The Washington Parish Council met on Monday, August 11. The meeting began with a Public Hearing for discussion on an ordinance to amend the 2025 Annual Operating Budget for the Washington Parish Government. During the Regular Meeting, the council adopted the ordinance. Director of Finance Lacy Burris added that the parish has received $300,000 toward the purchase of two dump trucks which will need to be included in the amended budget. No advertisement for bids can be authorized without first amending the budget. There is also a 36 week wait for the trucks.
Following the Public Hearing, the Regular Meeting was called to order with the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. The Council approved the minutes of the July 28 meeting. The Council then heard from Rusty Fornea, Executive Director of ADAPT, about the Washington Parish Youth Coalition, led by Regina Meyerchick. Fornea proclaimed that Meyerchick does a "phenomenal job." The program began in 2014 with six students and now boasts 178 members throughout the public and private high school and junior high schools in the parish which enables a wide range of socio-economic and other parameters to participate. The program's vision is to empower youth towards meaningful communal change and focus on alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana usage as well as mental health. Youth Coalition provides opportunities to cultivate leadership, experience civil/political engagement, and strengthen problem solving skills. Youth are encouraged to live with purpose and make an impact. Fornea presented a slide show of billboards, photos of school presentations and students attending the National Youth Leadership Forum in Washington D.C. Coordinator Regina Meyerchick stated, "I don't have to beg them to do anything." She is thankful for motivated students in the Coalition. Fornea ended by encouraging everyone to subscribe to the group's YouTube site at adaptwp.org.
The meeting then resumed with the Council adopting four resolutions. Two were resolutions to authorize the Parish President to sign an Intergovernmental Agreement to assist Bogue Lusa Waterworks and Varnado Waterworks for mutual aid in emergent situations. Public Works Director Alex Sumrall explained that this will allow for assistance only in emergency situations such as tree removal from water lines or digging out an area.
A joint resolution of the Washington Parish Council and the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance followed this. Parish President Ryan Seal explained that five counties in Mississippi to the north wish to promote common interests and work together on major projects. This resolution will create a firmer relationship for collaboration in the future.
The final resolution was to declare surplus and/or scrap movable property and an authorization of disposal. Lacy Burris explained that there is a paver and chip-sealer that will be up for auction but has a reserve of $135,000 and $100,000 respectively and proceeds will be used to purchase a new paver. Brad Toney, Fleet Manager, is a tremendous asset to the parish and has worked tirelessly to compile this list. Henderson Auction will conduct the sale.
In public participation Sheriff Jason Smith announced a grant from the Department of Justice for abuse against women. This will assist in investigating digital footprints in such cases. The Sheriff also emphasized that we have a significant problem in the parish with crimes against children. He attended a conference on this in Dallas recently and is making this a priority. One investigator works in this area and is overwhelmed by the number of cases. He asks citizens to pay attention and speak up and do so often.
In other business, he said the current inmate population is 252 with 233 in-house. The Clerk of Court staff is undergoing training to facilitate DOC transport, which will help alleviate the overcrowding to some degree.
Smith also announced a collaborative project in the works with the Washington Parish School System to provide dispatcher training and certification for high school junior and senior students. He is excited about the possibilities for this.
Bill Lewis of Angie encouraged the administration to continue to work to report work based on districts so that citizens can gauge the money spent in their district and this will assist in decisions to renew taxes.
DeAnn Davis introduced herself as the new Executive Director of the Washington Parish Economic Development Foundation. She stated, "It takes all of us to support business and attract new businesses."
In the President's Report, Lacy Burris reported that all major funds are in a good position as of July 31. She is concerned that sales tax revenues are down 15 percent and will be meeting with the sales tax office to help determine the cause. She added that she will investigate Mr. Lewis's request regarding work orders.
Transportation Manager Danny Knight reported that among other work in July, drainage projects were completed on 22 roads, 14 culverts were installed, 22 roads were graded, 163 roads were bushhogged for 283 miles and 609 bags of litter were collected on 55 parish roads. Crews also cleaned and cut 20 locations.
Public Works Director Alex Sumrall reported Barriere will begin a 32-mile project within the next two weeks. Construction has begun for the Clerk's Conveyance Room Remodel and should move quickly. Johnson Electric is working on the Courthouse lighting on the front lawn, both outer sides and under the oak tree near the Assessor's side entrance. Requests for Proposals have been advertised for debris removal and debris monitoring and must be submitted by September 8 at 3:00 pm.
Parish President Ryan Seal noted that the parish now a Purple Heart Parish and part of the national Purple Heart Trail. Names are still being added to the parish list.
He and others recently met with the Louisiana Restaurant Association Chairman to discuss opportunities for the parish. The Parish Pulse meeting recently held at Sugar Shack was a great success and well attended.
Grant Facilitator Landon Tims recently meet with Lieutenant Governor Nungesser about the early stages of a Northshore Performing Arts Center to benefit Washington, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa Parishes. Seal concluded by reminding everyone to be aware that it is back-to-school time and expressed his appreciation for the large network touching our future.
The next meeting will be on August 25.
