The Washington Parish Council met on Monday, March 23.
A public hearing was conducted at 5:30 pm allowing residents to speak of concerns regarding three ordinances to be voted on during the regular meeting. A number of those present were most concerned about an ordinance prohibiting open burning within the unincorporated areas of Washington Parish, providing for enforcement, authorizing code enforcement, and providing for penalties.
Parish President Ryan Seal addressed this item after Jackie Tate asked for clarification. Seal explained that the title of the ordinance is different from the ordinance content, and he regrets that it was misleading. This proposed ordinance would only be in effect during a burn ban and gives teeth to the ban and protects parish residents. The parish government has no intention of limiting the ability to burn on private property.
Seal explained that input of the parish's 11 fire chiefs, forestry/agriculture departments, weather departments, and the State Fire Marshal is gathered before a ban is instituted.
However, according to the Louisiana Right to Farm Law, those engaged in agricultural endeavors such as tree growers are protected and may conduct controlled burns.
Seal went on to explain that fire departments are spread thin during burn ban conditions that include high winds and dry conditions. What the parish government needs to do, he said, is to move forward during dry/drought-like conditions. Seal further elaborated that this ordinance is mainly directed to those who set fires and leave them unattended.
When the ordinance was addressed during the regular meeting, it was voted to be tabled while more information as well as public input is gathered. Council President Reginald McMasters assured those present that the Council will put the protection of citizens first and after further study, the Council will submit a clearer and more concise ordinance.
The Regular Meeting was then called to order with a moment of silence prior to the invocation to memorialize the late John Gallaspy, who passed away on March 21. The Council then voted to approve the minutes of the March 9 Regular Council Meeting.
Parish President Seal then issued a Proclamation recognizing Ben's Ford Varsity Lady Eagles Basketball Team. It read in part: "I recognize and commend the Ben's Ford Varsity Lady Eagles Basketball Team on their remarkable achievement as the MAIS AAA Division II State Champions, and extend sincere congratulations to the players, coaches, and supporters for an extraordinary season."
This was followed by a presentation recognizing the retirement of Dewitt Williams from the Washington Parish Government Permit Office. President Seal spoke of Williams' value to the permit office and stated that he will be greatly missed.
Next on the agenda, John Young, Candidate for Louisiana Public Service Commission, District 1, introduced himself to the Council. A native of Jefferson Parish, he also submitted his 12-point plan for the Commission if elected. Young feels that Louisiana is experiencing transformative economic opportunities and he is committed to new businesses "paying their own way" to come to Louisiana and conduct business and not depend on residents to bear the burden of infrastructure improvements in order for such businesses to operate. This was followed by local resident Austin Magee, Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Louisiana's 5th Congressional District. Magee is running a grassroots campaign and will accept small donations only for his campaign. He is committed to putting government back in the hands of the people and is pro term limits and ending lobbying. He wants to serve Louisiana's District 5 as a conservative Republican.
In Council business, the first item was to adopt an ordinance to establish the 22nd Judicial District Children and Youth Planning Board and to provide for the appointment of members by the Washington Parish Council, and to provide for other matters in accordance with LA. R.S. 46:1941.1 ET SEQ. During the Public Hearing prior to the Regular Meeting, Bogalusa City Judge David Duke spoke briefly on this matter. The formation of the Board was passed by the state legislature but is unfunded. He and Judges Haggerty and Garner will work to get stakeholders and coordinate needs and resources while transcending the judicial boundaries of Washington and St. Tammany parishes. This is a volunteer board and a "no money" ordinance.
Next, an ordinance was adopted to amend and ratify Ordinance No. 06-412, adopted December 11, 2006, relative to Building Codes and Permits; to update the adoption of the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code pursuant to LA. R.S. 40:1730.21 ET SEQ., to provide for automatic incorporation of future state-adopted code editions; to provide for administration, permits, inspections, contractor registration, enforcement, penalties and appeals; to provide for reference to the Comprehensive Development Ordinance for Fees; and to provide for related matters. Public Works Director Alex Sumrall explained that this ordinance basically updates the permit codes to the 2024 edition under the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code. Every few years they update the code book, and this is to assure the parish is working on the most up-to-date codes.
The Council then adopted five resolutions. First was authorizing the Washington Parish President to execute an agreement with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) for State Project No. H.015434 replacing the Mitch Road Bridge over Peters Creek. Secondly, was authorizing the Washington Parish President to enter into an Incumbent Worker Training Program Agreement with Geaux Jobs-Local Workforce Development Area 20 for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training. President Seal added that this is a tremendous opportunity for employees, specifically the public works and transportation departments. The parish has purchased several pieces of new equipment that require specialized licenses to operate, and employees can obtain a CDL at no charge to the parish with compensation on the "back end." The next resolution was along a similar line with Council authorizing the Parish President to execute documents necessary for participation in an On The-Job Training Program Administered by Geaux Jobs-Local Workforce Development Area 20. Seal explained that five to ten people will be hired at a state funded wage for three months and receive on-the-job training. He is hoping to then hire these people when openings occur.
A resolution approving the holding of an election in Washington Parish Fire Protection District No. 1 on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to authorize the levy of a special tax therein. Attorney Matt Garver added that the fire district is asking for this election and the Parish Council must allow it by passing this resolution. The final adopted resolution called for the appointment of Victoria Grant to the Washington Parish Tourism Commission Board of Directors.
In Public Participation, retired fireman Chris McCarra checked in with the Council on his two recent proposals for changes to the fire system and asked if any had the opportunity to respond to his challenge to visit all the fire districts in the parish. He also made suggestions for burn bans. Council President McMasters assured McCarra that his input will be appreciated when public input is sought on this matter.
In the President's Report, Finance Director Lacy Burris provided a financial statement for major funds through February 2026. Funds have been a little slow on revenues and expenditures but are in good shape. She added that the year often starts off slowly.
Public Works Director Alex Sumrall reported that as of March 23 Kelvin Brown's crew has maintained five parish locations by cleaning and cutting grass, installed ten signs on five roads, and picked up 423 bags of litter on 38 roads. Sumrall also announced that on March 25 a non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held for the 2026 Asphalt Resurfacing of Washington Parish Roads Bid Package.
President Ryan Seal noted the recent passing of Ronnie Tetreau, who worked with the Coroner's Office and a Washington Parish legend, John Gallaspy. He also asked for continued prayers for Cohen King who recently underwent surgery and congratulated Randall Garcia, pastor at Mt. Hermon Pentecostal Church for 25 years. Seal also congratulated Representative John Wyble who was elected vice-president of the Rural Caucus and has been named to the Ways and Means Committee. The parish government office will be closed for Good Friday, and the Landfill will be closed on Saturday, April 4. He ended by reiterating, "I will never try to regulate burning on private property."
In Council Discussion, Steven Branch thanked sponsors of the little league baseball program in Franklinton that includes almost 400 children this year. Reginald McMasters ended by thanking the public for electing the Council. He stated, "Decisions aren't always easy, but they are to make the parish better." The Council will have something again about the burn ban and as elected officials they must act on this matter, he said. The next meeting will be held on April 6, 2026.
Ben’s Ford basketball players, coaches, and school officials were present at the Parish Council meeting as the team was commended for their recent state championship.
