The Washington Parish Council held its regular meeting on Monday, July 10 at the Washington Parish Courthouse. Following the prayer and pledge, the minutes from the June 26, 2023, meeting were approved.
Only two items of business were on the agenda. The first was a Notice of Consideration of action regarding Ad Valorem Tax. There will be a meeting on Monday, August 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., in Council Chambers at which time there will be consideration of action regarding the calling of an election to authorize the levy and collection of an ad valorem tax dedicated to operation and maintenance of the Washington Parish Coroner's Office, including the creation of a morgue and vital community education center focused on preventive, premature deaths. There was no action taken on this item as it was informative.
Next, was a resolution by the parish council in support of the current approved capital outlay project through the State of Louisiana Office of facility, planning and control for the purpose of utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds up to $710,000.00 in order to maintain the project by providing the additional funds needed to secure the low bid received on May 18, 2023, for renovating the Washington Parish Jail. The Council voted to adopt this resolution.
During public participation, State Rep. Melinda White told the Council that she will be seeking the office of Parish President in the fall (President Richard Thomas is retiring and not seeking re-election).
Mrs. White explained that as a state representative she has been able to secure 46.7 million dollars for Washington Parish. One item in particular is that Northshore Technical College has received additional funding for the first time since the 1970's. This will allow the Welding Program to offer 100 seats for students in comparison to the current 30 seats. Mrs. White expressed that her experience as a state representative has afforded her the ability to "connect the dots" and address critical areas in the parish. She expressed that she has prepared herself for this position and will be proud to represent a parish where one can "live like a millionaire on 20 acres."
Following Mrs. White, Ms. Mary Ross expressed her gratitude to the Council for helping with the road situation where her home is located in the Green Valley Subdivision. She will still be advocating for asphalt paving; however, she is much appreciative of the work done on the gravel road.
Steven Branch introduced himself the Council and stated that he will be running for a position on the Parish Council. He hopes to represent District 5 and replace Rusty Fornea who will not be seeking re-election. He was born and raised in Washington Parish and is basing his campaign on "Our Parish, Our Future."
Richard Thomas then gave the President's Report. On June 28 there was a very productive meeting with U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow that covered many of the issues facing Washington Parish. One of the primary topics was mental health issues. Congresswoman Letlow is very receptive to ideas to enhance the quality of life for Louisiana residents.
On June 29 State Senator Beth Mizell hosted a meeting at Bogue Chitto State Park. Attendees were able to tour the newest facilities and discuss future potential for the park. One topic of conversation was securing funding to purchase adjacent land currently available which will make the state park the largest in Louisiana. As a side note, President Thomas informed the Council that on July 4, Bogue Chitto State Park had the largest number of people in attendance compared to all other state parks in Louisiana. (At press time the exact headcount was unavailable; however, numbers surpassed Fountainebleau State Park in St. Tammany Parish which is usually tops in attendance). President Thomas also noted that parish government assists the park with labor in upkeep of parking areas. Robbie Thomas and Friends of the State Park provided lunch for the crew who provides this service, and it was much appreciated. President Thomas also noted that Watermelon Festival was a great success, and he also thanked Parish Tractor for providing and appreciation lunch for the transportation department.
Director of Finance Donna Graham was pleased to announce that the Parish Government's audit was approved and is now posted on the Legislative Auditor's website. A representative from the audit team will be on hand with the results of the audit at the next meeting. She also announced that the Era Leader will continue to be the official journal of parish government. The parish has received the first payment from Opioid Abatement which was for 2021 and 2022 with expectations of the 2023 payment coming soon. Mrs. Graham suggested the forming of a committee to determine where these funds go has there are very specific guidelines on how they are spent.
Public Works Director Ken Wheat added that Fountainebleau State Park is very popular and in a densely populated area, yet Bogue Chitto State Park exceeded attendance which is impressive. He also expressed his best wishes to Administrative Assistant Terry Morgan who has been under the weather the past week. Transportation Manager Danny White gave his report, and one item of note is that in the past month the crews bushhogged 185 roads in the parish. Quality Assurance Technician Alex Sumrall reported that the remodeling of Location 2 is complete. New flooring, paint, and refurbished restrooms have greatly improved the site. He also informed the Council that road signs have been delivered, and he plans to take care of having them put in place immediately.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held on Monday, July 24, 2023.
