The Washington Parish Council held its most recent meeting on Monday, November 6. Due to early voting in the Council's chambers, the meeting was held in the upstairs courtroom. Following the prayer and pledge, the minutes from the October 23 meeting were approved.
There were only two items of business on the agenda. First, the Council adopted an ordinance to authorize and direct the Washington Parish President to sign and execute on behalf of the Washington Parish Government any and all contracts, purchase agreements, declarations, applications, amendments, agreements and all other documents and paperwork necessary for the application, administration and closeout of fiscal year 2024-2025 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Public Facilities Application for the Bogue Lusa Water Works District on behalf of the Parish and any political sub-divisions thereof.
Next, the Council adopted an amended and supplemental resolution for Annual Certification of compliance with the State of Louisiana Off-System Bridge Replacement Program. This included the Lawrence Creek Road Bridge and Balltown Road Bridge.
Parish President Richard Thomas then presented his report. The Parish Government Office will be closed on Friday, November 10 in observance of Veteran's Day. Washington Parish Government will host their annual Thanksgiving luncheon on Friday, November 17 in Council Chambers. President Thomas noted that Mrs. Bobbie Jo Breland, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, worked with a citizen to assist in paying flood insurance. President Thomas was pleased to report that through the generosity of the parish government staff's personal gifts and that of a retired businessman, the citizen's flood insurance premium is covered for this year and next year. The businessman wished to remain anonymous but paid one full year's premium. President Thomas was pleased that this is a community willing to help its fellow man in times of need.
Director of Finance Donna Graham reported that there needs to be a Finance Committee meeting held as soon as possible to work on the 2024 budget. Councilman Reginald McMasters is chairman of the Finance Committee and stated they will be meeting as soon as possible. Mrs. Graham also introduced Accounts Payable Clerk Morgan Spears who was present at the meeting.
Quality Assurance Officer Alex Sumrall gave an absent Danny Knight's public works summary for the month. Of note is that 471 bags of trash were picked up on 37 roads. In council discussion, Councilman Rusty Fornea noted that this is a ridiculous number and asked that folks take pride in their community. Mr. Sumrall also noted that the asphalt overlay of Church Street in Bogalusa has been completed.
In final comments, Councilwoman Kim Wagner noted that everyone should take the opportunity to thank a veteran for his or her willingness to serve the country. Councilman McMasters shared that his father died in Vietnam in 1966 and though he never knew him, he is proud of his father's service. Mr. McMasters also urged everyone to vote in the upcoming run-off election and that "your voice counts." Rusty Fornea urged everyone to support the local high school football teams who are in the playoffs.
Due to the Thanksgiving holidays, the next Parish Council meeting will be on Monday, November 20, 2023.
