The Washington Parish Council met on October 26.
The Regular Meeting was prefaced with a public hearing on three proposed ordinances which were later adopted by the Council. First was an ordinance authorizing the Washington Parish President to extend the contract with Crowdergulf LLC for disaster debris removal and disposal services. Public Works Director Alex Sumrall explained that this allows parish government to extend the one-year contract annually as needed and "thankfully we did not need them this year."
The next ordinance authorizes the Parish President to extend the contract with Thompson Consulting Services for disaster debris monitoring and management services. Sumrall issued the same sentiment concerning these services in that there was no prepositioning needed with no hurricane affecting the parish. The two ordinances also provide for a possible tornado or other severe storm should the need arise.
The third ordinance adopted was one to amend "The Washington Parish Utility Scale Solar Project - Facility Standards Ordinance." The purpose is to provide for the issuance of preliminary and final permits; to provide for an independent third-party final compliance inspection; and to provide for related matters. The intent is to provide additional oversight throughout the solar development and installation process.
Prior to voting, audience member Tim Tackett addressed the Council. Tackett said he fully supports the ordinance as it shifts responsibilities to companies and away from parish taxpayers and parish government. He also presented a set of suggestions for additions to the ordinance, and he encouraged that safety standards should be next in this process.
In other business the Council introduced an ordinance amending Article 1, Section 4 of the Washington Parish Development Ordinance to adopt a revised Planning and Building Permit Fee Schedule, incorporate a State Mandated Permit Administrative Fee and provide for related matters. A second ordinance was to introduce to levy an occupational license/tax in Washington Parish as authorized by state law and to provide for related matters.
In public participation business owner Candy Crain questioned the occupational license fee. Council President Reginald McMasters explained that the Council is looking at increasing the occupational license fee as the current $25 is too low. He added that the ordinance will be discussed in a public hearing at the next meeting.
Parish President Ryan Seal was pleased with the reappointment of Michel who "brings lots of input and planning" to the meetings.
In Public Participation, Sheriff Jason Smith noted that the Washington Parish Jail is still the most overcrowded in the state with 241 inmates putting it at 160% capacity. He lamented that the new jail project is moving slower than he hoped but is progressing and a design should be ready in six months. He is hoping to break ground by the end of 2027. Meanwhile new funding sources are being pursued to help the burden on the parish for the new jail.
Tim Tackett urged the Council to be proactive regarding data centers that will be looking for sites where there’s no ordinance in place. He shared suggestions for ordinance contents and asked that the Parish Attorney review these and the Council set the ordinances now.
In the President's Report, Alex Sumrall reported that the Washington Parish Government asphalt crews will be paving Calendar Road, Carrier Road, Rufus Thomas Road, and Fred Sorenson Road. These are small roads located off Spring Valley Road. The paving work is part of President's Seal's ongoing efforts to maintain and improve local roadways.
Sumrall also announced that two new employees have been welcomed to the Public Works team. Lance Sanchez will be at the Highway 10 shop and is expected to be a valuable addition. Tim Dillon will report to Location 1 where he will be bushhogging and operating heavy equipment. These two new hires will help support the Parish's ongoing road maintenance vegetation management and heavy equipment operations.
President Seal said that he thought the Fair was a huge success and heisgrateful for the many volunteers who make it happen. A burn ban is currently in effect but does not violate Louisiana's Right to Farm law. Seal saidhe was pleased to attend the investiture of State Supreme Court Justice Billy Burris. He added that one of parish government's own, Charlet Lewis, will be Queen of the Krewe of Pepe in 2027.
Reginald McMasters ended the meeting by stating, "We must support one another in our parish." The next meeting will be held on November 9.
