The regular meeting of the Washington Parish Council was held on Monday, October 20. Prior to the regular meeting there was a public hearing on two ordinances. Following the Invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jalayah Garner, member of the Northshore Charter School Youth Coalition. The minutes from the October 6 regular meeting were then approved.
First on the agenda was District Attorney Colin Sims who spoke about the Opioid Initiative that began in July 2024. The program has seen not only the seizure of large numbers of illegal drugs, but also 348 arrests in Washington and St. Tammany Parishes along with a State Police effort in Tangipahoa Parish. Sims is working towards a more collaborative effort and response within the tri-parish area. Finance Director Lacy Burris confirmed that additional money is being awarded, and Sims would like to use this to have more cohesive and proactive investigations that cross parish lines. He did note that Washington Parish money will be spent in Washington Parish. He also explained the 14-16 year "staying power" of the funding and the decrease in deaths from illegal drug use.
Parish President Ryan Seal then presented a proclamation marking October 23-31 as Red Ribbon Week in Washington Parish. This was followed by a presentation, "An Ounce of Prevention" by Rusty Fornea with ADAPT. Fornea explained that the beauty of Youth Coalition in Washington Parish schools is, "Start young with education and then they (students) educate others (especially in homes)." He added, "Lots of good stuff is happening in [Washington] parish." The presentation included school programs available through ADAPT such as Life Skills Training, Catch My Breath (vaping), Kid's Don't Gamble, Safe Dates, Coaching Boys to Men, and the very popular Youth Coalition. This year's theme "Be the 91" is a reference to statistics that show on average 91 percent of Washington Parish youth have not used alcohol in 30 days. Fornea also explained that Red Ribbon Week is the largest, longest running drug prevention program. This year's theme is "Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free!"
The Council then moved on to other business by adopting two ordinances authorizing ABC Waste, LLC and AMWASTE of Louisiana, LLC for solid waste collection and transportation in Washington Parish. These two companies will serve in rural areas of the parish. Next the Council introduced three ordinances which included the disposal of abandoned vehicles and unlawful trash accumulation, amending the condemnation of buildings and structures, and establishing procedures and penalties relating to blighted property, public nuisances, and Housing Code violations in the rural and unincorporated areas of Washington Parish, and providing for Hearing Officers, administrative procedures, enforcements and liens. A fourth ordinance was introduced for establishing licensure, permitting, and inspection requirements for roof construction and reroofing of residential and commercial structures.
In public participation Sheriff Jason Smith reported that the jail remains the most overcrowded, per capita jail in the state. Currently there are 237 inmates for 144 beds, but 99 of those are Department of Corrections detainees. He was also happy to report that an agreement has been reached on the purchase of property to build a new facility, and the money came from the state thanks to state Sen. Beth Mizell. Taxpayers do not have to cover this cost. The 27 acres will eventually be the hub of everything operational for the Sheriff's Office.
Smith also reported that the Fair only had a few minor problems with a number of medical calls. He was also complimentary of Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown and his department's efforts in maintaining order at the Fair. Rayburn Correctional employees and LA State Police also lent a hand in Fair security.
Bill Lewis of Angie had questions and concerns about the introduced ordinaces concerning auto and blight demolition. He feels that low-income residents may not have the financial means to remove/repair broken down vehicles and homeowners need compassion. Lesley McKinley also asked for definitions related to the same introduced ordinances and asked for specific definitions of what constitutes abandoned vehicles, unlawful trash accumulation, blighted property, and public nuisances. He would like to have this information before the public hearing on the prospective ordinances before the Council votes.
In the President's Report, Lacy Burris explained that parish government's budget is 75 percent through the year with expenditures under what is budgeted. Revenues are lower but all funds are in good shape. The budget for 2026 should be ready for adoption by December 1.
Public Works Director Alex Sumrall reported that the Spring Vallen Road bridge should be complete by October 23. He also reported that in one week Mr. Kelvin Brown's crew collected 212 bags of litter on 35 parish roads and cleaned and cut nine parish locations.
Parish President Seal reported that he is pleased all four millages were renewed by parish voters and he thanks those who participated in the election.
He recently had lunch with United Way which is making a tremendous investment in Washington Parish with an office on Avenue U in Bogalusa for those who need assistance.
The Hwy 60 bridge inside the Bogalusa city limits is on a state road and the state is not due to replace it until 2027. This is causing problems in other areas. Hwy 10 across the railroad tracks in Bogalusa is also a problem for motorists. Seal assured that he is working on both locations to effect change.
The Animal Shelter hosted a Beastly Bash on October 26 with fees waived for adoptions. Finally, Seal thanked everyone involved with the Fair which is a shining star for the parish.
The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday, November 3.
