The Washington Parish Council held its regular meeting on Monday, November 18 in Council Chambers. At 5:45 pm there was a public meeting regarding an ordinance to amend the 2024 Opioid Settlement Fund Budget for the Washington Parish Government. No one from the public came forward to speak and during the regular session the council voted to adopt the ordinance.
The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm. Following the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes from the November 4 regular meeting were adopted. The council then heard the introduction of an ordinance to adopt the 2025 Annual Operating Budget and the Capital Outlay Budget for the Washington Parish Government. This ordinance will be voted on at the December 2, 2024, meeting.
Next, the Council adopted a resolution authorizing Washington Parish Government to Apply for and Administer Grant(s) through the United Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development and a resolution to engage Kushner LaGraize, LLC to perform audit services for Washington Parish Government for the Year Ending December 31, 2024.
According to Director of Finance Donna Graham, this is the 16th year this firm has been tapped to conduct the yearly audit.
The Council then adopted three resolutions of appointments. First, Tim Brown was appointed to Washington Parish Fire District Protection District #9. Steven Welch was appointed to District #2, and James Dobbs was reappointed to District #2.
In Public Participation, Joe Felder spoke on behalf of Washington Parish Gas Utilities District 2. The District is seeking a grant to replace and update piping. Currently there are over $20 million in grants available. However, the District needs a resolution by the Council verifying the legal name of the entity. The district was created in the early 1960's, yet the actual name has never been "put in writing." Councilman Reginald McMasters spoke in support of such a resolution so that the District can pursue the grant money available. This will be done via a resolution at the December 2 meeting. Mr. Felder assured the Council that this should allow sufficient time for all the grant paperwork to be submitted in a timely manner.
Sheriff Jason Smith gave a quick update on the parish jail situation. The jail has 144 beds and 244 inmates, with 207 inmates housed locally. 37 inmates are being housed elsewhere which is done at a substantial cost to the parish. Planning is continuing to progress for creating a satellite location in Varnado. Sheriff Smith also gave an update on the state's projected tax reform. He and President Ryan Seal attended a meeting in Baton Rouge and gained some clarity, but the numbers are variable at present and changing daily.
Angie resident William "Bill" Lewis spoke representing the Concerned Citizens of Angie which also represents residents of Varnado and Live Oak. The citizen group has been troubled by the news that Sheriff Jason Smith is planning to open a satellite jail in the Varnado/Angie area. The Sheriff attended a meeting of the Concerned Citizens and presented information as well as answered questions about the urgency of to proceed with the project. The result was a letter addressed to the parish council which Mr. Lewis read. The citizens appreciate the urgency of the situation; however, they are concerned about being neighbors to another jail/prison. They are also concerned about factors such as safety, security, and property value. The letter urges that the solution to the jail issues include the community.
In the President's Report, Financial Donna Graham thanked the Council for input in the 2025 budget. She feels there is a good plan for the budget with the only major change being health insurance. Mrs. Graham believes that the new insurance will be positive and beneficial. It will save the parish more money and provide employees with more benefits.
Transportation Danny Knight gave a brief report highlighting that 354 bags of trash being collected on 27 roads. He also reported that crews have completed work on Crain's Creek bridge and will begin work on Sie Jenkins Road and Jenkins Road #2 weather permitting.
Public Works Director Alex Sumrall thanked the crew working on Bradford Lane and helping the citizens with the drainage issues they have been having. Crews have ditched and unstopped culverts to help water flow correctly. The crew at Location 3 went to the recreation park in Varnado recently and mowed, cut weeds, and cut limbs around the fence area. Sumrall was also pleased to report that the US Army Corps of Engineers sent an email inquiring about the address to send a permit to for the Poole's Bluff dredging. He feels this is a very positive sign that the project will become a reality. Sumrall also asked for prayers for Mrs. Terry Morgan, former administrative assistant who is back in the hospital.
Parish President Ryan Seal reported that he and the Sheriff productively met with representatives in Baton Rouge about the new tax reform plan. The great variance in numbers for across the board is concerning, and he wants these concerns acknowledged. Even though the endgame is a more competitive state, the plan still needs to be studied carefully. President Seal also met with the Northshore Business Community Transportation Summit and discussed needs for improved highways along with passing lanes and adjustments to make travel better in Washington Parish.
President Seal also thanked all the schools who presented Veteran's Day programs and particularly mentioned the wonderful program at the Veteran's Memorial Park. Seal was very moved and honored to be in attendance. The parish government offices will be closed on November 28 and 29 for Thanksgiving. On a sad note, Seal extended condolences to longtime employee Donnell Merritt who lost his daughter Misti Dawn Merritt. He ended his report with best wishes to Bowling Green, Pine, and Franklinton High School in the playoffs.
Council members echoed President Seal's comments by wishing the playoff football teams much luck. Councilman McMasters also vowed to continue to collaborate with the sheriff and the community on the satellite jail situation. Councilman Rice added that the new landscaping at the Courthouse looks very nice. Councilwoman Wagner ended the meeting by urging everyone to "eat lots of turkey." The next meeting will be Monday, December 2.
