It was standing room only as the Washington Parish Council met on Monday, August 24. Prior to the regular meeting, a Public Hearing was held on an ordinance to amend the 2026 Annual Operating Budget for the Washington Parish Government. Director of Finance Lacy Burris explained that it is necessary to amend the budget as things change. Council Chairman Reginald McMasters explained the General Fund budget, "takes care everything that can't take care of itself." Kim Wagner asked for a Finance Committee meeting to discuss amending the Economic Development item in the budget. Later during the regular meeting this item was adopted by the Council.
The regular meeting began with the approval of the August 10, 2026, regular meeting minutes. This was followed by a presentation by Rusty Fornea from ADAPT. Fornea introduced three local students who recently attended the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America national conference. The enthusiastic students detailed the sessions they were involved in and information they are bringing back to the Youth Coalition groups at each school in the parish. Fornea thanked the Council for providing funding through opioid funds to support this activity. Most importantly, the students learned how prevention becomes action and "when youth are trained-the whole parish gains."
Next on the agenda was a resolution amending Resolution No. 26-1506, placing a Moratorium on the Approval and/or Permitting of All Solar Panel Farms, Commercial Solar Power Plants, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Similar Energy Generation or Storage Facilities.
McMasters prefaced public comments by explaining that the moratorium was put into place because the permit being sought by Entergy included the battery storage systems. The current ordinance does not address BESS. Environmental lawyers combed through the existing ordinance and reported that it was strong and adequate. Where BESS is concerned, there will be a separate ordinance. The result will be two ordinances: solar and BESS. It is the Council's position to have two sound ordinances for such enterprises.
McMasters also asked that everyone not come and talk about the same thing and stressed "we have to maintain control."
Opponents of "solar farms" were present in force, and many chose to participate in the public comments concerning this item. It began in an orderly fashion with Tim Tackett, who has 42 years in the nuclear and electrical power field. He listed items where the solar ordinance is deficient. When he was done McMasters responded, "Don't think we are for what you are against."
Attorney Matt Garver added that the law firm Taylor Porter did not see glaring deficiencies in the solar ordinance. Kim Wagner added, "Our attorneys said the ordinance is ok."
Other people questioning the potential solar farms included Chris Weintritt whose concern is the solar farms being established and then sold with new owner not maintaining the regulations. Joe Adams told the Council that it is obvious they are not representing their electorate. Ben Sarro questioned how the moratorium came about in the first place and asked why the hurry to remove it when there were still 45 days remaining in the 90-day hold. He asked, "How does this benefit all of us?"
At this point the Council explained that only Entergy has sought a permit for Bogalusa West. However, solar farms cannot operate with battery facilities (BESS) and there is no ordinance currently in place for that. So, one can conclude that no permit will be approved by the Council until there is a strong ordinance regarding BESS.
Sheriff Jason Smith explained that as a landowner he believes in property rights. However, the proposed farms will likely increase the Sheriff Department's budget by one million dollars per year. He feels each project should be carefully considered. McMasters added that there are people who are for establishing solar farms and those citizens deserve representation as well.
Tammy Adams gave information obtained from the Public Service Commission and tried to explain that solar and BESS go together. They are not two separate entities, she said. One must have the other to exist. The exchange between her and McMasters became heated and he reiterated, "We are trying to lift the moratorium on solar! If BESS is in a project, no permit."
Kim Wagner added, "BESS will be a complete separate ordinance."
Nick Smith questioned the hurry of the Council to drop the moratorium and sought a delay on the night's vote. Ralph Branton, Charles Stewart, Troy Crain, John Brown, Shellie Thomas, and Lori Stewart all questioned the Council's motives and the public participation essentially disintegrated at this point with comments from the audience and speakers who were not recognized by the Council. A vote was taken on the ordinance with it failing 4-1. McMasters told the crowd that it will be back on the agenda in two weeks.
Once the resolution was voted upon and room basically cleared, the meeting resumed to address other business. First the Council voted to adopt a resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement Between Washington Parish Government and the City of Bogalusa for Animal Shelter and Animal Control Services; authorizing the Parish President to execute said agreement and providing for related matters. Lacy Burris explained that this will be helping Bogalusa provide a place to shelter animals with one of their full-time employees working at the Washington Parish Shelter under the guidance of Washington Parish until they can get their shelter up and going. They will utilize five runs and pay for the extra staffing.
Next the Council adopted a resolution authorizing the filing of an application with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for a Grant Under Any of the Following FTA Programs managed through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Burris added that this is a "flow-through" grant with the Council on Aging and is done every year. The Council then adopted a resolution approving the holding of an election in Washington Parish Fire Protection District No. 1 on Saturday, December 12 to authorize the Renewal of Special Taxes. The Council then voted to authorize the use of opioid settlement funds for the purchase of resuscitation equipment for use at the Washington Parish Jail and adopted a resolution to amend Resolutions No. 26-1476 through 26-1486, to purchase resuscitation equipment for the respective Washington Parish Fire Protection Districts.
The final actions were the adoption of a resolution accepting the lowest responsible and responsive bid for the purchase of resuscitation equipment for Washington Parish Fire Protection Districts No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Bogalusa Fire Department and Franklinton Fire Department, utilizing Opioid Settlement Funds, and authorizing the Parish President to execute all necessary documents.
In the President's report, Public Works Director Alex Sumrall reported that in the past month crews have picked up 251 bags of litter on 24 roads and installed 57 signs on 18 roads. This is especially concerning to Sumrall because it is a dangerous situation when motorists do not have the proper road signs. The department has installed over 100 STOP signs this year alone. Sumrall also reported that the Cecil Painter Road project has been completed and paving has been completed on Turkey, Nightingale, Blue Bird and Falcon Roads. This past week crews were on Pelican and Sandpiper Roads, West Street, Eagle Lane and Skylark Road. When these are completed, crews will be moving to Richland Heights. Sumrall also assured those present that he is being diligent in monitoring existing solar farms to be sure the ordinance is being adhered to.
President Ryan Seal announced that the Hwy 424 bridge is complete and one on Hwy 1055 has started construction. He noted that Riverside Medical Center celebrated 60 years of service to the community and praised their efforts. Seal also attended the long-time coming dedication of the Atoki sports complex. September 18 will be Clean Our Waterways Day and he encourages participation. A contract has been signed to remodel a soda shop in Angie and make it a branch of the Washington Parish Library. Parish crews recently assisted Varnado High School with a downed tree and Seal is happy to see governmental agencies helping one another out.
Chairman McMasters ended the meeting by stating, "We don't sit in an easy seat. We are in a position to maintain for everyone. Continue to pray for us."
Councilwoman Kim Wagner added, "We have got to do what is best for the whole parish."
The next meeting will be held on September 14.
