The Washington Parish Council held its most recent meeting on Monday, January 22 in Council Chambers. The meeting began with the invocation and pledge of allegiance which were followed by the approval of the minutes from the January 9 meeting.
The first item on the agenda was the adoption of a resolution of appointment for the
Washington Parish Riverside Medical Center Board of Directors. Appointments of Tammy Magruder, Grayson Ball, Arthur Westbrook, and Cynthia August have been adopted but there is a date correction. Originally, the appointments were to expire on December 31, 2030. However, the date of expiration should be December 31, 2029.
Next the Council adopted another resolution to Commit the General Fund Balance for the year ended December 31, 2023. Director of Finance Donna Graham explained that money is set aside for capital outlay and natural disaster recovery. The funds previously committed were used following Hurricane Ida for debris recovery costs, providing the Parish's match to FEMA. These funds have been reimbursed to the General Fund, and additional nonrecurring revenues were received this year that have been added to the amount of Fund Balance to be committed for the General Fund through this resolution.
Parish President Ryan Seal next presented his report. He first noted the recent Investiture Ceremony on January 19 for Judge Alan Black and Judge Tara Farris Zeller at the Washington Parish Courthouse. President Seal was in attendance and shared that it was a very nice event. He will be attending the ribbon cutting for the Southeast Louisiana Pregnancy Center on Monday, January 29. The Center is located on Avenue F in Bogalusa near Our Lady of Angels Hospital, and President Seal invited everyone to attend. He also extended an invitation to the combined Chamber of Commerce and Washington Parish Economic Development banquet on January 31 at Bo's Steakhouse. President Seal also shared that in the recent freezing weather events, shelters were open for those who needed a warm place. He was also very appreciative and complimentary of the parish employees who "stepped up" in the cold weather to have the roads and bridges prepared for freezing rain as well as the parish buildings prepared for the low temperatures.
Director of Finance Donna Graham gave the Council a preliminary year-end report that is not final as her staff is still working on receivables and expenses. However, she was pleased to report that all funds are in "good shape." Mrs. Graham did note that the Courthouse Maintenance item is currently showing a negative balance; however, this is temporary. She must request funds from Capital Outlay. This is due to the jail construction and paying the construction company. Once the transfer of funds is complete the Courthouse Maintenance will not longer be a negative balance item.
Transportation Manager Danny Knight reported that road crews have been cleaning up the sand placed on parish bridges in anticipation of ice during the recent freezing temperature event. He also noted that 184 bags of trash were collected on 19 roads; however, due to the freezing temperatures, there was less trash pickup than usual.
During Council Discussion Reginald McMasters shared that in his position of Superintendent of Public Works for the Town of Franklinton, he has seen quite a few broken pipes in the past week. He also noted that in his District there were downed trees, but everything is returning to normal. The Council as a whole expressed their appreciation for the effort by parish employees in the recent cold event.
