Parish Council Hears Updates on Parish Schools, State Park, Animal Shelter

The Washington Parish Council met Monday (April 24, 2023) evening and addressed a full Agenda during the forty (40) minute meeting. 

Washington Parish School System Superintendent Frances Varnado provided an update on “a lot of great things happening in Washington Parish School System”. See the video beginning at 2:40. Varnado described student achievements, facilities being remodeled, Pre-K enrollment information, testing that is ongoing, and  graduation information, 

Toby Cortez provided an update on the Mountain Bike Trail project at the Bogue Chitto State Park. See the video beginning at 7:15. This is a big deal. Since it's inception, the project has attracted 50,000 additional visitors to the park. President Thomas later expressed his opinion that our state park is the #1 state park in Louisiana.

In other business, the Council

• approved an ordinance adding E. Thomas Road, Wilson Magee Road, Knapp Thomas Road, and Leo Mizell Road to the “No Thru Truck Routes”
• approved an ordinance to levy taxes for the 2023 Millage at the same rate as prior year
• introduced an ordinance to amend the 2023 Road Capital Outlay Budget
• approved a resolution of appointment for the Washington Parish Library Board of Directors. Perry Talley was appointed replacing Jim Adams.

Washington Parish President Richard Thomas and his staff provided their reports. See the video beginning at 18:45. Thomas announced a gathering to recognize the National Day of Prayer, the event to be at noon on May 4, 2023 at the flagpole across from the First Baptist Church in Franklinton. Thomas also recognized the retirement of Transportation Supervisor Donnell Merritt, who has worked for parish government for 38 years, and presented Merritt with a Certificate of Appreciation for his service. Danny Knight was recognized as Transportation Supervisor to replace Merritt. Reports were provided by Finance Director Donna Graham, Public Works Director Ken Wheat, Transportation Supervisor Donnell Merritt, and Animal Shelter Manager Kelsey Knight. Knight was recently awarded a scholarship, chosen as one of five out of over100 nominations. The scholarship was awarded by Southern Utah University for their Executive Leadership Certification Course in Animal Services. Knight elaborated on the scholarship as well as on improvements being made at the shelter.

Following comments from Council Members, the meeting adjourned.

WP Council 04242023.wmv from Mt. Hermon Web-TV on Vimeo.