The Washington Parish Council held its most recent meeting on Monday, February 24. Prior to the invocation, Councilman Steven Branch asked for a moment of silence in memory of former councilman Levi Lewis and Arlie O'Bryant. The prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were followed by the approval of minutes from the February 10, 2025, meeting.
The first item on the agenda called for the adoption of a resolution to appoint Shawn Jones and Christopher Nielsen to the Board of Directors of Washington Parish Fire Protection District #3 to replace Hackley Magee and Tommy Waldrep. The terms for Jones and Nielsen are effective immediately and will expire on December 31, 2026. The Council then adopted a resolution to authorize Parish President Ryan Seal to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana State Department of the Treasury. The Parish Government has been notified that it is the recipient of a line-item appropriation of $75,000 for the purpose of services rendered to survivors of sexual assault within the parish.
Next, the Council adopted a resolution amending a previous resolution allowing the Washington Parish Government to administer a grant through the Hazard Mitigation Program. The previously adopted resolution contained a typographical error in that the size of two of the trailer-mounted generators in question were listed a "2-18 kw" generators and the size is actually 181 kw.
The final two resolutions adopted by the Council concerned the annual audit. First the Council adopt a resolution authorizing the signing of the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the audit of the Washington Parish Government for 2024. The Questionnaire verifies that all applicable laws and regulations for financial accounts have been followed. This is an annual resolution approved by the Council. The second resolution is a statement that the Washington Parish Government is in compliance with the parish transportation fund and is also necessary for the 2024 audit.
In public participation, William Lee of Hackley presented a civil complaint concerning land ownership on behalf of his aunt Christell Magee. However, with only three minutes of allocated time, Mr. Lee was unable to complete his narrative. Councilman Reginald McMasters also noted that such participation must be "council business" and reveal how the council can assist. Councilwoman Wagner and McMasters urged Mr. Lee to ask to be on the agenda so that his time is not limited to three minutes, and he can explain his situation more effectively.
Sheriff Jason Smith gave his bi-monthly report on the parish jail. There are currently 194 inmates in the jail, which is 50 over the maximum capacity. However, he has met with the Department of Corrections in an effort to speed up the process of transferring inmates sentenced to state prison terms. There is an uptick of such inmates as the judicial docket is now encompassing two weeks per month. Sheriff Smith also promised an update on the proposed Varnado facility at the next meeting and informed the Council that the 911 call center should be in operation by March 14.
William Lewis, representing the Concerned Citizens of Angie, requested information on how services are allocated in Washington Parish and how much is spent in each district. His organization wants to know how to vote on the upcoming millage renewals. Financial Director Donna Graham explained that the four millages in question concern the library, health unit, and courthouse upkeep and cannot be defined by districts. She further explained that discretionary decisions are made concerning the parish and most needed services. Councilman McMasters assured Mr. Lewis that he will try to assist in providing the citizen group with the information it is seeking.
In the President's report, Public Works Director Alex Sumrall informed the Council that since February 10, 2025, 467 bags of trash have been picked up on 36 roads. This included 30 bags on JS King Road, 27 bags on Cumnock Road, 25 bags on Harvey, Mitch, and Mt. Pisgah Roads, and 24 bags on J. Warren Road. Additionally, 37 tires were picked up on parish roads. Littering has become a big problem in Washington Parish.
President Ryan Seal reported that the recent Police Jury Convention was an incredibly positive experience with great meetings. Council Chairwoman Kim Wagner added that the Bogue Chitto State Park is a great asset to the parish and received lots of praise at the convention. President Seal also shared that he recently read to students at Thomas Elementary for Dr. Suess Day, and it was a wonderful experience. He also expressed his condolences to the families of Levi Lewis and Arlie O'Bryant. Seal ended with congratulating Councilman Carley King on the recent birth of twins, Mark and Annette King.
In council discussion, Carley King thanked everyone for the calls, texts and prayers as his family has added two happy, healthy babies. Steven Branch congratulated Shawn Rice on his promotion to Captain with the Franklinton Police Department. Reginald McMasters noted that he learned a lot from the late Levi Lewis when he served on the parish council. Chairwoman Wagner ended with reminding folks that they all appreciate public participation, but the Council must stay on the agenda and honor time limits. She invited everyone to the MCCA parade where she will reign as Queen 45. The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025.
