Positive Audit Reported to Washington Parish Council

After holding Public Hearings on the proposed ordinances, the Washington Parish Council Monday (June 26, 2017) evening approved amending the 2017 Annual Operation Budget and to enter into a contract with Waste Connections, Inc. for solid waste collection and transportation. Finance Director Donna Graham explained the budget amendment authorizes transfer of $250,000 from the general fund to the criminal justice fund and is necessary due to a decline in sales tax revenue. 
Wilson LaGraize with the firm of Kushner and LaGraize provided comments regarding the recently completed audit of Washington Parish Government for 2016 (beginning 5:40 into video of the meeting). He reported that the audit earned an “unmodified opinion”, the gold-standard of opinions. The parish has a net position of $47.2 million, all funds have positive net positions, the parish is on a positive track, no deficiencies were found in internal controls, and the bonded debt of the parish was paid in full in May, 2017. LaGraize commended Parish President Richard Thomas for his stewardship. 
Chief Deputy Attorney General Wilber “Bill” L. Stiles III also appeared before the Council (beginning 15:20 into video of the meeting). Stiles offered the assistance of the Attorney General's Office whenever needed. 
One resident requested road improvements be made in the Bonner Creek Community.
President Richard Thomas and his staff made reports to the Council (beginning 28:40 into video of the meeting) and the meeting concluded with comments from the Councilmen.

WP Council 06262017 from Mt. Hermon Web-TV on Vimeo.