BJ McNeese

The Washington Parish Council approved the Industrial Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Application of International Paper Company for Plant Modernization. The project, identified as 20230024-A-ITE, includes an estimated five-year exemption (5 years at 80%) amounting to $1,871,614.27 and an estimated ten-year exemption (10 years at 80%) amounting to $3,743,228.54.

The Washington Parish Council held a meeting that included a public hearing for the closeout of the FY2023 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Program, which funded street improvements. The council also discussed and approved the extension of contracts for disaster debris monitoring and management services, as well as for disaster debris removal and disposal services. The Sheriff provided an update on the jail census and the status of the temporary jail project. The council also received a report on the adopted annual budget for 2025 and a preliminary recap sheet on major funds for the year end as of December 31, 2024. The Public Works department reported on road maintenance activities and preparations for winter weather. Additionally, an Economic Summit was mentioned, and the council discussed the upcoming Police Jury Conference and a donation drive for the Washington Parish Animal Shelter.

The meeting included the consideration of Resolution 25-0326 regarding the Industrial Tax Exemption Program Application of Hood Industries, Inc., Project ID: 2040154-ITE. The committee voted to accept the resolution.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several resolutions, including appointing members to the Board of Directors of Washington Parish Fire Protection District #3, authorizing the Parish President to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana State Department of the Treasury, amending a resolution regarding the Hazard Mitigation Program, and authorizing the signing of the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the audit of the Washington Parish Government. Additionally, there were discussions on family heir property, jail overcrowding, and ad valorem tax allocation. The council also recognized community achievements and upcoming events.

The meeting included discussions regarding the 2025 WPPC calendar, with a confirmation needed to avoid conflict with the Washington Parish Free Fair. An update was provided on the change of preface to the Washington Parish Development Ordinance. Commissioners briefly discussed mobile home permitting requirements and expressed holiday wishes.