A meeting of the Washington Parish Council was held on Monday, June 15.
Following the opening of the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes were approved from the June 1 Regular Council meeting.
First on the agenda was Sonnet Ireland from the Washington Parish Library. Ms. Ireland prefaced her report on the library by acknowledging Bobbie Jones, a 43-year employee of the Library who passed away on January 25. Parish President Ryan Seal presented a Certificate of Recognition that read in part: “In grateful recognition of more than forty (40) years of dedicated and faithful service to the Washington Parish Library System and the citizens of Washington Parish. Through her years as Manager of the Franklinton Branch Library, Mrs. Bobbie demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism, compassion, and a genuine love for serving the public. Her dedication helped foster a welcoming environment for learning, literacy, and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on countless patrons, coworkers, and families throughout Washington Parish.”
Ms. Ireland then presented her library update. From January through April 2026, the Library checked out 9,935 items; recorded 407 technology checkouts; logged more than 38,700 Wi-Fi sessions; recorded more than 19,400 patron visits; provided over 220 active programs with attendance exceeding 3,300 participants and issued 212 new library cards. Digital collections remain popular with more than 1,200 eBook and e-audiobook checkouts.
The library has also recently purchased new computers and is working to get them online and available to patrons as soon as possible. The new Angie branch at the old Boyd's Diner is underway and expected to open later this year. Ireland reminded everyone about state park passes and Check Out Louisiana passes and invited everyone to participate in the summer reading program. She ended by saying, "Support in the parish [for the library] is amazing. Spread the word."
Next on the agenda were J.T. and Ashley Thomas and Tab Seals who spoke about the upcoming Watermelon Festival. The festival will take place on July 10-11 and will feature a parade on Saturday at 9:00 am, traditional contests such as seed spitting along with a new painted watermelon event. The watermelon auction will take place on Saturday as well. Friday night will kick off Bulls, Broncs, Barrels and Bands in the rodeo arena with musical by Magnolia Rising. On Saturday Bag of Donuts will provide night music. There will also be a car show that will feature cars, truck, motorcycles, Jeeps, and tractors. There will be craft vendors and the weekend with end with fireworks at 9:45 pm on Saturday.
President Seal issued a proclamation that read in part: “We encourage all citizens and visitors to recognize and celebrate the farmers, agricultural workers, businesses, and community members whose efforts continue to strengthen this cherished tradition. Washington Parish extends its sincere appreciation to all those who have contributed to the success and reputation of the Washington Parish watermelon industry, both past and present.”
The council then introduced an ordinance establishing "No-Thru Truck Routes" on certain parish roads via Ordinance No. 13-577, specifically addressing Hwy 1073 that connects Hwy 16 and Hwy 60 in the Isabel area.
A public hearing will be held on the ordinance prior to the next meeting.
Moving along, the Council adopted a resolution authorizing the acquisition of surplus property through the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency Preference Buyers Program for emergency response and public safety purposes. Grants Administrator Bobbie Jo Breland explained that this will allow the purchase of trailers to provide sleeping quarters, shower facilities, and related accommodations to first responders, emergency personnel and support staff ruing hurricanes, severe weather events and disasters requiring a prolonged deployment.
The Council then adopted a resolution naming The Era Leader as the Official Journal for Washington Parish Government for the period of July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027.
In other business the Council adopted a resolution authorizing the Parish President to execute a contract with KTS Construction, LLC for the Angie Library Renovation Project; adopted a resolution to appoint Abigail Kemp to the Washington Parish Library Board of Control to replace Suzanne Betts with term ending December 31, 2030; adopted a resolution appointing David Merlin Duke, William Arata, Ann Buckalew-Culpepper and Leslie Susan Pittman to serve on the 22nd Judicial District Children and Youth Planning Board representing Washington Parish with the two year term expiring on June 16, 2028.
The Council adopted a resolution authorizing the Parish President to execute an Engagement Letter with Taylor Porter Brooks and Phillips LLP, for legal services related to utility scale solar project regulations. The purpose is for the organization to provide advice concerning amendments to the Utility Scale Solar Ordinance and other matters related to the regulation of utility scale solar projects in Washington Parish. Attorney Matt Garver clarified that this is the firm used when the ordinance was first created and it is a good practice to have a review with suggested updates that will "make the ordinance more robust."
D'Ann Davis from Economic Development Foundation questioned if this will affect projects currently in motion. Councilman Carley King responded, "That's why we are doing this." As two solar projects are hoping to establish themselves in the near future, this is the best time for this evaluation, he said. One is Entergy's proposed Bogalusa West solar project and Origis Energy project off Wardline Road.
The final business of the meeting was the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Parish President to execute documents related to FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Project DR-4577-0016-LA. Bobbie Jo Breland explained that a Safe Room will be built to ensure the safety and welfare of support staff during weather events such as hurricanes and other incidents.
In Public Participation, Sheriff Jason Smith reported that the jail population is at a near all-time high with 259 inmates with 68 of those being Department of Corrections prisoners waiting for transfer. He noted there is a higher percentage of pretrial inmates as District Judge William H. Burris has moved to the Supreme Court and there are fewer scheduled trials. He also announced the first graduation of Emergency Telecommunications students through a high school bridge program and inmates will begin collecting trash on state roads as part of the Keep Louisiana Beautiful Grant.
D'Ann Davis gave an update on all activities of the Economic Development Foundation and efforts to bring industry to the parish.
In the President's Report, Finance Director Lacy Burris gave an update on the May financial report and shared that the audit is done except for exit interviews.
Public Works Director Alex Sumrall reported that so far in June, 167 bags of litter have been picked up on 20 roads, 25 signs installed on 19 roads, and 18 locations have been cleaned and mowed. He also complimented Kelvin Brown and crew on the update to the front of the courthouse landscaping. Sumrall added that contract and in-house overlay projects are ongoing and 53 new construction permits were issued so far this year, adding to the total 965 permits dispensed.
Parish President Seal thanked Councilman Steven Branch and is wife for cooking for the recent staff picnic. He reminded that Early Voting is taking place and he was pleased to attend Dairy Day and visit with Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain. Strain has provided a live oak tree to each parish in celebration of America's 250th birthday. The Liberty Tree will be planted on July 1 at Veteran's Park at 10:00 am. Parish offices will be closed on July 3 and Seal encouraged everyone to attend the annual Bogalusa parade and the Watermelon Festival on July 10-11. The next meeting of the Washington Parish Council will be held on Monday, July 14, 2026, at 5:30 pm.
