Parish Council and President Commended on Audit

Wilson LaGraize, with the firm of Kushner LaGraize, LLC, came before the Washington Parish Council meeting Tuesday evening (June 24, 2019) to report on the recently completed audit of Washington Parish Government. View the report here.  LaGraize's comments on the report begin at 2:15 into video of meeting. LaGraize remarked that it is a "very good audit", that President Thomas and his management team had done an excellent job, that the report reflects an "unmodified opinion" with regard to the primary government financials, and that it reflects an "adverse opinion" with it relates to the parish government's component units because they are not audited. Component units consist of the fire protection districts, gas utility districts, water districts, etc. LaGraize went on to note that the parish's net position had increased by $1.9 million and that Washington Parish is debt-free and commended both Parish President Richard Thomas and the Council.

Also during the meeting, in addition to routine matters,

• the Council heard reports from President Thomas, Finance Director Graham, Public Works Director Wheat, and Transportation Manager Merritt.
• President Thomas introduced Kelsy Knight, manager of the Washington Parish Animal Shelter. Public Works Director Wheat provided additional information about Mrs. Knight, who addressed the Council (beginning at 26:15 into video of the meeting)
• President Thomas proclaimed July as Antique Automobile Appreciation Month and presented the proclamation to Chat Jones (beginning at 31:25 into video of the meeting)
• Finance Director Graham recognized her team of Kristen Spears, Patrick Galavan, Ashley Sumrall,  Melissa Bateman, Charlotte Lewis, and Brad Toney (beginning at 34:30 into video of the meeting) 
• Transportation Manager recognized the outstanding work done by the road crews and President Thomas echoed his sentiments (beginning at 41:15 into video of the meeting)
• heard a report from a resident requesting repair of Fisher and Bonner Creek roads (beginning at 24:00 into video of the meeting)
• the Council approved a resolution naming The Era Leader as the parish's Official Journal