Karia Charles

The council discussed various parish governance issues, including the adoption of the 2026 operating budget, the levying of millages for 2026 tax rolls, and ordinances regarding the sale of adjudicated property and the abandonment of Batiste Road. Resolutions were adopted to authorize special elections for drainage and fire protection districts, to authorize the parish president to sign contracts related to transportation projects, and to participate in the 2026 national opioid litigation settlements. Additionally, the Public Works Committee and Administrative/Finance Committee met to review infrastructure projects, drainage concerns, road speed limits, broadband expansion, and the potential relocation of polling precincts.

The meeting agenda included addressing the Superintendent regarding the upcoming Tax Millage Election for the St. Landry Parish School Board and a Walmart Payment In Lieu of Taxes matter. Key items involved forwarding applications for an appointment to the St. Landry Agricultural Arena Authority following a resignation, and discussing the relocation of Precincts 24 and 25 from the Yambilee Building to Opelousas Junior High. The committee was scheduled to forward resolutions to the full council concerning the reassignment of polling locations for Precincts 24 and 25 (Resolution No. 002-2026), the approval of an election for tax renewal in Bellevue and Coulee Croche Gravity Drainage District No. 20 (Resolution No. 003-2026), and the approval of an election for tax continuation in Fire Protection District No. 6 (Resolution No. 004-2026). Additionally, a resolution (Resolution No. 005-2026) was planned to authorize the Parish President to sign DOTD contract documents for State Project Nos. H.015505 and H.015510.

The meeting agenda included appointments to Fire District No. 6 and the St. Landry Parish Economic Development Board, as well as advertising for an appointment to the St. Landry Agricultural Arena Authority. Discussions involved authorizing the approval of Adjudicated Property Sales from December 29, 2025, and authorizing the renewal of a contract with Washington State Bank. Significant discussion focused on a proposed multi-parish Juvenile Facility, including funding through a potential ten-year, one-cent sales tax, its projected costs, and location anticipation within St. Landry Parish. Several ordinances were introduced, including amendments to establish speed limits on Dry Bayou Road and Nursing Home Road (to 40 MPH), amendments to noise ordinances to include civil remedies, and the introduction of the 2026 Operating Budget, as well as amendments to the 2025 Budget. Additionally, the council is set to introduce an ordinance regarding civil remedies for Animal Ordinances and one concerning the sale of adjudicated properties. Committee meetings covered accepting a Public Works Report detailing December activities, forwarding applications for Fire District No. 6 and the Economic Development Board, and forwarding discussions regarding speed limit changes and the juvenile facility to the full council. The Administrative/Finance Committee also forwarded discussion regarding Rooster Fighting, permits, and their possibilities in the parish, following a detailed legal analysis provided by counsel regarding state statutes on the matter.

The meeting included discussions on various topics such as appointments to the St. Landry Parish Economic Development Board and the Communications District E-911 Board. An ordinance was introduced to amend the 2025 operating budget and to adopt the 2026 operating budget for St. Landry Parish Government. Additionally, there were discussions on prohibiting mobile homes on certain roads and setting regular meeting dates for the St. Landry Parish Council for the year 2026. The council also discussed policies for private roads to be accepted into the parish road system. The Public Works Committee discussed a solar farm project, road maintenance, and caution measures on Jennings Road and HWY 742.

The meeting included discussions regarding the Bombus Solar Project, with concerns raised about zoning, the governing body, and applicable laws. The council addressed questions about the Energy District's authority, permit requirements, and community involvement. There were discussions on the process for approving energy projects, the role of the Energy Board, and the consideration of community disapproval. Additional topics included flooding issues related to a proposed Solar Farm, property value depreciation, and the status of application submissions. The council also discussed and forwarded resolutions related to airport improvements and the donation of a surplus fire truck.