graded 38 roads for 63 miles, bushhogged 143 roads for 269 miles and picked up 432 bags of litter on 27 parish roads. On March 5, Hollis Leslie and Jerry Moses picked up 35 bags of litter between the two.
Public Works Director Alex Sumrall reported that the sidewalk project down Cleveland and Main Streets in Franklinton is progressing nicely. He explained that on Main Street, the sidewalk will be on the west side of the street only. Mrs. Graham added that at one time a grant was in the works by the Town of Franklinton for sidewalks around the historic junior high school, but nothing materialized.
Sumrall also shared that since January 29, 2025, 36 mobile home permits were issued and 24 permits for new construction of single-family residences. He concluded that Washington Parish is growing according to these numbers.
Kelsey Knight, Animal Shelter Manager, reported that since January 1, 2025, the shelter has had 43 intakes and 28 outcomes. Currently 21 dogs are housed at the shelter. The Bogalusa shelter closed, and the parish facility took in 16 dogs. There have also been 274 spay and neuter procedures.
Parish President Ryan Seal offered kudos to Kelsey Knight on adding the Bogalusa dogs and doing a great job overall with the shelter.
The Parish is currently compiling the road resurfacing list for 2025, and he needs input. Early voting will take place March 15-22 with four constitutional amendments and a parish school board position. He also has a proposed ordinance for tax breaks for first responders under study to determine who is eligible. He ended by assuring Cyntha August that next year's Mardi Gras celebration will be different. President Seal thanked everyone for attending and for expressing concerns.
Council Chairwoman Kim Wagner ended the meeting by thanking everyone in attendance. The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 24.
