The Washington Parish Council's latest meeting was held on Monday, March 27 at the Washington Parish Courthouse. In the absence of Chairman Shaun Rice, Vice Chairman Joe Culpepper presided. Following the invocation, pledge, roll call, and approval of the previous meeting's minutes, the Council addressed a fairly short agenda.
The first item was the proposed adoption of an ordinance to amend the 2023 Washington Parish Annual Operating Budget - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Fund. A public hearing concerning this ordinance was held prior to the meeting and with no further comments or questions, the ordinance was adopted. The next item was the adoption of a resolution to adopt the 2023 Annual Operating Budget of the Washington Parish Tourism Commission.
The final item of business was the adoption of a resolution by the Washington Parish Council to authorize the Parish President to sign an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Franklinton concerning Franklinton Rural Fire Service Response Area. Parish attorney Wayne Kuhn clarified the reason for the agreement. The Franklinton Fire Department services not only the area within the town limits but also a small area outside the town limits where there is no actual fire district established. This service has been graciously provided by the town's fire department, but this has been by verbal agreement and nothing in writing has been established until now.
According to Mr. Kuhn, the Parish Government and Town of Franklinton help each other out with things such as loaning of equipment and providing assistance when needed. Now this intergovernmental agreement with the town and parish will be in writing.
Under this agreement the town's fire department will continue to provide fire services to the area outside the town as usual, but with this now in writing it will be sent to the rating commission. This agreement will assist in determining a new, lower rating for Franklinton Fire Department which is currently a six.
Parish President Richard Thomas reported on the positive meetings held concerning broadband in the parish and with the Northshore Business Council who, according to Thomas, wanted to learn what Washington Parish's priorities are and how they can assist. The President also reported he was pleased to join the Franklinton Community Family Center and the distribution of laptops/chrome books which will be used to assist needy school-aged children. Finally, President Thomas announced that the Parish Government offices will be closed on Friday, April 7 in observance of Good Friday.
Director of Finance Donna Graham informed the Council that she has a report for January/February 2023 that shows all major funds have a positive balance. She is also working to close out 2022 and is preparing for the audit of those accounts.
Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt reported that a small bridge on Moore Cemetery Road off Highway 60 had to be replaced with culverts and the new structure is in great shape. Mr. Merritt also announced that he will be retiring next month after 38 years with parish government.
During Council Discussion, Rusty Fornea referred to the last meeting's talk of the opioid crisis. Mr. Fornea announced that through ADAPT, Narcan is available and the training for administering it is free. Anyone interested needs to contact the ADAPT office at 985-735-0610. Mr. Fornea also announced that he will not be seeking re-election to the Parish Council this year. Citing the ever-growing needs of his position at ADAPT, he feels it is time to step down at the end of 2023. Despite this, Mr. Fornea stated he will always be available to assist the parish. Following the other members of the Council congratulating Mr. Merritt on his retirement, the meeting was adjourned.
