The Washington Parish Council met on Monday, October 23 in the Council chambers at the Washington Parish Courthouse.
The regular meeting was preceded by two public hearings at 5:45 pm. The first item concerned an ordinance to amend the 2023 annual operating budget for the Washington Parish Government. There were no questions nor public comments.
Director of Finance Donna Graham led the discussion of the next item which was to obtain views on the community development needs of Washington Parish and to discuss the submission of an application for funding under the State of Louisiana Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) Program. Discussed at the hearing was the amount of money available. Specifically noted was $6 million for blighted privately-owned property and remaining funds that are earmarked for streets, water, and sewers.
The parish government currently has a street repair project that will be open for bids in December and completed by April. To apply for another project, the current project must be completed to submit by the Mary 24, 2024 deadline. Parish Government is seeking funding to eliminate or prevent slums and blight. The Parish has an adopted Citizen Participation Plan which is available to the public as well as plans for minimizing displaced persons because of activities assisted with such funds and the benefits to be provided by the Parish to persons displaced as a result of such activities if displacement will occur as a result of the activities. The Parish does not anticipate displacement of persons with this funding.
At 6:00 pm the regular session of the Parish Council was called to order. Following a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, minutes dated October 9, 2023, were approved. The Council then adopted an ordinance to amend the 2023 Annual Operating Budget for the Washington Parish Government. Next was the introduction of 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 Applications for the Bogue Lusa Water Works District on behalf of the Parish and any of its political sub-divisions. There will be a public hearing on this matter on November 8 at 5:45 pm in Council Chambers.
Next, the Council adopted a resolution by the Washington Parish Council to submit to the Federal Off-System Bridge Replacement Program the priority list for 2023-2025, which the Old Columbia Road Bridge is the priority.
A resolution was also adopted for a certificate of Washington Parish evidencing public approval of bonds pursuant to Section 146(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. At this point Director of Finance Donna Graham interjected that the parish is not issuing bonds. This resolution is regarding the Capital Area Finance Authority that helps with down payments on homes for low-income participants. These down payments are offered at a low, fixed interest rate and with the rising interest rates in today's economy, the Authority is issuing bonds to ensure the rates remain low for applicants.
In Public Participation the Council heard from Firefighter Patricia Desmares. Ms. Desmares appeared at the October 8 meeting to seek permission from the board to begin working with Fire District #1 inspecting established commercial buildings. She is certified to do this and is also qualified to train other firemen. She appeared to offer more information as well as a letter supporting the program from Chief Dan Wallace of the state Fire Prevention Bureau. The goal of the program is to provide public information as well as keep the public safe. The inspections would take place once per year unless a violation is discovered.
The Fire Prevention program does not fine or collect fees but will refer violations to the state fire marshal. Ultimately, this will be a factor that help produce a PIL that helps homeowners with insurance rates.
Parish attorney Wayne Kuhn and several councilmen had questions, and it was decided that this would go to a committee meeting to work out details before bringing it back to the Council for approval.
The president's report began with a presentation to Director of Finance Donna Graham. She has been a member of the Louisiana GFOA (Government Finance Officers Association) since 2003. She was asked to join the board in 2018 and received her certification as a Certified Government Finance Officer through this organization in May 2019. Mrs. Graham also served as an officer on the Executive Board since October 2020; and earlier this month at the Fall Conference, she completed her term as President of the Louisiana GFOA and received a very prestigious plaque.
President Thomas then presented the plaque to Mrs. Graham and spoke on how important it is to have someone certified and knowledgeable in government accounting. Mrs. Graham added that colleges no longer teach government accounting, and this organization provides the means for accountants to obtain this training as well as other professional development, continuing education, and networking opportunities.
She was also pleased to share that the GFOA has given $57,000 in scholarships for training. President Thomas concluded the presentation by stating, "We are so very honored to have our own Donna Graham serve as President of the Louisiana GFOA!"
President Thomas felt the recent Washington Parish Free Fair was a great success and thanked all volunteers. He also noted that the courthouse was awarded not only Business of the Month by the Franklinton Home and Garden Club but also won first place in the Franklinton Chamber of Commerce fall decorating contest. He thanked Alex Sumrall, Kelvin Brown and his crew and Morgan Spears for all they did to make the courthouse fall and fair ready.
Transportation Manager Danny Knight noted that since October 8, 281 bags of trash were picked up on 15 roads and the asphalt crew is currently working on Church Street in Bogalusa.
Quality Assurance Officer Alex Sumrall was pleased to announce that three bridges in the parish now have project numbers which means work will begin soon. On November 1 the DOTD will be conducting bridge inspections, and he fully expects a third consecutive year receiving a rating of one.
The Council ended the meeting with congratulations to Mrs. Graham, thank-you’s for a great fair and urged folks to enjoy the weather and support high school football. The meeting was then adjourned.
