The Washington Parish Council met on Monday, April 24, in Council Chambers at the Washington Parish Courthouse. Following the prayer, pledge, and roll call, the minutes from the April 10, 2023, meeting were approved.
First on the agenda was Washington Parish School Superintendent Frances Varnado with an update on the school system. According to Mrs. Varnado "Great things are happening in our parish." She noted that both Franklinton and Pine baseball teams were advancing to the second round of the state playoffs and that under the direction of Coach Nate Murray, Franklinton High School JAG students place 10th at national convention in Orlando, Florida, out of 72,800 other student competitors. She also thanked District 6 Council Member Reginald McMasters, also employed by the Town of Franklinton, for repairing a sewer issue at the Johnson Auditorium at Franklinton Primary School.
In other news, Mrs Varnado said, with only five weeks of school left, workers started last Monday on the roof at FJHS and the school board will open bids on the interior remodeling of FJHS on April 27. The Thomas Early Childhood Center is progressing with a projected opening date in late August early September.
Currently Pre K roundup is going on at all of Pre K schools, and students can enroll as long as they turn 4 before September 30. Mrs. Varnado asked the Council and those present to please encourage any students that they know to enroll in PreK as soon as possible. The sooner WPSB knows the count, they can make sure there are teachers in place. Also, starting this year kindergarten will be required for any student turning five before September 30. She also noted that testing is currently going on in all schools grades 3-11. Testing started on April 17 and will go through May 5. Seniors' last day is May 5. Mrs. Varnado personally invited the Council to Senior Recognition Night on May 9 at FHS, PHS, and VHS. Mt. Hermon presents awards at graduation. Each one starts at 6:00 p.m. with Mt. Hermon at 10 am on Saturday May 13. She ended by thanking the Council members for attending graduations last year and cordially invited them to attend again this school year.
Following Mrs. Varnado was a very enthusiastic Toby Cortez with an update on the mountain bike trail project at the Bogue Chitto State Park. Mr. Cortez presented a short video that showcased all the areas of the existing trail and informed the board of new spots under construction. There are currently 19 miles of trails, and with over 300,000 volunteer hours, new areas are being added. It is estimated that there were 50,000 more people who came to the park since the addition of the trails. Mr. Cortez spoke of his passion for biking as well as his desire for folks to remain in Louisiana to pursue this sport. The trails at Bogue Chitto State Park are some of the best in the South, and he hopes Washington Parish feels the economic impact of visitors utilizing what the Park has to offer.
Next, the Council adopted an ordinance adding E. Thomas Road, Wilson Magee Road, Knapp Thomas Road, and Leo Mizell Road to the "No Thru Truck Routes" as per Ordinance No. 13-577. This is in response to the overuse of the roads by trucks hauling dirt to a project in the Bush area of St. Tammany Parish. The council also adopted a resolution of appointment for the Washington Parish Library Board of Directors. Perry Talley will replace Jim Adams and his term will expire December 31, 2024.
In other business, there will be a public hearing on May 8, 2023, for an ordinance to amend the 2023 Road Capital Outlay Budget. The Council also voted to adopt an ordinance to levy taxies for the 2023 Millage at the same rate as prior year on property subject to taxation in Washington Parish. The current millages are Exempted Municipalities - Inside 1.85; General Alimony - Outside - 3.70; Health Unit - 3.11; Library - 4.60; Road and Bridges 4.13; Road and Bridges 10.00; and courthouse and Public Building - 1.03.
Parish President Richard Thomas reminded everyone that May 4 is National Day of Prayer, and a service will be held at the large Franklinton flag near the Rock House at noon that day. He then presented retiring Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt a plaque thanking him for 38 years of service to Washington Parish. President Thomas praised Mr. Merritt's work ethic and the positive relationship he and his office enjoyed with Mr. Merritt. Ever humble, Mr. Merritt stated he was proud of all that had been accomplished and was thankful to everyone for their support. Mr. Merritt began with Parish Government when it was the Police Jury and started on a bushhog. He then moved to a grader, became a foreman and supervisor, and finished his career with 8 years as Transportation Manager.
Director of Finance Donna Graham informed the Council that her department has turned over the 2022 accounting to auditors who will be in-house May 8-16 completing their audit report. She will have a financial report for 2022 at the next meeting prior to the audit.
Public Works Director Ken Wheat praised the work of Mr. Donnell Merritt and expressed his deepest appreciation for Mr. Merritt as a mentor. He stated, "Mr. Donnell knows the roads of this parish like the back of his hand and has made a lot of jobs easier."
In other news, Mr. Wheat informed the Council that Kelsey Knight, Manager of the Animal Shelter, applied with 100 others for a course offered at Southern Utah University and was one of only five who were accepted. Mrs. Knight explained that she received a full scholarship for the six-month online course and will be learning about community-based leadership and shelter management. She will graduate in February.
Mr. Donnell Merritt gave his last report and wished his replacement, Danny Knight, the best of luck and an offer to assist when needed. President Thomas offered praise for Mr. Knight and the role he is assuming with parish government.
In final comments, each member of the Council wished Mr. Merritt the best and thanked him for his service to the parish as well as congratulating Kelsey Knight on her scholarship to Southern Utah University. Chairman Shawn Rice ended the Council discussion by congratulating baseball Coach Jeff Tageant on his retirement from FHS. Chairman Rice played for four years for Coach Tageant and expressed his gratitude for the lessons he learned not only about baseball but life as well. The meeting was then adjourned.
