The Washington Parish Council held its regular meeting on Monday, April 14.
A public hearing was held on two ordinances that were introduced at the March 24 meeting. First was an ordinance authorizing the Parish President to engage Pistorius Associates, LLC, as architect for the design and management of construction projects for Washington Parish. Finance Director Donna Graham explained that this is needed for smaller jobs that may not require bids but quotes. This will ensure that proper specifications are met as well as permits needed.
Next was an ordinance directing the Washington Parish President to sign documents on behalf of the fiscal year 2026-2027 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Application. Both these ordinances were adopted by the Council during the regular meeting.
Following the public hearing, the regular meeting opened with a short tribute and moment of silence for parish leader Tillman Stogner, led by Parish President Ryan Seal. This was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Council then tackled nine items of business on the regular meeting agenda. First was the approval of minutes from the March 24 meeting.
Next, the Council recognized Heather Seal who is the Community Champion for Riverside Medical Center and the Delta Regional Community Health Systems Development Program. Riverside is one of only a few rural hospitals from across the region to participate in this program. Mrs. Seal's role is to listen to, connect, and ensure that the strategies developed reflect the needs and strengths of the team. She went on to invite the Council to an event on July 16 to discuss the challenges the community faces, the resources in place, and how everyone can work together to build a healthier community.
This was followed by Parish President Seal reading a proclamation declaring April as Fair Housing Month.
The Council then introduced an ordinance amending certain ordinances levying sales taxes in Washington Parish and providing for other matters in connection with an ordinance to levy taxes for 2025 millage at the same rate as prior year --- on property subject to taxation in Washington Parish. Additionally, an ordinance was introduced authorizing the Washington Parish Government to allow for an Ad Valorem tax exemption for qualified first responders. All three of these introduction-only ordinances will be discussed at a public hearing on April 28 at 5:30 pm.
Next, the council adopted an ordinance approving the 2025 Annual Operating Budget of the Washington Parish Tourism Commission, and a resolution to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Southeast Louisiana Pregnancy Center for Women and Children. This agreement includes a $75,000 appropriation.
In public participation Ben Sarro asked if the shortage of volunteer firefighters in the parish could be addressed by offering an incentive. Councilman Reginald McMasters responded that each fire district has its own budget and boards, and they will have to address this. The Council oversees but does not determine the operations of the fire districts.
In the President's report, longtime Parish Finance Director Donna Graham announced that she plans to retire on June 30, 2025. She added, "It has truly been an honor to serve this parish for the past 15 years. I will miss you all."
Public Works Director Alex Sumrall gave the public works and transportation reports for March. This included 51 drainage projects completed on 81 miles, 12 culverts installed, 34 graded roads for 67 miles, 190 roads bushhogged for 315 miles and 533 bags of litter collected on 34 roads. There were also 19 signs installed on parish roads, and Kelvin Brown's crew cleaned and cut at 6 locations. The parish also participated in Keep Washington Parish Beautiful campaign and picked up over 200 bags of litter in one day.
Parish President Seal concluded with describing how he, Landon Tims, and Transportation Manager Danny Knight participated in the Team Up to Clean Up on Saturday, April 5, and within two hours they had filled up the back of Knight's truck with litter. It is a distressing problem., Seal said. Discarded used tires are also a problem, he noted.
Prior to the event he went to Thomas Elementary School to discuss with third, fourth and fifth graders litter, and the parish landfill and its purpose.
Dr. Ralph Abraham, Louisiana's Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Drew Brennan met at both Riverside and Our Lady of Angels hopsitals and sad, yet eye-opening statistics were presented about the health of the parish's residents, Seal said.
Southeastern Louisiana University sponsored the Northshore Business Forum, and the keynote speaker was the North Oaks Hospital CEO who also gave interesting statistics about the state of healthcare in the region. It was another eye-opening experience and President Seal said he is thankful for the two great hospitals in Washington Parish. He also shared that the Plainview baseball field is in fine shape, and he watched a great group of players practice there recently.
In council discussion it was announced that Jesse Applewhite is the new Washington Parish Council Clerk. Councilmen also congratulated Donna Graham on her upcoming retirement. Steven Branch noted that Councilman Shawn Rice recently received the Law Enforcement Silver Star for his response to a shooting following the state championship game at the Superdome. Rice is a captain with the Franklinton Police Department.
Council President Kim Wagner ended the meeting by reminding everyone of the reason for Easter and wished all a happy holiday. The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 28.
