The Washington Parish Council met on November 20 in Council Chambers at the Washington Parish Courthouse. Following the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the Council adopted the minutes of the November 6 meeting.
The first item of business was the introduction of an ordinance to adopt the 2024 Annual Operating Budget and the Capital Outlay Budget for the Washington Parish Government. This was only an introduction, and a public hearing will be held on the matter on Monday, December 4 at 5:45 pm. Next the council approved a resolution to engage Kushner LaGraize, L.L.C. to perform audit services for the Washington Parish Government for the year ending December 31, 2023.
The Council then adopted a resolution of appointment for the Washington Parish Fire Protection District No. 9, Board of Directors. Jon Pinell and Shaunna Freeman were appointed for terms that will expire on December 31, 2025. A resolution of appointment for Gas Utility District No. 1., Board of Directors was approved for Hayward Boone whose term will expire on December 31, 2028. Marshall Winstead was approved for appointment for the Bogue Lusa Water Works District, Board of Directors, and his term will expire December 31, 2028. The final appointment approved by the Council was for Joe Lewis, for Varnado Water Works District, Board of Directors. His term will also expire on December 31, 2028.
In an item added to the agenda at the onset of the meeting, the Council approved a resolution authorizing the Washington Parish Government to apply for and administer a grant through the Louisiana Governor's Assistance Program.
In public participation, the Council acknowledged Mr. Jim Adams of the Bogalusa Lions Club and the Lions Club Foundation. Mr. Adams explained that Lionism is purely serving the public through community service. Some of the areas the Lions Club assist are local food banks, youth activities, providing college scholarships, and he noted that the Bogalusa Lions Club is a major funder for Christmas in the Park where approximately 20 to 30 thousand visitors each year enjoy the light display.
Another purpose the Lions Club is possibly best known for is sight preservation. Each year all kindergarten and first graders have their eyes checked, and if assistance is needed, the Lions Clubs helps to purchase glasses. Another program Mr. Adams was pleased to explain is the Leader Dog Service which provides service animals for the blind. With this close association with animals, Mr. Adams was pleased to present a check for $1000 to Washington Parish Animal Shelter Manager Kelsey Knight to be used to benefit the shelter and the great work happening there.
Parish President Richard Thomas began his report by congratulating Ryan Seal, Parish President-Elect, Jason Smith, Sheriff-Elect, John Wyble, State Representative-Elect on being elected on November 18, and Parish Councilman Reginald McMasters on his re-election. Parish President-Elect Ryan Seal briefly addressed the council and assured them he is looking forward to working with them and is working toward a smooth transition when he officially takes office in January.
Mr. Thomas also announced that the burn ban has been lifted in Washington Parish and the State of Louisiana as of November 17. He noted that parish flags have flown at half-staff on Friday, November 17 until sunset on Monday, November 20, in honor of the late District Attorney Warren Montgomery. President Thomas added that Mr. Montgomery will be missed by many.
Quality Assurance Officer Alex Sumrall gave the report on behalf of Transportation Manager Danny Knight. One highlight of the report was that 189 bags of trash were collected on 16 parish roads, and this continues to be a problem in the parish. In an update on the parish jail and Sheriff's Office, Mr. Sumrall reported that a new roof is on the jail and work is ongoing to the elevator, offices, and other inside areas. The complete renovation project is expected to take most of 2024 to complete. The LGAP resolution approved on the night's agenda is where much of the grant funding is originating from. Finally, Mr. Sumrall announced that the DOTD has given the approval for work to begin on the Cleve Kennedy Road Bridge in 2024. Of note, former transportation manager Donnell Merrit was present at the meeting and is enjoying his well-deserved retirement.
Council discussion included wished for a very Happy Thanksgiving and congratulations to the new Parish President Ryan Seal. The Lions Club was also thanked for its contribution to the Animal Shelter. Following this the meeting was adjourned.
