Parish Council Extends Solar Moratorium & Much More

The Washington Parish Council met Monday (August 9, 2021) evening and 

• adopted an ordinance that set an age limitation of manufactured homes moved into Washington Parish
• introduced an ordinance revising the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance. This will be up for a Public Hearing and vote at the August 23rd meeting
• introduced an ordinance to abandon 425 feet of Wilkes Road. This will be up for a Public Hearing and vote at the August 23rd meeting
• approved a resolution of appointment to Fire District No. 6 Board of Directors. Christine Whittington was appointed
• approved a resolution employing and providing compensation for special legal counsel to assist in the drafting of ordinances concerning utility scale solar projects and related matters
• approved a resolution for a second extension on the moratorium on the approval or permitting of all solar panel farms or utility scale solar projects, commercial solar power plants or operations similar thereto
• approved a resolution of declaration of policies and procedures of the Washington Parish Government for individuals’ privacy, civil rights and civil liberties.

Parish President Thomas reported on COVID-19 stats that included the number of positive cases (175) in the parish, one death last week in Washington Parish, 25 deaths in neighboring St. Tammany Parish, and a 35.43% vaccination rate in our region. President Thomas encouraged all to be vaccinated. Thomas also spoke on a campaign to improve broadband internet access and efforts to address the litter problem. See the reports by President Thomas and his staff beginning at 19:50 into video of the meeting.

“Most Significant Financial Decision” Made by the WP Council

The Washington Parish Council met Monday (December 12, 2022) evening to address a full Agenda. Dominating the meeting was Agenda Item # 9, “Discuss and take appropriate action concerning Industrial Tax Exemption Program Application-Project ID 20210366-ITE (Bogalusa West PVI, LLC). The Council's Attorney Wayne Kuhn characterized the matter as “the most significant financial decision” made by the Washington Parish Council. 

At issue was whether or not to grant an Industrial Tax Exemption to a solar project by Bogalusa West PVI, LLC north of Bogalusa on approximately 2800 acres of 112,000 acres owned by Weyerhaeuser in the Parish. 

Due diligence was given the matter. (See the video below, beginning at 6:40) The Council heard from representatives of Savion, one of the country’s largest and most technologically advanced utility-scale solar and energy storage project development companies in the U.S. and a Shell Group portfolio company. The Council also heard from numerous parish residents, most of whom were opposed to granting the ITC. Questions were asked and answered, projections were made and disputed, and the pros and cons were discussed concerning the potentially tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue involved. Would denying the ITC deprive the Parish of a substantial opportunity? Would the project proceed without the ITC? In the bigger picture, is solar projects good for our Parish or a disruption to our way of life? Well, solar is apparently here to stay and regulating and managing it is the best we can do.

In the end, the Council voted to deny the ITC. Click here for a recent related article and video and click here for more related stories and video regarding the solar issue

In other business, the Council 

• approved the 2023 Annual Operating Budget and the Capital Outlay Budget for the Washington Parish Government
• approved the contract for disaster debris monitoring and management services
• introduced an ordinance establishing a four-way traffic stop at the intersection of Frankie Miller Road and Bill Simmons Road
• approved resolutions authorizing the Parish President to sign intergovernmental agreements to assist the Village of Varnado, the City of Bogalusa, the Town of Franklinton, and the Village of Angie with skilled labor and mechanized equipment towards driveway, parking area, road rehabilitation, drainage and flood control
• approved appointments to the Washington Parish Fire District No. 1 Board of Directors, the Washington Parish Tourism Commission Board of Directors, the Washington Parish Planning Commission Board of Directors, the Mt. Hermon Water District Board of Directors, and the Washington Parish Fire District No. 7. Board of Directors

The President's Report begins at 1:49:55

Parish President Thomas announced that notice has been received from the National Weather Service that Washington Parish is recognized as “Storm Ready”. Washington Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness Director Bobby Joe Breland added more information and that Washington Parish is one of the 24 of 64 Louisiana parishes to receive the recognition. 

President Thomas expressed his appreciation to the voters for approving the renewal of a tax to meet State mandated expenses.

President Thomas and Public Works Director also commented on the improved financial status of the Parish, in contrast to other parishes. 

WP Council 12122022.wmv from Mt. Hermon Web-TV on Vimeo.

Washington Parish Council Meeting November 14, 2022

The Washington Parish Council met Monday (November 14, 2022) evening and acted on numerous Agenda items but most of the meeting dealt with applications for Industrial Tax Exemptions submitted by two solar projects. Beginning at 3:50 into video of the meeting, the Council heard from representatives of applicants Sunlight Road Solar, LLC and  Bogalusa West PVI, LLC, as well as numerous parish residents opposed to the applications and projections made by the applicants. 

The matter of taxes from these solar panel farms (and more are in the works) is a big dollar one: permit fees, substantial sales tax revenue and even more in property taxes. From just the Sunlight Road Solar project, the representative quoted $700,000 in permit fees (a one time deal), $1.5 million-to $2 million in sales taxes (a one time deal), and $30 million in property taxes over the life of the project (a figure disputed by others who spoke). 

While the Industrial Tax Exemptions have been approved on the State level, the three taxing entities in Washington Parish can approve or reject. The entities are the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office (which have rejected the applications), the Washington Parish School Board (which has tabled the matter in order to get more information), and the Washington Parish Council.

Each application was considered separately. In the end, the Council rejected the application by Sunlight Road Solar, LLC. However, the Council delayed action on the Bogalusa West PVC, LLC application until the December 12, 2022 Council Meeting in order to obtain more information.

In other business, the Council 

• heard from parish resident Richard Magee
• heard from resident Jackie Tate
• approved an ordinance to amend the 2022 annual operating budget
• introduced two ordinances: one approving the contract for disaster debris removal and disposal services and one requiring the Washington Parish Clerk of Court and Washington Parish Sheriff to impose, collect and remit certain filing fees pursuant to Louisiana revised statute 33:1236(55)(a) as amended
• approved five resolutions of appointment to boards
• approved a resolution authorizing the Washington Parish Government to apply for and administer a grant through the Louisiana Governor’s Assistance Program

Parish President Thomas and his staff provided reports, beginning at 1:19:30 into video of the meeting. 

WP Council 11142022.wmv from Mt. Hermon Web-TV on Vimeo.

WP Council Meeting of March 28, 2022

The Washington Parish Council met Monday (March 28, 2022) evening and began with Public Hearings, one of which was on the Washington Parish Utility Scale Solar Project Facility Standards Ordinance. As it turned out, the Public Hearing and the majority of the regularly scheduled Council meeting was devoted to complaints and objections to the ordinance and to the approval process for new projects in the parish. Several parish residents and Washington Parish Planning Commission member Wayne Herring spoke. 

The issue of regulating solar panel projects has been a complex and controversial topic at several Council meetings over the past year. The Council's focus has been to be transparent, receive input from all interested parties and prepare a comprehensive ordinance. The Concerned Citizens of Washington Parish have been at the forefront in asking questions and making suggestions. At the meeting on March 14, 2022, the organization's spokesperson expressed support for the resulting ordinance. 

Click here for related story and context

The ordinance had been previously introduced and, following a Public Hearing on March 28, 2022, the Council was to vote. They did. Surprisingly, the ordinance was not approved. Voting to approve the ordinance were Rusty Fornea, Clark Harry, and Joe Culpepper. Voting to not approve were Reginald McMasters, Carley King, Shawn Rice, and Kim Wagner.

The need to regulate solar panel projects remains and on March 29, 2022, Public Notices were published that the Washington Parish Planning Commission and the Washington Parish Council will each have a Special Meeting on March 31, 2022. The Commission will meet at 5:00 PM and the only item on the Agenda is “Discussion of the proposed Utility Scale Solar Project Facilities Ordinance.” Immediately following the Commission meeting, the Council will meet and the only item on the Agenda is “Introduction of Ordinance 22-707 – The Washington Parish Utility Scale Solar Project Facility Standards Ordinance.”

Stay tuned!

Parish Council: Amwaste Contract, Solar Moratorium & More

The Washington Parish Council met Tuesday (June 14, 2021) evening and adopted one ordinance, introduced three ordinances, acted on three resolutions, heard a report from Parish President Thomas and his staff, and heard from one resident during the Public Participation segment of the meeting. The meeting was well-attended with most there interested in action(s) regarding the solar panel plants issue.

The Council

• approved an ordinance granting a contract with Amwaste of Louisiana, L.L.C. for solid waste collection and transportation
• introduced three ordinances that will be up for Public Hearings and vote on June 28, 2021

1. an ordinance accepting approximately 4.503 miles of state roads upon rehabilitation of the state roads performed by the State of Louisiana, Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) in exchange for the DOTD providing road transfer credits to the Washington Parish Government in the amount of One Million, Nine Hundred Sixty-Six Thousand, Six Hundred Eighty-One Dollars ($1,966,681.00) For the DOTD to bring approximately 5.086 miles of parish roads up to state standards under the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Road Transfer Program
2. an ordinance accepting Delta Lane as Parish Road
3. an ordinance accepting Tammy Lane as Parish Road

• adopted two resolutions

1. a resolution of appointment for the Washington Parish Fire District No. 2. Board of Directors
2. a resolution extending the moratorium on the approval or permitting of all Solar Panel Farms or Utility Scale Solar Projects, Commercial Solar Power Plants or operations similar thereto. The resolution called for a 60-day extension. Councilman Fornea motioned for a 30-day extension but his motion failed to receive a second and a 60-day extension was approved.

During Public Participation, one resident came forward to describe a problem with litter and noise from his neighbor's dogs. The Council's attorney Wayne Kuhn offered to meet with the resident to discuss the problem and did so after the meeting ended.

President Thomas and his staff made their reports and, after comments from Council Members, the meeting adjourned.

Solar Panel Farms Issue Takes Center Stage at Parish Council Meeting

The Washington Parish Council met Monday (May 10, 2021) evening and adopted seven ordinances,  approved one resolution, and heard reports from Parish President Richard Thomas and his staff. However, it was the issue of solar farms/plants that took center stage during the Public Participation segment of the meeting.

Ordinances and the resolution approved included 

• an ordinance authorizing the conveyance of approximately 11 acres owned by the Washington Parish Government
• an ordinance authorizing WPG to apply for and administer a grant through the 7. Louisiana Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (LCDBG-CV) HVAC improvements program
• an ordinance to levy taxes for 2021 millage at the same rate as prior year
• three ordinances accepting Déjà Vu Lane, Poole Drive, David Drive, Kelli Lane, and 11. Denis Road (sometimes referred to as Denise Road) as a Parish Roads
• one ordinance to abandon 0.15 miles of Robert Stuart Road
• a resolution authorizing a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (Intergovernmental Agreement) Between the Washington Parish Government and the Office of the District Attorney for the 22nd Judicial District for Washington and St. Tammany Parishes

Several parish residents addressed the Council during the Public Participation segment (beginning at 14:00 into video of meeting). They included Vonda Waskom, Lynette Sharp, Jennifer Brown, Wilson Lagraize, Benny Sorrell, Jo Beth Valentina, and Wilda Fisher. They expressed concerns about the solar panel farm off Hwy 16 and other proposed solar panel farms.  Their concerns and questions included environmental concerns, questions as to environmental impact studies, health concerns, “eye sore” concerns, nearby residents' quality of life concerns, transparency questions and why didn’t the citizens have any notice, how much money will parish government receive, the need for zoning and policy and procedures regulations and how will the money received through permits be spent? The issues will be at the forefront of a meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission on May 18, 2021 at 5:00 PM in the upstairs courtroom at the courthouse in Franklinton. Immediately following the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, the Infrastructure Committee of the Washington Parish Council will meet  to consider what further action is appropriate.

Also, during Public Participation, Richard Berry followed up on a question he presented at the last Council meeting regarding Riverside Medical Center not accepting citizens' insurance and causing them to use other parish hospitals. President Thomas responded, “I have reached out twice with no return phone call.  I will get this information to you as soon as I can.”

President Thomas gave his report (beginning at 49:20 into video of the meeting) that included an update on COVID-19 in the parish. Washington Parish was at a 3.70 percent positivity rate two weeks ago and are now at 1.2 percent positivity rate. Finance Director Donna Graham related information on the budget and also said “I would like to answer the questions regarding the money the Parish Government received from the solar panels along with where the money will be going.  We should receive sales tax close to the amount of $1.6 million dollars.  Those sales taxes will be distributed as they are dedicated.  4.83% will go to the following: 

• .5% Sherriff’s Office
• 1.45% Washington Parish School systems; Franklinton, and Bogalusa
• 2.88% Washington Parish Government
• .67 Choctaw Landfill
• .33 Criminal Justice Fund, funds the mandated expenses for the parish that includes Judges, Jail, District Attorney
• .33 Road Capital Project Funds
• 1% Road Maintenance Fund 

Alex Sumrall and Transportation Supervisor Donnell Merritt reported on the following since the beginning of April: Drainage work on 28 roads covering 56 miles, delivered 24 tons of cold mix on 12 roads covering 27 miles, delivered 200 tons of hot mix on 18 roads covering 38 miles, installed 11 culverts, graded 109 roads covering 218 miles, hauled 100 yards of gravel on 1 road covering 2 miles, bushhogged 167 roads covering 336 miles, picked up 544 bags of trash on 45 roads, installed 17 signs, maintained 11 parish locations, sprayed around 100 culverts and bridges on 10 roads, and completed the following contract roads: CC Road, Fisher Road, Carol Morgan Road, Tycer Varnado Road, Madison Bateman Road, Wilson Road, Sam Thomas Road, Duncan Road, Claude Nobles Road, Lake Choctaw Road.

The Council concluded the meeting following a final review and approval of Section 1-01 through 2-10 of the Home Rule Charter (beginning at 1:07:30 into video of the meeting).

WP Council Advances Solar Ordinance, Approves Overlay on 28 Roads

The Washington Parish Council began meetings Monday (March 14, 2022) evening with a 5:00 PM Special Meeting to discuss the proposed Utility Scale Solar Project Facilities Ordinance and then the Council met at 6:00 PM in regular session.  

The issue of regulating solar panel projects has been a complex and controversial topic at several Council meetings over the past year. Click here for related stories and video The Council's focus has been to be transparent, receive input from all interested parties and prepare a comprehensive ordinance. The Concerned Citizens of Washington Parish have been at the forefront in asking questions and making suggestions. At Monday's meeting, the organization's spokesperson expressed support for the resulting ordinance. Click here for video of the Special Meeting

During the regular session, the Council

• introduced the Utility Scale Solar Project Facilities Ordinance. The ordinance will have a Public Hearing and Council vote on March 28, 2022
• introduced an ordinance to amend the 2022 Annual Operating Budget- Road Maintenance and Road Capital Project Funds
• adopted a resolution to accept the lowest bid and to authorize the Parish President to sign an agreement between Lowe Brothers, L.L.C. and Washington Parish Government for asphalt to overlay on B F Roberts Rd., Martin Rd. (Mt. Hermon), Buckley Coon Rd., E, Ford Rd., Lonnie Duncan Rd., Thomas Cryer Rd., Austin Varnado Rd., Smith Wallace Rd., West Yates Rd., North Yates Rd., Jim Edward Rd., Johnny Martin Rd., Conrad Seals Rd., Mike Thomas Rd., Frank Kennedy Rd., Henry Kennedy Rd., Nelson Rd., Carnegie Rd., Hayes Creek Rd., Bluebird Rd., Sam Smith Rd., C Corkern Rd., Crawford Rd., Hammond Sylvest Rd., Sylvest Rd., Leblanc Rd., Martin Rd. (Varnado) , Mohon Rd
• adopted a resolution in support of a special ad valorem tax in the City of Bogalusa for payment of costs of garbage disposal
• adopted a resolution authorizing the Washington Parish Government to apply for and administer a grant through the Louisiana Governor’s Assistance Program (LGAP), and
• heard reports from Parish President Thomas and his staff (see the video beginning at 8:45). 

Washington Parish Council: Major Issues Nearing Completion

During the Monday (November 22, 2021) meeting, the Washington Parish Council received information and took actions regarding some major issues. First, noise abatement measures are complete at the Entergy facility near Bogalusa. Second, the draft of the proposed ordinance regulating solar panel projects is nearing completion. Third, debris cleanup following Hurricane Ida is complete with the exception of six stumps. 

Entergy representative Patrick Hamby advised the Council (beginning at 6:55 into the video) that noise mitigation measures at the Entergy plant near Bogalusa are now complete and testing is planned for next week. The target noise level is 45 decibels. 

The Council approved a resolution for a fourth extension (for 90 days) of the "moratorium on the approval or permitting of all solar panel farms or utility scale solar projects, commercial solar power plants or operations similar thereto". Prior to approving the resolution and beginning at 52:20 into the video, the Council was advised that the draft of the proposed ordinance was nearing completion. The draft of the proposed ordinance is being prepared by a group of four attorneys, each expert in their fields, retained by the Council. It was ultimately agreed that the draft would be provided to all interested parties and be brought to the Council at a special meeting. The Planning Commission and all interested parties will be invited. The ordinance will then be introduced followed by a Public Hearing and vote by the Council two weeks after introduction.

In other business, 

• Small Business Administration representative Barbara Nitis made a presentation (beginning at 2:40 into the video) on assistance available to residents in the wake of Hurricane Ida. The number to call is 800-659-2955
• AT&T representatives Britt Ikerd and Eric Jones (beginning at 9:55 into the video) provided an overview of efforts to improve broadband to the Parish and requested a resolution in support of their application for a competitive $90 million Gumbo grant from the State of Louisiana
• an ordinance was introduced to adopt the 2022 Annual Operating Budget and the Capital Outlay Budget for the WPG. A public hearing and vote will held on December 6, 2021
• approved a number of resolutions of appointment. Huey Newcomb, Judy Howard, and John McCrary were re-appointed to the Washington Parish Fire District No. 5. Board of Directors; Troy Crain, Penny Moses, and Jerome Warren were re-appointed to the Washington Parish Planning Commission; Michael Harang, Thomas Garic, and Ricky Brumfield were re-appointed to the Washington Parish Fire District No. 2. Board of Directors; John Nathaniel, Gary Pierce, and Christine Whittington were re-appointed to the Washington Parish Fire District No. 6. Board of Directors
• a resolution was approved to engage Kushner Lagraize, L.L.C. to perform audit services for the WPG
• a resolution was approved in support of expanding Louisiana Highway 25 and Mississippi Highway 27 to four lanes.

Parish President Richard Thomas (beginning at 1:10:00 into the video) commented on the recent ground-breaking of the Hwy. 3241 project (finally becoming a reality after 32 years), provided comments and described the recent Larry Wells Memorial Highway dedication ceremony at Mt. Hermon School as “wonderful”, remarked on the efforts expanding Highway 25 to a four-lane, and provided the latest COVID-19 statistics in the Parish.

Solar Panel Topic at Washington Parish Infrastructure Meeting on June 21, 2021

The  Washington Parish Council Infrastructure Committee met Monday (June 21, 2021) evening. The bulk of the lengthy meeting addressed the solar panel issue in the parish. The meeting was well-attended and organized and all persons wishing to speak, did so. Two proposed ordinances to regulate solar panel installations were reviewed (links provided below): one was prepared by concerned citizens and the other was a draft prepared by the Committee. Speakers provided information, asked questions, and offered opinions. Work on an ordinance will continue and ultimately be presented to the Washington Parish Council for consideration. 

In addition, the Committee discussed upcoming redistricting and a moratorium on waivers provided by the Planning and Zoning Commission as it relates to mobile homes over 25 years of age.

Video of the meeting was edited to only include the solar panel part(s) of the meeting.

Click here for the ordinance proposed by the concerned citizens.

Click here for the draft of the ordinance prepared by Infrastructure Committee.

Washington Parish Council Approves Solar Ordinance

At a Special Meeting of the Washington Parish Council at 6:00 PM on April 14, 2022, the Council approved Ordinance 22-707 – The Washington Parish Utility Scale Solar Project Facility Standards Ordinance. The vote was unanimous. The Special Meeting was preceded by a well-attended Public Hearing on the ordinance at 5:45 PM. 

We will update this with a link to the ordinance as soon as it is available.

For over a year, the Council has discussed, deliberated, and received input from interested parties on regulations needed for utility scale solar projects in Washington Parish. 

Click here for related stories and video

The Concerned Citizens of Washington Parish Request Your Input Into Proposed Solar Ordinance

The Concerned Citizens of Washington Parish is asking that the public attend and voice opinion on the proposed Utility Scale Solar Project Facilities Ordinance at a meeting tonight (March 14, 2022). The meeting is scheduled for 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers located in the Washington Parish Courthouse.

The ordinance is on the Agenda to be introduced at the 6:00 PM meeting of the Washington Parish Council.

Reportedly three sites are currently proposed for Washington Parish.

The issue regarding solar panel projects in Washington Parish and their regulation by the Washington Parish Council has been ongoing for several months. 

Click here for previous related stories

Parish Council Elects 2022 Chairman and Vice Chairman

The Washington Parish Council's first meeting of 2022 began with the election of a new Council Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Carley King (District # 7 Councilman) and Shawn Rice (District # 2 Councilman) were elected Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively by their fellow Council members. 

After taking care of routine matters, the Council heard from parish resident Nick Smith who made an interesting  presentation that demonstrated the relative size of farm land left in the world and emphasized the importance of maintaining our farmland for the production of food. (See his presentation beginning at 7:35). 

The President's report consisted of reports by Finance Director Donna Graham, Public Works Director Ken Wheat, and Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt. Graham provided the latest COVID statistics that included positivity rates have increased from 5.5% in December 16, 2021 to 26.3% on January 6, 2022; other stats and information were provided. (See her report beginning at 15:30). Merritt reported on the volume of work done by work crews in December of 2021; of particular note, was 701 bags of garbage picked up.

Attorney Wayne Kuhn reported on the progress of Redistricting and that the Solar Facilities Draft Ordinance will be available to the Council and interested parties on Wednesday, January 11, 2022. (See his reports beginning at 28:10). Hearings on both Redistricting and the Solar Facilities Draft Ordinance will be scheduled to receive the public's input. 

WP Council 01102022.wmv from Mt. Hermon Web-TV on Vimeo.

Your Latest Parish Council Meeting: Tourism Commission, Entergy Plant Update, & More

At the Washington Parish Council meeting Monday (March 24, 2021) meeting,

• Henry Harrison and other members of the Tourism Commission introduced Patricia “Patty” Alford as the Office Manager, replacing Kathi Mayor who is retiring (beginning at 2:25 into video of the meeting). The Tourism Commission also provided punch and cake for those in attendance.
• Entergy Representative Patrick Hamby provided an update on noise abatement progress at the power plant outside of Bogalusa City limits (beginning at 9:30 into video of the meeting).
• Introduced an ordinance granting a contract with Amwaste of Louisiana, LLC for solid waste collection and transportation. A Public Hearing on the ordinance and council vote will be held at the next Council Meeting in two weeks.
• Approved two resolutions. One was authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the Washington Parish Government and the Village of Angie. The second was to accept recently completed sidewalk improvements funded by a State and Federal Project. 

During the Public Participation segment, parish resident John Stevens addressed the Council regarding problems he is experiencing caused by the nearby solar power plant.

In the President's Report to the Council (beginning at 20:40 into video of the meeting)

• Parish President Richard Thomas provided an update on COVID-19 in Washington Parish, encouraged residents to make arrangements for vaccination, and encouraged residents to prepare for hurricane season. 
• Public Works Director Ken Wheat reported that agreement is pending for the solar power plant near Kat Kaw Road to remedy drainage problems. Wheat also reported on major improvements being made at both the Courthouse and the Washington Parish Jail. Funding for the improvements were made possible by grants.
• Alex Sumrall and Donnell Merritt also provided reports.

Robert Stafford announced that a Memorial Day service will be held by American Legion Post #24 at Fisher Methodist Church Cemetery on Monday, May 31st at 10:00 am.

Following Council Discussion and a review of the Home Rule Charter Section 2-11 through 4-03, the meeting adjourned. 

Parish Council Approves Asphalt Overlay of Ten Roads

The Washington Parish Council approved a resolution Monday (March 22, 2021) evening to authorize the Parish President to sign an agreement with Barriere Construction for asphalt overlay on Lanes Road, Wells Road, Mack Adams-O’ Berry Road, Bill Booty Road, Will Talley Road, Harry Kennedy Road, Fisher Road, C.C. Road, Carol Morgan Road, Lake Choctaw Road, Claud Nobles Road, Hammerstone Road, Pine Lane and West Choctaw Road. The project was made possible by a very low bid from Barriere (about $500,00.00 lower than the next lowest bid) and the availability of funds described in the Finance Director's report.

The Council also

• received an update from Entergy representative Patrick Hamby on their noise-mitigation efforts at the power plant outside of Bogalusa (beginning at 3:30 into video of the meeting). Hamby stated they are “on-track” with plans previously reported with start time of construction as end of August or first of September. The target level is 45 to 50 decibels. Questions and comments came from Council members and parish residents
• heard a presentation Ocean Behavioral Hospital representative Cadie Robertson (beginning at 18:20 into video of the meeting). 
• adopted an ordinance supplementing the “NO THRU TRUCK ROUTES” ordinance
• approved a resolution placing a moratorium on the approval or permitting of all solar panel farms, commercial solar power plants or operations similar thereto

In his report (beginning 28:50 into video of the meeting), Parish President Richard Thomas 

• reported on damage during the recent storm, including damage at the Mile Branch Settlement at the Fairgrounds in Franklinton
• provided an update on COVID-19 in the parish 
• provided an update on addressing the litter problem in the parish
• proclaimed April as Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity Month
• encouraged residents to stay weather-aware by going to the Washington Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WPOHSEP/
• reported on the FOCUS Franklinton community bike ride scheduled for April 6th

A very positive report was provided by Finance Director Donna Graham (beginning at 36:20 into video of the meeting). Graham reported that several fund balances were better than projected for various reasons. Public Works Director Ken Wheat's report (beginning at 43:15 into video of the meeting) included information about the asphalt overlay project and he updated the Council on ongoing projects. Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt provided a report (beginning at 51:00 into video of the meeting). Altogether, 859 bags of garbage were picked up in only two weeks; this, in addition to other work performed.

WP Council Hears About Work Crews, Appoints Redistricting Consultant, Sets Up Redistricting Advisory Committee

The Washington Parish Council met Monday (October 11, 2021) evening and, in addition to handling routine matters, addressed the matter of redistricting of council districts, heard comments from residents, and heard reports from Parish President Richard Thomas and his staff.

The work of redistricting of council districts must be accomplished by the end of the calendar year. To facilitate the work, the Council voted to approve an amended resolution that 1) appointed Marshall Buddy Jenkins as a consultant to the Washington Parish Council (as recommended by the Infrastructure Committee) and 2) established an Advisory Committee. Jenkins “crunches” the numbers to comply with redistricting requirements and makes recommendations to the Council, who will vote on how council districts lines will be drawn. The Advisory Committee, consisting of seven members (one to be appointed by each Parish Council Member) will participate and provide for transparency in the process. View the video beginning at 5:35. Also, go to https://www.mthermonwebtv.com/2021/09/wp-infrastructure-committee-on.html, beginning 2:00, for the discussion on redistricting at the Infrastructure Committee meeting on September 23, 2021.

President Thomas provided an update on the review by the attorney firm engaged by the parish to examine solar plant issues. See the video beginning at 15:50. The review has included examination of documents of related hearings by the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, programs in other states, an analysis of the parish's draft of a proposed ordinance, input by the Concerned Citizens, and input from two solar energy companies. A final report is expected by the end of November.

Beginning at 20:00 into the video, President Thomas provided an update on COVID-19 in the parish, Public Works Director provided information regarding debris cleanup following Hurricane Ida, Finance Director Donna Graham and others remarked on the recent passing of Washington Parish Librarian Allison Barron and his contributions over the years, and Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt reported on other work performed by work crews. 

Thomas, Wheat, Merritt, and others emphasized the efforts by public works and other WPG employees who have worked 12 hour shifts, 7 days a week for the last 41 days. 

Following comments by Council Members, the meeting adjourned. 

WP Council Approves Fire Districts Requests

The Washington Parish Council met Monday (April 25, 2022) evening and addressed a short agenda consisting mainly of tax matters. The first item was the introduction of an ordinance to levy taxes for 2022 at a millage rate the same as the prior year. A Public Hearing will be held on the ordinance on May 9, 2022. The other three items were resolutions approved for Fire District No. 5, Fire District No. 6, and Fire District No. 7 to ask voters to approve renewals of existing taxes on November 8, 2022. Richard Moody with Fire District No. 6 spoke in support of the renewal measure in Fire District 6. 

In his report, Washington Parish President Richard Thomas 

• remarked that the Washington Parish Solar Ordinance was now in place and complimented the Council and Attorney Wayne Kuhn on their efforts
• noted that the Bogalusa Balloon Festival will occur on May 19-22
• announced that on May 10, 2022, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services will have a “Wills for Heroes” event at the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office in Bogalusa for all First Responders. First Responders will be provided free wills, powers of attorney, and living wills. First Responders should call 985-893-0076, ext. 519. The event will begin at 2:00 PM
• spoke in support of the two tax measures on the April 30, 2022 ballot in Bogalusa
• reported on a recent meeting with legislators from the tri-parish area (Washington, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa parishes)

Transportation Supervisor Donnell Merritt provided an abbreviated report on work performed in the parish. 

Following comments from the Council members, the meeting adjourned.

Washington Parish School Board Meeting of December 15, 2022

The Washington Parish School Board met Thursday (December 15, 2022) evening to address a full business Agenda and to recognize the service of three outgoing board members. However, the two items concerning Industrial Tax Exemption Program Applications from solar projects dominated the meeting's time. See the video beginning at 19:12 to 51:25 and beginning at 59:55 to 1:16:20. In the end, both applications were denied. 

The Board addressed the rest of the Agenda. Click here for the Agenda.

Outgoing board members were recognized. Dewitt Perry had served on the Board for 16 years, Alan McCain had also served on the Board for 16 years, and Dan Slocum had served on the board for 26 years. 

Following Superintendent Frances Varnado's report and further comments from Board Members, the meeting adjourned.  

WPSB Meeting 12152022.wmv from Mt. Hermon Web-TV on Vimeo.

Parish Council Resolutions to Assist Franklinton, Bogalusa, Varnado, & Angie

When they met Monday (December 20, 2021) evening, the Washington Parish Council approved resolutions that are renewals of the Parish's commitment to assist the governmental entities within the parish. By intergovernmental agreements, the Town of Franklinton, the City of Bogalusa, and the villages of Varnado and Angie pay material costs associated with their projects and Parish Government supplies the equipment and manpower. The Council also

• approved resolutions of appointment for Fire District No. 8. Board of Directors, Fire District No. 4. Board of Directors, Fire District No. 7. Board of Directors, and Fire District No. 3. Board of Directors
• authorized the Parish President to sign an agreement between Meyer Engineers, LTD and Washington Parish Government to provide engineering services for sidewalk construction in downtown Franklinton through State Project No. H014913
• authorized the Parish President to sign an intergovernmental agreement with the Town of Franklinton for sidewalk improvements in downtown Franklinton through State Project No. H.014913
• authorized the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds for the extension of broadband services in Washington Parish and 
• adopted the 2022 Annual Operating Budget of the Washington Parish Tourism Commission.

Parish President Thomas (beginning at 16:00 into video of the meeting), read and presented a Proclamation to Gary Cooper Magee in recognition of his 61 years of coaching, teaching, mentoring and leading members of the City of Bogalusa, the Town of Franklinton and the St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. In addition, Thomas provided an update on COVID 19, Public Works Director Ken Wheat and Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt reported and commented on achievements during 2021, as did President Thomas. Their comments primarily recognized the contributions by parish government employees.

Attorney Wayne Kuhn (beginning at 37:30 into the video) reported on the progress of a draft of an ordinance being prepared by a contracted law firm. The draft is designed to guide the Council in regulating proposed solar power projects. Receipt of the draft is expected soon.

WP Council 12202021.wmv from Mt. Hermon Web-TV on Vimeo.

Obituary

Dorothy Louise Dedon

January 29, 1939 - June 3, 2023

Astronomy Night at Bogue Chitto State Park is Tomorrow

Saturday, October 13, 2018, Pontchartrain Astronomy Society members will be in the Bogue Chitto State Park with a variety of telescopes to view the evening sky! For those of you who show up early, a special solar view waits for you!

Set up and viewing will take place at the meeting room outside area, so please join us for an informative and beautiful view of the sky.

The event is scheduled for 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Show up early!