The Washington Parish Council held its most recent regular meeting on June 23 at the courthouse.
The meeting began with a public hearing regarding an ordinance to amend the 2025 Annual Operating Budget. The Regular Meeting was then called to order and the Council approved the minutes of June 9.
First on the agenda was Bill Lewis, representing the Concerned Citizens of Angie. Several members of the group spoke to the Council regarding the proposed temporary jail to ease the overcrowding of the current Parish Jail.
Lesley McKinley reminded the Council that the group has listened to Sheriff Jason Smith concerning the reasoning behind the proposed facility. However, he stressed that "We will no longer sit back as voters whose voices won't be heard beyond election day." This statement was about the upcoming parish tax renewal in the fall. He added, "We want to be heard, we want to be taken seriously, and we do not want to this jail in the Varnado-Angie community."
Sheriff Smith responded that the facility will be temporary as his intention is to relieve overcrowding and ultimately build a new facility in the center of the parish to adequately house the pretrial inmates that comprise nearly all the jail population. He said the only convicted inmates in the jail are those who are awaiting the Department of Corrections to transfer them to a state facility to serve their sentences.
Smith noted that there are 30,000 inmates in the Louisiana Department of Corrections system and half of those are housed in local facilities. The sheriff said he realizes the temporary solution is imperfect, but conditions at the jail demand action. As a steward of the department's funds, he said, he must use them efficiently.
An Angie-Varnado community member asked if the Sheriff would sign an agreement that ensures the facility will be temporary. Mr. McKinley also challenged Councilman Clark Harry of Angie to be a spokesman for his constituents. Mr. Lewis ended with points and questions that he and the CCA want addressed. The Council listened to all the comments, questions, and suggestions.
The first item of business was an appeal of the Planning Commission's Decision for Conditional Use Permit No. 2024-12-1938 in favor of Jefferson Compound/ JDC Enterprises, LLC, lodged by Forest Hills Property Owners Association, Inc., and Kent Satterlee. On the advice of parish attorney Matt Garver, this item was tabled pending an upcoming court date in November. The Council then voted to adopt an ordinance to amend the 2025 Annual Operating Budget on the advice of incoming Director of Finance Lacy Burris.
Next was the introduction of four ordinances. These included an ordinance governing the installation and maintenance of drainage culverts on private property, an ordinance amending permit requirements to perform logging operations in Washington Parish, an ordinance authorizing debris and material removal and Master Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, and an ordinance to allow the Washington Parish President to enter into a pre-positioned contract for disaster recovery consulting services.
The council then adopted a Resolution of Appointment to fill the vacancy of Constable, Ward 6, District 1 of Washington Parish with Christopher McClelland. His term will end December 31, 2026.
Next, the Council adopted a resolution to accept the lowest bid and to authorize the Parish President to sign a contract with Barriere Construction for asphalt overlay. Public Works Director Alex Sumrall added that this will enable asphalting on approximately 32 parish roads.
The final item was the adoption of a resolution authorizing the reimbursement of expenses related to autopsies for overdose-related deaths in Washington Parish. Retiring Finance Director Donna Graham explained that the Opiod Settlement money will be used for this as the autopsies cost $3,500 each. Councilmen Joe Culpepper and Shawn Rice abstained from the vote as both are employed with law enforcement.
In the President's Report, Director of Finance Donna Graham gave her last report before retiring. She said the budget is "in good shape" and the Council was provided the actual numbers through May 2025. Mrs. Graham added that it has been a "real pleasure" to work with parish government, and she feels much has been accomplished. She now plans to enjoy her retirement.
Public Works Director Alex Sumrall reported that work crews picked up 304 bags of litter, installed 21 signs and maintained 11 locations. They also sprayed around bridges and culverts on 16 parish roads. For June, 123 building permits have been issued, with 971 for the year. Work is continuing to improve the Varnado Recreation Center.
Sumrall concluded with a rembrance of Mrs. Tanda Schilling, an outstanding community member who lost her battle with cancer. She was very involved behind the scenes on how the Courthouse should look. She will be greatly missed, he said.
Parish President Ryan Seal reported that Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser spoke at the recent Northshore Business Council and as always mentioned Bogue Chitto State Park and its wonderful offerings. Washington Parish Government and the Landfill will be closed on July 4.
The Council ended with farewells to Donna Graham and welcomes to Lacy Burris.
The next meeting will be held on July 14.
