Washington Parish Council Relocates Voting Precinct, Ends Dry Wards; Council on Aging Showcases Senior Services

Published 12:14 pm Thursday, July 31, 2025

CARIE EDWARDS

CORRESPONDENT TO THE DAILY NEWS

The Washington Parish Council met on Monday, July 28, 2025, where members passed two impactful ordinances, introduced budget and grant measures, and heard a detailed presentation about services for the parish’s elderly population. Council members also reminded the public of an important vote on property tax renewals coming up this fall.

The council approved Ordinance No. 25-762, which relocates Ward 4; Precinct 4-9, a voting district in Bogalusa. The current polling place was deemed unsafe due to being abandoned and contaminated with mold. Officials said that a new, suitable facility will be selected to serve voters in the precinct and that the change will be clearly communicated ahead of the next election.

The council also passed Ordinance No. 25-763, amending the parish’s alcohol policy to eliminate all “dry” wards. This means that alcohol sales are now permitted throughout Washington Parish. Council members noted that the change promotes consistency, removes outdated restrictions, and could encourage economic growth in previously dry areas.

In other business, Ordinance No. 25-764 was introduced to amend the 2025 annual operating budget. Details regarding the proposed changes will be presented at a future meeting for public discussion and council consideration.

Two resolutions were also introduced for future council action. Resolution No. 25-410 addresses an Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) application from International Paper Company, with the council set to vote on accepting or rejecting the company’s request for a temporary property tax exemption under the state’s economic development incentive program. Resolution No. 25-411 seeks to authorize the filing of a grant application with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for funding under rural transit and bus facility programs. If approved, the grant would support transportation services in Washington Parish’s rural areas.

Lorna McGee of the Washington Parish Council on Aging gave a presentation on the organization’s ongoing work serving elderly and homebound residents. McGee reported that the Council on Aging operates meal sites in Bogalusa, Franklinton, Pine, and Angie, serving 30,849 hot meals and 41,544 frozen meals over the past year. In addition to meal services, the Council on Aging provides homemaker assistance, with volunteers helping seniors with light housekeeping. The organization also offers respite care to provide relief for family caregivers, and transportation to medical appointments, ensuring seniors have access to essential healthcare. McGee emphasized the impact these services have on maintaining independence and quality of life for older residents throughout the parish.

Before adjourning, council members reminded residents that four property tax renewals will be on the ballot on October 11, 2025. These renewals support essential parish services, including the public health unit, roads and bridges, the courthouse, and the library system. Council members urged the public to stay informed about the renewals, noting that these taxes are not new but continuations of existing funding that maintain critical infrastructure and services.