Public notices for Dec. 31, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDINANCE NO. 2413
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A POLICY GOVERNING THE REQUIREMENTS OF LOUISIANA REVISIED STATUTE 42:14(E) TO ALLOW FOR ANY MEMBER OF THE PULBIC WITH A DISABILITY RECOGNIZED BY THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITES ACT OR THEIR DESIGNATED CARE GIVER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETINGS OF THE ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL REMOTELY BY TELECONFERENCING AND PROVIDING FOR ALL OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Council recognizes that its governmental duties and business should be performed in as open and public a manner as plausible so as to ensure that the general public is advised and made aware of the deliberations and decisions that form the core of the public policy of St. Mary Parish, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Council acknowledges that Article XII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution establishes the right of private citizens to participate in the deliberations of public bodies so that governmental decisions are not generated without the opportunity for public input; and
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Council encourages citizens of this Parish to be afforded an opportunity to address it by specific and ad- vanced requests to be listed on an agenda for its meetings; and
WHEREAS, embodied in the Open Meetings Law of the State of Louisiana, La. R.S. 42:11, Et. Seq., are specific statutes which govern public meetings of political subdivisions of the State of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Act 393 of the 2023 Regular Session amended La. R.S. 42:14(E) to require public bodies to accommodate members of the public with a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act such that those members of the public can participate during the open meetings; and
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Council desires that the citizens of this parish with a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act be encouraged to make comments on certain agenda items they wish to make comments on despite any disability preventing them from being physically present in the Franklin Courthouse, 5th Floor Council Meeting Room; and
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Council declares that for all of its meetings, any member of the public with a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act is welcomed to participate by teleconferencing:
NOW, THERE-FORE, BE IT RE- SOLVED that to comply with the requirements of Act 393 of the 2023 Regular Session which amended La. R.S. 42:14(E) and to ensure to accommodate members of the public with a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act such that those members of the public can participate during the open meetings, the following policy is hereby adopted:
I. Introduction
All meetings of the St. Mary Parish Council shall comply with the mandates and requirements of Act 393 of the 2023 Regular Session which amended La. R.S. 42:14(E) to accommodate members of the public with a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act such that those members of the public can participate during open meetings except as otherwise provided for by the laws of the State of Louisiana, the provisions of the Home Rule Charter for St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and/or the dictates set forth herein.
II. Rules of Remote Participation for St. Mary Parish Council Meetings by those members of the public with a Disability Recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act
A. Any member of the public with a disability recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act who seeks an accommodation to observe and participate in an open meeting of the St. Mary Parish Council, shall complete an application form for remote participation and a medical certification of disability on forms provided by the St. Mary Parish Clerk of the Council.
B. The application shall include the complete phone number with the applicable area code by which the member or their caregiver wishes to be reached at during the meeting.
C. The application and medical certification of disability must be turned in to the St. Mary Parish Clerk of the Council twenty-four (24) hours prior to the meeting date the member is requesting to participate in.
D. For the members of the public who are allowed an accommodation for an Americans with Disabilities Act recognized disability pursuant to this section, the St. Mary Parish Council, through its Clerk of the Council, shall in- form the member of the public or their designated caregiver that they shall observe and participate in the meeting by teleconference during the meeting, which includes the opportunity to submit public comments on agenda items prior to and/or during the meeting. Any public comments submitted prior to the meeting shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the Clerk of the Council in accordance with the St. Mary Parish Council’s policy on public comments (see Ordinance No. 2254 of the St. Mary Parish Council).
E. Any public comments by the member during the meeting may be made during the teleconferencing call in accordance with the St. Mary Parish Council’s policy on public comments (see Ordinance No. 2254 of the St. Mary Parish Council).
F. In no instance shall any member of the public be allowed to observe or participate in an executive session of the governing body.
G. The Chair-person the St. Mary Parish Coun-cil, or the presiding officer in the Chairperson’s ab- sence, shall ensure that the member participating or their caregiver, if applicable, in the meeting is properly identified, and that all parts of the meeting (ex- cluding executive sessions) are clear and audible to all participants. The Chairperson of the St. Mary Parish Council is responsible to make contact with the member at the time appropriate to be heard by the Council. The Chairperson may delegate this duty to the Clerk of the Council or otherwise obtain assistance from the Clerk of the Council.
H. If the member of the public fails to answer their phone via the phone number provided by the member in their application, the Chair-person shall make at least one (1) additional attempt to call the member after waiting five (5) minutes. If after the second phone contact and the member still does not answer, the Chairperson may at his/her discretion, contact the member again. If the member does not answer, the meeting is to re- sume as planned.
I. The Clerk of the Council is responsible and is to ensure the teleconference device is present and ready to use in the 5th Floor Meeting Council Room prior to the meeting.
III. Applica-bility
This policy shall apply to and govern all Regular and Special meetings of the St. Mary Parish Council, all meetings of any and all committees thereof.
IV. Miscellaneous
Nothing specified in this policy shall limit the St. Mary Parish Council from convening in executive session in those in- stances permitted by La. R.S. 42:16 and La. R.S. 42:17, as may from time to time be amended.
V. Severability/Conflicts
The provisions of this policy are hereby declared to be severable, and if any provision, word, phrase, or clause of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof which can be afforded efficacy without the invalid provision or application.
Moreover, in case of any conflict between the dictates of this policy and the mandates of the laws of the State of Louisiana or the Home Rule Charter for St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, the provisions of the latter shall prevail. Additionally, any prior ordinances of the St. Mary Parish Council or its predecessor which may be in conflict with the provisions of this policy are hereby deemed to be repealed with respect to the conflicting provision(s).
This ordinance having been offer-ed and read on this 8th day of October 2025, having been published in accordance with law; and having been heard in a public hearing in Frank-lin, Louisiana on 12th day of November 2025; was adopted by the following vote on the 12th day of November 2025:
AYES: Rodney Olander, David Hill, Leslie Rulf, Jr., Patrick J. Hebert, James Davis, Jr., Mark A.
Duhon, Dean S. Adams, Dr. Kristi P. Rink and J Ina.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Gwen-dolyn L. Hidalgo and Rev. Craig Mathews.
APPROVED:
s/g Kristi P. Rink, M.D.
________________
KRISTI P. RINK, M.D., VICE CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
s/g Lisa C. Morgan
________________
LISA C.
MORGAN, CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
This ordinance was submitted to the President of St. Mary Parish on this 18th day of November 2025, at the hour of 11:39 a.m.
APPROVED:
s/g Sam Jones
_______________
SAM JONES, PRESIDENT
ST. MARY
PARISH
This ordinance was returned to the Clerk of the Council on this 18th day of November 2025, at the hour of 1:20 p.m.
Adv. Dec. 31, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDINANCE NO. 2414
An ordinance authorizing the President of St. Mary Parish to execute a lease agreement be- tween St. Mary Parish and State of Louisiana, Division of Administration.
BE IT OR- DAINED by the St. Mary Parish Council, in regular session convened:
SECTION 1. The St. Mary Parish Council does hereby authorize the President to execute a lease agreement be- tween St. Mary Parish and State of Louisiana, Division of Administration, on the terms and conditions as contained in the lease, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof.
SECTION 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
This ordinance shall become effective upon adoption.
This ordinance having been offer-ed and read on this 8th day of October 2025; having been published in accordance with law; having been heard in a public hearing held at Franklin, Louisiana on the 12th day of November 2025; was adopted by the following vote on the 12th day of November 2025.
AYES: Rodney Olander, David Hill, Leslie Rulf, Jr., Patrick J. He- bert, James Davis, Jr., Mark A. Duhon, Dean S. Adams, Dr. Kristi P. Rink and J Ina.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: Gwen-dolyn L. Hidalgo and Rev. Craig Mathews.
APPROVED:
s/g Kristi P. Rink, M.D.
________________
KRISTI P. RINK, M.D., VICE CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
s/g Lisa C.
Morgan
_______________
LISA C. MORGAN, CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
This Ordinance was submitted to the President of St. Mary Parish on this the 18th day of November 2025 at the hour of 11:39 a.m.
APPROVED:
s/g Sam Jones
________________
SAM JONES, PRESIDENT
ST. MARY PARISH
This Ordinance was returned to the Clerk of the Council on this the 18th day of November 2025 at the hour 1:20 p.m.
Said Exhibit to this ordinance has not been published. This Exhibit is on file with the minutes of the St. Mary Parish Council, 500 Main Street, 5th Floor Court-house, Franklin, Louisiana 70538, and are available for inspection during regular business hours weekdays, Monday through Friday.
Adv. Dec. 31, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING REPORT
DECEMBER 10, 2025
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
5:45 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council held a Public Hearing on this date with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mat-hews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, Leslie Rulf, Jr., James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., and Mark Duhon. Ab- sent were Patrick Hebert, Dean Adams, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D.
The purpose of the Public Hearing was to receive written and/or oral comments relative to the following Ordinances:
An Ordinance adopting the 2026 Combined Budgets of Revenues and Expenditures for the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana.
An Ordinance adopting the proposed Five-Year Capital Outlay Program for the Years 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030.
There were no written and/or oral comments received regarding the proposed ordinances.
There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Mr. Rulf seconded the motion, which carried.
s/g Gwendolyn L.
Hidalgo
_____________
Gwendolyn L.
Hidalgo,
Chairperson
s/g Lisa C.
Morgan
______________
Lisa C. Morgan
Clerk
Adv. Dec. 31, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING REPORT
DECEMBER 10, 2025
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
5:50 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council held a Public Hearing on this date with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mathews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, Leslie Rulf, Jr., James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., and Mark Du- hon. Absent were Patrick Hebert, Dean Adams, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D.
The purpose of the Public Hearing was to receive written and/or oral comments relative to the following Ordinances:
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments). (E&F Property Holdings LLC)
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments). (Hope He- bert)
An Ordinance declaring multiple tax adjudicated properties as surplus property and authorize the Parish to proceed with the process for advertising and sale of such adjudicated properties.
There were no written and/or oral comments received regarding the proposed ordinances.
There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried.
s/g Gwendolyn L.
Hidalgo
_____________
Gwendolyn L.
Hidalgo,
Chairperson
s/g Lisa C.
Morgan
_____________
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk
Adv. Dec. 31, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. MARY
PARISH
HOME RULE CHARTER
REVISION
COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 22, 2025
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
5:00 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Revision Commission met on this date with the following members present: Mayor Clarence Vappie, John Ar- mato, Edward M. Leonard, Jr., Norbert Wanous, Betty Hicks, and Barry Dufrene. Absent were Dr. Gary Wiltz, John Higdon, Jeremy Chesteen, Kenneth Perry, Jr., and John Trevino, Sr.
The Invocation was pronounced by Mayor Vappie and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mrs. Hicks.
Judge Leonard moved that the reading of the Regular Meeting, November 20, 2025 be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Mayor Vappie seconded the motion, which carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
NEW BUSINESS:
None.
There being no further business, Mr. Armato moved for adjournment. Mayor Vappie seconded the motion, which carried.
_______________
Betty Hicks,
Chairperson
_______________
Kenneth Perry,
Jr., Secretary
Adv. Dec. 31, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
St. Mary Parish
Water & Sewer Comm. 2
P.O. Box 635
Patterson, La. 70392
November 10th, 2025
The Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 5:30 p.m. at the district office with President, Chris Cooper presiding.
Present: Board Members – Chris Cooper-President, Tony Hensgens- Vice President, Raymond Beadle and Paul Tholen.
Absent - Thomas Philbrook-Sec. Treas
Guests: Larry & Pam Fromenthal- Fromenthal Plumbing, Reid Miller- Miller En- gineers, Gerald Price- BVVFD Chief, Employees- Alexis Hartman, Logan Theriot, Dakota Dupuy.
Chris Cooper called the meeting to order and roll call was taken.
September’s board minutes were accepted as circulated with a motion from Tony Hensgens and a second from Raymond Beadle, mo- tion carried.
October’s board minutes were ac- cepted as circulated with a motion from Tony Hensgens and a second from Paul Tholen, motion carried.
Accounts Payable and Treasurer’s Report was accepted by motion from Raymond Beadle and a second from Paul Tholen, motion carried.
Logan Theriot provided the maintenance report for the month. The field has been working on updating sample sites and completed year-end inventory. LDH will be at the office on December 11th to perform the Sanitary Survey. Logan stated they discovered a water leak on Pluto, and with the help of Fromenthal Plumbing it has been fixed. All daily routine maintenance continues.
Larry Fromenthal provided his maintenance re- port for the month. He completed two of the larger change outs for Cameron. Larry’s crew also worked with Byco Electric to repair the Fairview sewer pump station that went down due to a burnt panel. Larry stated a fire hyd-rant on Saturn & Moon needed to be replaced, he will install a new hyd-rant, cap it off and reseal it. The smoke testing was completed on David & Teche Rd. there are two main areas to be addres-sed. The fire de- partments annual testing went well on hydrants.
Tony Hensgens gave a joint plant update. He stated that the plant is running well and that they are still wanting to acquire underground storage which would be very beneficial for the plant itself.
Reid Miller gave an update on Capital Outlay; he stated that it was submitted before the deadline and the request for letters of support have been submitted as well.
A motion was made by Paul Tholen with a second from Raymond Beadle to amend the agenda to add Gerald Price with Bayou Vista Volunteer Fire De- partment.
Gerald Price discussed the annual fire hydrant testing results, the PIL rating went from class 6 to class 4, which is a great improvement and they are happy with the outcome.
The Walmart program that the office uses has ended, so the board has discussed finding a new credit card for everyday office supplies. The board voted to table the discussion until the next meeting.
Employee salaries were discussed and increased. With a motion from Raymond Beadle and a second from Paul Tholen, motion carried.
The proposed budget for the 2025-2026 year was accepted with a motion from Tony Hensgens and a second from Paul Tholen, mo- tion carried.
Chris reminded everyone that their yearly ethics and sexual harassment training needs to be completed per the Parish Council.
There being no further business to come before the board, a motion was made by Raymond Beadle to adjourn with a second from Tony Hensgens, all were in favor and motion passed.
_______________
Chris Cooper-
President
_______________
Alexis Hartman-
Recording
Secretary
Adv. Dec. 31, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL OF THE PARISH OF ST. MARY, STATE OF LOUISIANA
DECEMBER 10, 2025
FRANKLIN,
LOUISIANA
6:00 P.M.
The St. Mary Parish Council met on this date in Regular Session with Chairperson Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo presiding and the following members present: Rev. Craig Mat-hews, J Ina, Rodney Olander, David W. Hill, Leslie “Les” Rulf, Jr., Patrick Hebert, James “Jimmy” Davis, Jr., Mark Duhon, Dean Adams, and Kristi Prejeant Rink, M.D.
The Invocation was pronounced by Mr. Davis and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Duhon.
Mr. Olander moved that the reading of the Second Regular Meeting, November 19, 2025 be dispensed with and that the same be approved. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried.
Janet Aucoin appeared before the Council to discuss animal control and overpopulation of feral/stray cats in Amelia. She asked the Council to enforce the laws and create an ordinance regarding the feeding of cats.
Mr. Adams recommended Legal Counsel research into Berwick and Morgan City’s ordinance relative to the feeding of cats for the Parish Council to introduce.
Discussion was had relative to the trapping and re- moval of cats. Mr. Duhon stated that cats were being trapped a couple of years ago but something happened with the group that was helping.
Chief Administrative Officer, Paul J. Governale, submitted a report from Tim Matte, St. Mary Parish Levee District Director, on the status of TE-168, Pump Station No. 4, Pump Station No. 9, Pump Station No. 8, Pump Station No. 6, and GIS Construction Update Report on Pump Station No. 4 Equipment In- stallation & Building Refurbishment.
In absence of Planning & Zoning Director, Mandi LeBlanc, Mr. Governale presented the following items as recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission at their November 17, 2025, Regular Meeting:
a. Recommend Preliminary & Final Development Approval
Name: Justin Couvillier
Address: 140 Oxford Loop, Franklin, LA
Parcel Id# Parcel Id# 2324901003.00
Lot 2 Edward Couvillier Part Per Plat 189 304417 Acq 189 304417 Improvement on the land of Couvillier Justin Acq 189 304417
Zoned: Existing Neighborhood (EN3) Zoned District
PURPOSE: Preliminary & Final Development Ap- proval for the above referenced as shown on a plat titled “Plan of Land Showing a portion of Lot 2 of the Edward Couvillier Partition to be subdivided into Lots 2B & 2C Situated in: Section 41, T 14 S - R 10 E St. Mary Parish, Louisiana Southwestern Land District.”
b. Recommend Preliminary & Final Development Approval
Name: Ironman Properties LLC
Address: 147 Riverview Dr., Patterson, LA
Parcel Id# Parcel Id# 2894401236.00
0.87 Ac Tract HMNCDOPGH Per Plat 469 345772 Acq 469 345772
Zoned: Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District
PURPOSE: Ex- tension of an existing manufactured home park as shown on a plat titled “Ironman Properties of America, LLC Mobile Home Park Situated in: Section 40, T 15 S - R 11 E St. Mary Parish, Louisiana Southwestern Land District.”
c. Recommend Preliminary & Final Subdivision/Development Approval
Name: Dwain Mayon
Address: 2117 Hwy. 182, Bayou Vista, LA
Parcel Id# 2984341002.00
Lot Rem 12b Clarke Bayou Vista Subd Per Plat 90 290593 Acq 44s 275988. Im- provement on the land of Mayon Dwain A Acq 44s 275988
Zoned: Existing Neighborhood (EN3) Zoned District
PURPOSE: Subdivision of property as shown on a plat titled “Plan of Land showing Lot 12 B-1 & Remainder of 12 B of Bayou Vista Subdivision to be re- subdivided into Lots 12 B-1-A & 12 B-2 situated in: Sections 19, 20, & 21, T 15 S – R 12 E St. Mary Parish, Louisiana Southwestern Land District.”
Mr. Adams recommends the above Preliminary & Final Subdivision/Development Approvals. Mr. He- bert seconded the motion, which carried.
In response to Mr. Ina’s inquiry relative to the status of the compensation study, Mr. Governale explain-ed the grant process and total cost.
Per Rev. Mat-hews’ inquiry relative to the status of the overlay of Verdun Lane, Mr. Governale stated that he will re- search reasons funding was pulled by the State for Tiger and Verdun Lane and will update at the next meeting. Discussion was had relative to the application and funding process.
Dr. Rink moved that the Public Hearing Report, November 19, 2025, at 5:45 p.m. be approved. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried.
Mr. Duhon stated that he recently attended Consolidated Drainage District No. 2A meeting and they requested that executive session be placed on the December 17, 2025 Council agenda. Legal Counsel, Morgan Guillory Bodin stated that she needs to know who will be invited into executive session.
Mr. Hebert in- formed that the annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony on Bernice Street in Morgan City will be held on December 13, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Rev. Mathews reported that Recreation District No. 5 recently held their annual Christmas Gala (open and free to the community for 18 years) and that the annual Youth Banquet will be held on December 20, 2025.
Rev. Mathews introduced the following Ordinance:
ORDINANCE
NO.
AN ORDINANCE CALLING AN ELECTION IN ST. MARY PARISH TO SUBMIT TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS THE PROPOSED AMENDED HOME RULE CHARTER AS SUBMITTED BY THE ST. MARY PARISH HOME RULE CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION PURSUANT TO LA. R.S. 33:1395.1 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2371
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
EXHIBIT “A”
HOME RULE CHARTER FOR ST. MARY PARISH
Prepared by the
St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission
February 1983
Entry No. 6577 Recorded in Incorporation Book 34 at Folio 127 January 9, 1984
Amendments to Charter
November 5, 2002 (Election Date)
Resolution Canvassing Returns Recorded in Mortgage Book No. 933
Entry No. 254,333 Page No. 543
Ordinance
No. 1524 –
Section 2 – 12
Recorded in Conveyance Book No. 45-N Entry No. 279,509 Page
No. 347
Ordinance
No. 1525 –
Section 2 – 13
Recorded in Conveyance Book No. 45-N Entry
No. 279,510
Page No. 349
Ordinance
No. 1526 –
Section 5 – 02
Recorded in Conveyance Book 45-N Entry
No. 279,511
Page No. 352
Ordinance
No. 1543 –
Section 5 – 03
Recorded in
Conveyance Book 45-N Entry
No. 279,512
Page No. 354
November 4, 2014 (Election Date)
Resolution Canvassing Returns Recorded in Mortgage Book
No. 1420
Entry No. 327,091 Page No. 499
Ordinance
No. 1970 –
Section 2 – 01
Recorded in Conveyance Book 306 Entry No. 320,645 Page No. 772
February 9, 1983
PREFACE
We, the members of the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission, respectfully present to you and to the citizens of St. Mary Parish a proposed home rule charter for our Parish government. The proposed charter was drafted under the authority of Article VI, Section 5, of the Constitution of Louisiana and LSA-R. S. 33:1395, as amended and the Police Jury is hereby requested to call the necessary referendum concerning adoption as provided by law.
We would hope that all actions and decisions of the commission have reflected the great responsibility placed in us by the Police Jury. We also would like to thank all persons who have participated to any extent in the preparation of the proposed charter. We especially want to express appreciation to the Public Affairs Research Council for the technical assistance rendered in the preparation of this charter.
St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission
William Bigler, Chairman, Allen McElroy, Jr., Vice Chairman, Dale Hayes, Secretary, Earl Hebert, Treasurer,Wendell Bo- gan, Clara Bray, Cosimo Cremaldi, Edna Delhaye, Greg Hamer, W. J. Robicheaux, Ro- land Verret
November 20, 2025
2026 REVISIONS
We, the members of the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission, Commission present to the council and the citizens of St. Mary Parish, a proposed revision to the Home Rule Charter. The proposed charter was drafted under the authority of Article VI, Section 5, of the Constitution of Louisiana and LSA-R. S. 33:1395, as amended and the Council is hereby requested to call the necessary referendum concerning adoption as provided by law.
St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission, Betty Cheramie Hicks, Chairman, Edward Leonard, Jr., Vice Chairman, Kenneth Perry, Jr., Secretary, Clarence Vappie, Dr. Gary Wiltz, John Higdon, Jeremy Chesteen, John Armato, John Trevino, Jr., Barry Dufrene, Norbert Wanous
Table of
Contents
ARTICLE I. INCORPORATION, FORM OF GOVERNMENT, BOUNDARIES, POWERS. 4
Section 1-01. Home Rule Charter. 4
Section 1-02. Form of Government. 4
Section 1-03. Boundaries. 4
Section 1-04. General Powers. 4
Section 1-05. Special Powers. 5
Section 1-06. Joint Service Agreements. 5
Section 1-07. Definition of Parish. 5
ARTICLE II. PARISH COUNCIL. 5
Section 2-01. Composition, Qualifications and Election. 5
Section 2-02. Reapportionment. 5
Section 2-03. Forfeiture of Office. 5
Section 2-04. Vacancies and Disability. 5
Section 2-05. Compensation. 6
Section 2-06. Prohibitions. 6
Section 2-07. Council Meetings and Rules. 6
Section 2-08. Investigations. 7
Section 2-09. Independent Audit. 7
Section 2-10. Clerk of the Council. 8
Section 2-11. Action Requiring an Ordinance. 8
Section 2-12. Ordinances in General. 9
Section 2-13. Submission of Ordinances to the President. 9
Section 2-14. Emergency Ordinances. 10
Section 2-15. Codes of Technical Regulations. 10
Section 2-16. Authentication and Recording of Ordinances and Resolutions; Printing and Distribution. 11
Section 2-17. Power to Levy Taxes. 11
Section 2-18. Powers of Enforcement. 11
ARTICLE III. EXECUTIVE BRANCH. 11
Section 3-01. Executive Authority. 11
Section 3-02. Election, Term. 11
Section 3-03. Qualifications. 12
Section 3-04. Compensation. 12
Section 3-05. Forfeiture of Office. 12
Section 3-06. Vacancies. 12
Section 3-07. Prohibitions. 12
Section 3-08. President’s Temporary Absence. 13
Section 3-09. President’s Disability. 13
Section 3-10. Powers and Duties of the President as Chief Executive & Administrative Officer. 13
ARTICLE IV. ADMINISTRATION. 14
Section 4-01. Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. 14
Section 4-02. Repealed. 14
Section 4-03. Repealed. 14
Section 4-04. Legal Services. 14
Section 4-05. Department of Finance. 15
Section 4-06. Public Works Department. 15
Section 4-07. Parks and Recreation Department. 16
Section 4-08. Department of Personnel. 16
Section 4-09. Planning and Zoning Department. 17
Section 4-10. Other Departments. 17
Section 4-11. Administrative Reorganization. 17
ARTICLE V. FINANCIAL PROCEDURES. 18
Section 5-01. Fiscal Year. 18
Section 5-02. Operating Budget Preparation and Adoption. 18
Section 5-03. The Operating Budget Document. 18
Section 5-04. Amendments to Operating Budget. 19
Section 5-05. Capital Improvement Budget. 19
Section 5-06. Administration of Operating and Capital Budgets. 20
Section 5-07. Lapse of Appropriations. 21
Section 5-08. Bonded Debt. 21
Section 5-09. Facsimile Signatures. 21
ARTICLE VI. INITIATIVE, RE- FERENDUM, RE- CALL AND RE- MOVAL BY SUIT. 21
Section 6-01. Initiative and Referendum. 21
Section 6-02. Recall. 22
Section 6-03. Removal by Suit. 22
ARTICLE VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS. 22
Section 7-01. Legal Process. 22
Section 7-02. Code of Ethics. 23
Section 7-03. Amending or Repealing the Charter. 23
Section 7-04. Bonding of Officers. 23
Section 7-05. Oaths of Office. 23
Section 7-06. Boards and Commissions. 24
Section 7-07. Reconstitution of Government. 24
Section 7-08. Control Over Local Agencies and Special Districts. 24
ARTICLE VIII. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS. 24
Section 8-01. Repealed. 24
Section 8-02. Continuation of Actions. 24
Section 8-03. Special Districts. 25
Section 8-04. Fees, Charges and Tax Levies. 25
Section 8-05. Special Legislative Acts. 25
Section 8-06. Parish Retirement Systems. 25
Section 8-07. Declaration of Intent. 25
Section 8-08. Severability. 25
Section 8-09. Violation of Civil Rights Act. 25
Section 8-10. Schedule of Transition. 25
Section 8-11. Election of Officials. 26
Section 8-12. Required Approval by Electors. 26
Section 8-13. Repealed. 26
ARTICLE I. INCORPORATION, FORM OF GOVERNMENT, BOUNDARIES, POWERS.
Section 1-01. Home Rule Charter.
The charter commission has proposed and the electors have adopted this, their home rule charter, under the authority of Article VI, Section 5 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, hereinafter re- ferred to as “constitution.” The Parish of St. Mary is therefore a local governmental subdivision which operates under a home rule charter and, subject to said charter, is authorized as hereinafter provided to exercise any power and perform any function necessary, requisite or proper for the management of its local affairs.
Section 1-02. Form of Government.
The plan of government provided by this home rule charter shall consist of an elected council which shall be called the St. Mary Parish Council and shall constitute the legislative branch of the government and an elected president who shall be the chief executive and administrative officer.
Section 1-03. Boundaries.
The boundaries of the Parish shall be those in effect as of the effective date of this charter and shall be subject to change thereafter as provided by law.
Section 1-04. General Powers.
Except as otherwise provided by this charter the Parish shall continue to have all the powers, rights, privileges, immunities and authority heretofore possessed by St. Mary Parish under the laws of the state. The Parish government shall have and exercise such other powers, rights, privileges, immunities, auth- ority and functions not inconsistent with this charter as may be conferred on or granted to a local governmental subdivision by the constitution and general laws of the state, and more specifically, the Parish government shall have and is hereby granted the right and authority to exercise any power and perform any function necessary, requisite or proper
for the management of its affairs, not denied by this charter, or by general law, or inconsistent with the constitution.
Section 1-05. Special Powers.
The Parish government shall have the right, power and authority to pass all ordinances requisite or necessary to promote, protect and preserve the general welfare, safety, health, peace and good order of the Parish, including, but not by way of limitation, the right, power and authority to pass ordinances on all subject matters necessary, requisite or proper for the management of Parish affairs, and all other subject matter without exception, subject only to the limitation that the same shall not be inconsistent with the constitution or expressly denied by general law applicable to the Parish.
Section 1-06. Joint Service Agreements.
The Parish government is authorized, as provided by state law, to enter into joint service agreements or cooperative efforts with other governmental agencies and political subdivisions.
Section 1-07. Definition of Parish.
The term “Parish” as used in this charter shall refer only to those de- partments, agencies or functions under the jurisdiction of the St. Mary Parish Council.
ARTICLE II. PARISH COUNCIL.
Section 2-01. Composition, Qualifications and Election.
The legislative power of the Parish government shall be vested in a council composed of eight (8) members elected from single-member districts for four (4) year terms. The specific boundaries of these districts shall remain as established at the time of this Charter’s adoption, unless and until modified by ordinance in accordance with applicable federal and state law.
A council member shall have attained the age of eighteen (18) years and shall have been a qualified elector for at least 1 year of the district from which elected at the time of qualification.
A council member shall continue to be legally domiciled and to actually reside within the district from which elected during the term of office. Should the legal domicile and/or actual residence of a council member change from the district from which elected, un- less changed by reapportionment, the office shall automatically be- come vacant, which vacancy shall be filled as set out hereinafter.
Any council member elected after the effective date of this provision, who has represented any council districts for more than one and one-half (1½) consecutive terms in two consecutive terms shall not be elected for the succeeding term for any council district. This provision shall apply retroactively and shall be applicable to the council members seated at the time of this Charter’s adoption.
Section 2-02. Re- apportionment.
By the end of the year following the year in which the population of Louisiana is reported to the President of the United States for each decennial federal census, the council by ordinance shall, if necessary, alter, change or rearrange council district boundaries so as to provide for population equality among the districts as near as reasonably practical. To the extent possible, council districts shall be compact and be composed of contiguous territory. If the council determines that reapportionment is not necessary, it shall pass a resolution so stating.
Section 2-03. Forfeiture of Office.
A council member shall forfeit the office if such member during the term of office: (1) lacks any qualification for the office prescribed by this charter, (2) is convicted of a state or federal felony, or (3) fails to take office.
Section 2-04. Vacancies and Disability.
A. The office of a council member shall become va- cant upon death, resignation, re- moval from office in any manner prescribed by law, or forfeiture of office.
B. A vacancy on the council shall be filled by ap- pointment of a person meeting the qualifications for office by a majority of the remaining members of the council. If one (1) year or less of the unexpired term remains when the vacancy occurs, the appointee shall serve out the remainder of the term. If the vacancy occurs more than one (1) year prior to the expiration of the term, the appointee shall serve until the office is filled by the vote of the qualified electors voting in an election called by the council for that purpose, which election shall be held according to the timetable and procedures established by state law generally for the filling of vacancies in elected local offices.
C. If the council does not make an appointment as required by this section within sixty (60) days after the date the vacancy occurs, the appointment shall be made by the governor.
D. The appointee shall be ineligible as a candidate at the election to fill the vacancy.
E. Whenever a council member transmits to the clerk of the council a written declaration stating inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office, and until the council member transmits to the clerk of the council a written declaration to the contrary, the council seat shall be filled in the same manner as in Section 2-04 (B).
F. Whenever a panel of three (3) qualified medical experts, designated by resolution adopted by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council, transmits to the clerk of the council its written declaration that a council member is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, the Council seat shall be filled in the same manner as in Section 2-04 (B). The person filling the office shall serve until a panel of three (3) qualified medical ex- perts, designated by resolution adopted by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council, transmits to the clerk of the council its written declaration that the council member’s in- ability to the clerk of the council its written declaration that the council member’s in- ability has ended. The medical ex- perts shall review the disability at least one every three (3) months until such time as it has been determined that the disability has ended.
G. Should a Council Member be unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office for a period exceeding six (6) consecutive months, the council shall have the authority upon the favorable vote of at least a majority of its membership to declare the Council seat vacant due to disability provided, however, that the council shall hold a public hearing on the issue prior to any such declaration.
Section 2-05. Compensation.
A. Each council member shall receive compensation in the amount of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per month. The Council Chair shall receive compensation in the amount of one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750) per month. Beginning with the next Council term, these amounts shall be automatically adjusted every four (4) years based on the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding four-year period. Any increase be- yond the CPI-based adjustment shall require ap- proval by a majority of the electors voting on the proposal in an election held in accordance with state law.
B. The council, by ordinance, may adopt a system of reimbursement, upon presentation of properly documented receipts, of reasonable expenses necessary to the performance of official duties by a member.
Section 2-06. Prohibitions.
A. A council member shall hold no other elected public office, nor be a compensated official or employee of the Parish government or any of its political subdivisions during the term for which elected to the council. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a council member from serving as a member of a charter commission, constitutional convention or political party committee.
B. Except as specifically provided in this charter, the council or any of its members shall not remove, direct or supervise any administrative officers or employees whom the president or any of their subordinates are em- powered to ap- point.
C. No council member shall serve on a Parish board or commission having administrative or policymaking authority unless the ordinance or state law creating such board or commission specifies that one or more members of the council shall serve on such board or commission.
Section 2-07. Council Meetings and Rules.
A. The council shall meet regularly at least twice a month at intervals of at least two weeks at such times and places as the council may prescribe. Special meetings may be held on the call of the president, the presiding officer of the council or one third of the membership of the council with such notice as may be required by state law. To meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or public safety, the council may meet upon call of the president, the presiding officer of the council or one third of the membership of the council at whatever notice it shall be convenient to give. The call convening a special or emergency meeting of the council shall state the objects of the meeting. The power of the council to act at a special or emergency meeting shall be limited, under penalty of nullity, to the objects specifically enumerated in the call.
B. All meetings of the council and its committees shall be open to the public in accordance with the provisions of general state law.
C. The council shall conduct its business in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order and shall provide for keeping a journal of its minutes and proceedings. This journal shall be a public record. All official actions of the council shall be published in the official journal in accordance to state law.
D. At all regular meetings of the council, the council shall operate from an agenda which, at a minimum, shall be posted in writing in the major population centers of the Parish at least two (2) days prior to the meeting. The agenda for special and emergency meetings shall be made available to the public as soon as practical prior to the meeting.
E. The council shall provide by ordinance a procedure whereby in- terested persons shall be given an opportunity to be heard at council meetings on any matter relating to Parish government in accordance with time limits established by the council.
F. At the first regular meeting of a newly elected council and annually thereafter, a chairman and vice chairman shall be elected by the council from among the council members. The chairman may be selected from any district and may serve no more than two (2) consecutive one-year terms. The chairman shall preside at meetings of the council, and in the absence or disqualification of the chairman, the vice chairman shall preside. In the ab- sence or disqualification of both the chairman and vice chairman, the council shall designate one of its other members as temporary presiding officer. The chairman, vice chairman and temporary presiding officer shall be voting members of the council. The chairperson shall re- ceive compensation in the amount of one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750) per month. Beginning with the next Council term, these amounts shall be automatically adjusted every four (4) years based on the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding four-year period. Any increase be- yond the CPI-based adjustment shall require ap- proval by a majority of the electors voting on the proposal in an election held in accordance with state law.
G. All voting on ordinances and resolutions shall be recorded in the minutes of the council by the individual vote of each council member. Not less than a majority of the membership of the council shall constitute a quorum to transact business, but if a quorum is lost during a meeting, a smaller number may recess from time to time and compel the attendance of absent members in the manner and subject to the penalties prescribed by council rules.
H. Voting by secret ballot is prohibited and any such vote is null and void.
Section 2-08. Investigations.
The Parish council may make investigations into the affairs of the Parish government and the related conduct of any anyone acting under the jurisdiction or authority of the Parish Government and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and require the production of evidence. Investigations shall be for a specified purpose and may be undertaken only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the membership of the council. Any person who fails or refuses to obey any lawful order of the council shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished in such manner as the council shall fix by ordinance. No council member shall vote on any matter under investigation in which said council member has a conflict of interest.
Section 2-09. Independent Audit.
The council shall provide for an annual independent post audit, and such additional audits as it deems necessary, of the accounts and other evidence of financial transactions of the Parish government, including those of all Parish government departments, offices or agencies. Audits may be by the state or the council may designate a private auditor to make such audits. The private auditor shall be without personal interest in the affairs subject to audit and shall be a certified public accountant or firm of such accountants. The audit shall be completed within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of the fiscal year and shall be submitted to the council at the next regularly scheduled meeting following completion of the audit. The audit shall be a public record and a summary thereof shall be published at least once in the official journal.
Section 2-10. Clerk of the Council.
A. The council shall appoint a clerk of the council who shall serve at the pleasure of the council and shall be supervised by the chairman of the council. The clerk shall give notice of council meetings to its members and the public, keep the journal of its proceedings, be official secretary of the council and perform such other duties as are as- signed to the position by this charter or by the council.
B. The council shall, by ordinance, fix the salary of the clerk, except that the salary shall be comparable to secretarial salaries in the executive branch.
Section 2-11. Action Requiring an Ordinance.
A. An act of the council having the force of law shall be by ordinance. An act requiring an ordinance shall include but not be limited to those which:
(1) Adopt or amend an administrative code.
(2) Provide a fine or other penalty or establish a rule or regulation for violation of which a fine or other penalty may be imposed.
(3) Levy taxes or assessments as provided by law in accordance with Section 2-17 (Power to Levy Taxes).
(4) Appropriate funds and/or adopt the operating budget and capital improvement budget for the Parish government.
(5) Grant, renew or extend a franchise.
(6) Provide for raising revenue.
(7) Regulate the rate or other charges for service by the Parish government.
(8) Authorize the borrowing of money.
(9) Incur debt in any manner authorized by law.
(10) Abandon any property own-ed by the Parish government.
(11) Convey or lease or authorize the conveyance or lease of any lands or property of the parish government.
(12) Acquire real property on behalf of the Parish government.
(13) Adopt or modify the official map.
(14) Adopt or modify regulations for review and approval of plats.
(15) Adopt or modify subdivision controls or regulations.
(16) Adopt or modify the zoning plan, maps and regulations.
(17) Amend or repeal any ordinance previously adopted.
(18) Propose amendments to this charter.
B. All Parish ordinances shall be codified in accordance with Article VI, Section 10 of the constitution.
C. An action of the council which is not to have the force of law may be enacted by resolution. Actions which may be adopted by resolution shall include but shall not be limited to those which:
(1) establish a commemorative day, week, month or year;
(2) authorize a person to sign or execute on behalf of the council a contract which has been previously approved;
(3) authorize a person to execute, sign or countersign a check or draft on an account of the council, or
(4) declare a statement of public policy of the council.
D. All ordinances and resolutions shall be passed by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council except as otherwise provided in this charter.
E. Operating rules and regulations prepared by the parish president and departments, offices and agencies under his jurisdiction shall, upon approval by the parish president, be filed in the office of the president and the office of the clerk of the council. Such rules and regulations shall be codified, in- dexed and bound and shall be available to the public at the cost of reproduction.
Section 2-12. Ordinances in General.
A. All proposed ordinances shall be introduced in writing and in the form required for adoption and, except for codifications, the operating budget and capital improvement budget, shall be confined to one subject, expressed clearly in the title.
B. All proposed ordinances shall be read by title when introduced and published in full or in summary within twenty (20) days after introduction, except that ordinances proposing amendments to the charter shall be published in full. Ex- cept as otherwise provided in Section 2-14 (Emergency Ordinances), no ordinance shall be considered for final passage until at least twenty (20) days from the date of publication and after a public hearing has been held on the ordinance. The public hearing shall be held at the meeting at which final passage is to be considered.
C. With the final approval of ordinances by the president, or the council in case of a veto by the president, such enacted ordinances shall be published in full in the official journal by the clerk of the council as soon as practical thereafter provided, however, that ordinances adopting codes of technical regulations or adopting or amending the operating budget or capital improvement budget may be published in full or in summary at the council’s discretion. Every en- acted ordinance, unless it shall specify another date, shall become effective at expiration of thirty (30) days after publication by the council.
Section 2-13. Submission of Ordinances to the President.
A. Every ordinance adopted by the council shall be signed by the presiding officer, except that upon failure of the presiding officer to sign the ordinance, the clerk of the council shall certify to its passage and it shall be presented to the president within five (5) calendar days after adoption, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Parish holidays. The clerk of the council shall record upon the ordinance the date and hour of its delivery to the president.
B. Within ten (10) calendar days after the president’s receipt of an ordinance, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Parish holidays, it shall be returned to the clerk of the council with the president’s approval, or with the president’s veto. The clerk shall record upon the ordinance the date and hour of its receipt from the president. If the proposed ordinance is not signed or vetoed by the president within ten (10) days after receipt, it shall be considered ap- proved. If the ordinance has been approved, it shall be considered finally enacted and become effective as provided in Section 2-12 (Ordinances in General). If the ordinance is vetoed, the president shall submit to the council through the clerk a written statement of the reasons for the veto. The veto statement shall be published in full in the official journal by the clerk as soon as practical thereafter. All ordinances vetoed by the president shall be vetoed in full, except that the president shall have authority to veto individual appropriation items in the ordinances adopting the operating budget and capital improvement budget.
C. Ordinances vetoed by the president shall be submitted by the clerk to the council no later than the next regular meeting held after publication of the veto statement. Should the council vote, not later than the second regular meeting held after receipt of the vetoed ordinance, to readopt the ordinance by the favorable vote of at least three fourths of its membership, said ordinance shall be considered finally enacted and become law irrespective of the veto by the president. The same procedure shall apply to individual appropriation items in the operating and capital improvement budgets vetoed by the president.
D. The right of the president to veto as provided in this section shall apply to all ordinances adopted by the council except ordinances for re- apportionment; amendments to this charter; establishing, altering or modifying council procedure; or ap- propriating funds for auditing or investigating any part of the executive branch.
Section 2-14. Emergency Ordinances.
A. To meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or public safety, the council by the favorable vote of at least two thirds of the membership, may adopt an emergency ordinance at the meeting at which it is introduced, provided that no such ordinance may be used to levy taxes or special assessments; grant or extend a franchise; incur debt, except as provided in Section 5-04 B (Emergency Appropriations); adopt or amend an official map, platting or subdivision controls or zoning regulations; or change rates, fees or charges established by the Parish government. Each emergency ordinance shall contain a specific statement of the emergency claim-ed.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2-13 (Submission of Ordinances to the President), any emergency ordinance adopted by the council shall be signed by the presiding officer, except that upon failure of the presiding officer to sign the ordinance, the clerk of the council shall certify to its passage and it shall be presented to the president within six (6) hours after adoption. Within twelve (12) hours after the president’s receipt of an emergency ordinance, it shall be returned to the clerk of the council with the president’s approval, or with the president’s veto. If the proposed ordinance is not signed or vetoed by the president within twelve (12) hours after receipt, it shall be considered adopted. If the emergency ordinance has been approved, it shall be considered finally enacted and become effective immediately upon receipt by the clerk. If the emergency ordinance is vetoed, the president shall submit to the council through the clerk a written statement of the reasons for the veto. The clerk shall record upon the emergency ordinance the dates and hours of its delivery to and receipt from the president. Should the council vote, not later than twelve (12) hours after receipt of the vetoed emergency ordinance from the president, to re- adopt the emergency ordinance by the favorable vote of at least three fourths of its membership, said emergency ordinance shall be considered finally enacted and become law immediately upon readoption, irrespective of the veto by the president. Upon final approval by the president, or the council in case of a veto by the president, such enacted emergency ordinance shall be published in full in the official journal by the clerk as soon as practical thereafter.
C. Emergency ordinances shall be effective for no longer than sixty (60) days after final approval. The council, upon a two-thirds vote of its membership, may extend the life of an emergency ordinance for an additional thirty (30) days, but no such ordinance may be extended beyond that period.
Section 2-15. Codes of Technical Regulations.
The council, by ordinance, may adopt any standard code of technical regulations by reference. The procedure and requirements governing the adopting of such ordinances shall be as prescribed for ordinances generally, except that a period of sixty (60) days shall be allowed between the time of introduction and final passage of the ordinance. During this interim, copies of any proposed code shall be available for public re- view. A copy of each adopted code of technical regulations as well as the adopting ordinance shall be authenticated and recorded by the clerk of the council in the official records of the Parish government. Such adopted codes of technical regulations shall be published at least by title or by reference in the official journal by the clerk as soon as practical following such final adoption.
Section 2-16. Authentication and Recording of Ordinances and Resolutions; Printing and Distribution.
A. All finally enacted ordinances and resolutions shall be authenticated, numbered and recorded by the clerk of the council. All ordinances shall be indexed and codified in a book or books kept for this purpose. All resolutions shall be in- dexed and recorded in the minutes of the council meeting at which the resolution was approved.
B. The council shall cause each ordinance and each amendment to this charter to be printed or otherwise re- produced promptly following enactment and such printed or reproduced amendments and ordinances, including codes of technical regulations adopted by reference pursuant to Section 2-15 (Codes of Technical Regulations), shall be distributed or sold to the public at the cost of reproduction.
Section 2-17. Power to Levy Taxes.
A. The power to perform any service or provide any facility granted to the Parish government by this charter or by the constitution and general laws of the state shall in all the power to levy taxes and to borrow money within the limits and in accordance with procedures prescribed by the constitution and general laws of the state. The council shall have, and is hereby granted, all of the authority to levy and collect taxes, to incur debt, and issue bonds and other evidences of in- debtedness, as is now or hereafter conferred on governing authorities of parishes by the constitution and general laws of the state, or as may be hereafter specially conferred by the electors of the Parish.
B. Any tax being levied in St. Mary Parish on the effective date of this charter is ratified.
C. All proposals to levy property taxes in excess of that authorized by the constitution to be levied without a vote of the people shall be submitted to the voters for approval in accordance with the election laws of the state.
D. All proposals to levy a new or increase an existing sales and use tax shall be submitted to the voters for approval in accordance with the election laws of the state.
Section 2-18. Powers of Enforcement.
For the purpose of carrying out the powers generally or specially conferred on the Parish government, the council shall have the power to grant franchises, to require licenses and permits and fix the fees to be paid therefor, to charge compensation for any privilege or franchise granted or service rendered, and to provide penalties for the violation of any ordinance or regulation, as provided by law.
ARTICLE III. EXECUTIVE BRANCH.
Section 3-01. Executive Authority.
The president shall be the chief executive and chief administrative officer of the Parish government and shall exercise such general executive and administrative authority as authorized by this charter. No person holding office in the legislative or executive branch shall exercise a power or perform a function belonging to the other branch.
Section 3-02. Election, Term.
The president shall be elected at large from and by the qualified electors of the Parish according to the election laws of the state for a four (4) year term. A person who has served as president for more than one and one-half terms in two consecutive terms shall not be elected president for the succeeding term. This provision shall apply retroactively and shall be applicable to the current parish president seated at the time of this Charter’s adoption.
Section 3-03. Qualifications.
A. The president shall be at least twenty-five (25) years of age and a qualified elector of the Parish at the time of qualification and shall have been legally domiciled and shall have actually re- sided in the Parish at least five (5) years immediately preceding the time established by law for qualifying for office.
B. The president shall continue to be legally domiciled and to actually reside within the Parish during the term of office. Should the legal domicile and/or actual residence of the president change from the Parish, the office shall automatically become vacant, which vacancy shall be filled as set out hereinafter.
Section 3-04. Compensation.
The Parish President shall receive an annual salary of one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) per year. Beginning with the next presidential term, this amount shall be automatically adjusted every four (4) years based on the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding four-year period. The president shall receive no other salary or compensation from the Parish government unless authorized by a majority vote of the electors voting on the proposal in an election held in accordance with election dates as prescribed by state law.
Section 3-05. Forfeiture of Of- fice.
The office of president shall be forfeited if during the term of office the officeholder: (1) lacks at any time any qualification for the office prescribed by this charter, (2) is convicted of a felony under state or federal law, or (3) fails to take office.
Section 3-06. Vacancies.
A. The office of president shall become vacant up- on death, resignation, removal from office in any manner authorized by law, or forfeiture of office.
B. A vacancy in the office of president shall be filled by appointment of a person meeting the qualifications for the office by a majority vote of the authorized membership of the council. If the un- expired term at the time of the vacancy is equal to or less than the period established by state law for such purposes, the appointee shall serve for the remainder of the term. If the unexpired term exceeds the threshold established by state law, the appointee shall serve until such time as the office is filled by the vote of the qualified electors voting in a special election called by the council for that purpose, which election shall be held according to the timetable and procedures established by state law generally for the filling of vacancies in elected local offices.
C. If the council does not make an appointment as required by this section within thirty (30) days after the vacancy occurs, the appointment shall be made by the governor.
Section 3-07. Prohibitions.
A. The president shall hold no other elected public office nor any compensated appointive office or employment of the Parish government or any of its political subdivisions during the term of office for which elected and shall hold no compensated appointive office or em- ployment of the Parish government or any of its political subdivisions until one (1) year after expiration of the term for which elected.
B. The office of Parish President shall be a full-time position. 1) The President shall be the Chief Executive and Administrator Officer of the Parish Government and shall exercise general executive and ad- ministrative auth- ority over all de- partments, offices and agencies of the parish except as otherwise provided by the Charter. 2) The President shall not engage in any activity unrelated to Parish government business that would interfere with or detract from the performance of duties as President.
C. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the president from serving as an elected member of a political party committee, charter commission or constitutional convention.
Section 3-08. President’s Temporary Absence.
A. When the president expects to be absent from the Parish for more than seventy-two (72) consecutive hours, the president shall notify the clerk of the council in writing of the expected duration of the absence. The powers and duties of the office shall be exercised by the assistant chief administrative officer.
B. If a temporary absence of the president extends to more than sixty (60) consecutive days, the office shall become va- cant and shall be filled in accordance with Section 3-06 (Vacancies).
Section 3-09. President’s Disability.
A. Whenever the president transmits to the clerk of the council a written declaration stating inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office, and until the president transmits to the clerk of the council a written declaration to the contrary, the office of president shall be filled in the same manner as in Section 3-08 (A) [President’s Temporary Absence].
B. Whenever a panel of three (3) qualified medical experts, designated by resolution adopted by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council, transmits to the clerk of the council its written declaration that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, the office of president shall be filled in the same manner as in Section 3-08 (A) [President’s Temporary Ab- sence]. The person filling the office shall serve until a panel of three (3) qualified medical experts, designated by resolution adopted by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council, transmits to the clerk of the council its written declaration that the president’s inability has ended. The medical experts shall review the president’s disability at least once every three (3) months until such time as it has been determined that the disability has ended.
C. Should the president be un- able to discharge the powers and duties of the office for a period exceeding six (6) consecutive months, the council shall have the authority upon the favorable vote of at least a majority of its membership to declare the office of president vacant due to disability provided, however, that the council shall hold a public hearing on the issue prior to any such declaration.
Section 3-10. Powers and Duties of the President as Chief Executive & Administrative Officer.
A. The president, as chief executive officer of the Parish government, shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) See that all laws, provisions of this charter and acts of the council, subject to enforcement by the president or by officers subject to the president’s direction and supervision, are faithfully executed.
(2) Submit the annual budget and five (5) year capital budget to the council.
(3) Submit to the council and make available to the public, within sixty (60) days after the end of the fiscal year, a complete report on the finances and ad- ministrative activities of the Parish as of the end of each fiscal year.
(4) Make such other reports as the council may reasonably request to enable the council to function.
(5) Sign such contracts, deeds and other obligations as may be authorized by the council.
(6) Attend or be represented by his designee at council meetings and furnish such information as may be requested by any member of the council.
(7) Perform such other duties as are specified in this charter or may be required by the council, not inconsistent with this charter.
(8) Serve as a nonvoting member on all boards, commissions and authorities.
B. The president, as Chief Ad- ministrative Officer shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of all departments, offices, and agencies of the Parish government. The president shall appoint and supervise all department directors and may delegate authority to subordinate officers as needed.
(1) Except as otherwise provided by this charter, all departments, offices and agencies shall be under the direction and supervision of the parish president, and the heads of all departments created by or under this charter shall be appointed by the president and shall serve at the pleasure of the president.
(2) The salaries of the directors of the departments appointed by the president shall be set by the president, subject to approval by a majority vote of the council membership.
(3) The president as chief ad- ministrative officer shall:
i. Supervise activities of all departments, offices and agencies whose head he appoints.
ii. Appoint and suspend or remove for just cause all Parish government employees of the departments, offices and agencies under the jurisdiction of the president in accordance with personnel policies as provided in Section 4-08 (Personnel System). The president may authorize any administrative officer who is subject to the president’s direction and supervision to exercise these powers with respect to subordinates in the officer’s department, office or agency.
iii. Conduct pertinent procedural studies or investigations of departments, offices, agencies and officers under his jurisdiction.
iv. Prescribe accepted standards of administrative practice to be followed by all departments, offices and agencies.
v. Perform such other duties as may be required by the charter.
ARTICLE IV. ADMINISTRATION.
Section 4-01. Assistant Chief Administrative Officer.
The president shall appoint an assistant chief administrative officer to assist in the performance of executive and administrative duties. The assistant chief administrative officer shall serve at the pleasure of the Parish President, shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the Parish President, and may be removed from office at the discretion of the Parish President.
Section 4-02. Repealed.
Section 4-03. Repealed.
Section 4-04. Legal Services.
A. Legal services shall be provided by the district attorney of the judicial district serving St. Mary Parish. The council may, by ordinance, provide for appointment of a Parish attorney.
B. No special counsel shall be retained to represent the Parish or any department, office, board or commission of the Parish government except by written contract approved by the favorable vote of a majority of the council members, unless otherwise specified by state law. Any such authorization shall specify the compensation, if any, to be paid for such services.
Section 4-05. Department of Finance.
A. The head of the department of finance shall be the director of finance.
B. The director of finance shall direct and be responsible for the following duties:
(1) Collection (except where specifically otherwise provided for by law) and custody of all monies of the Parish government from whatever source.
(2) Preparation of the annual operating budget and capital improvement budget under the direction of the parish president.
(3) Maintenance of a record of indebtedness and the payment of the principal and interest on such indebtedness.
(4) Ascertaining that funds are available for payment of all contracts, purchase orders and any other documents which incur financial obligation for the Parish government, and that such documents are in accordance with established procedures.
(5) Disbursement of all funds from the Parish treasury.
(6) Administration of a uniform central accounting system for all Parish departments, offices and agencies, using nationally accepted standards where applicable.
(7) Preparation of a monthly statement of revenues and expenditures which shall be completed not later than twenty (20) days after the end of each month.
(8) Procurement of all real and personal property, materials, supplies and services re- quired by the Parish government under a central purchasing system for all departments, offices and agencies in accordance with applicable state law, council policy and administrative re- quirements.
(9) Preparation of intergovernmental grant applications on behalf of the Parish government and informing de- partments, offices and agencies of relevant local, state and federal programs.
(10) Maintenance of an inventory of all property, real and personal.
(11) Investment of idle funds, as permitted by law, so as to receive the maximum rate of return.
(12) Provide data processing administration.
(13) Provide general administration services.
(14) Other activities as may be directed by the parish president.
Section 4-06. Public Works De- partment.
A. The head of the public works department shall be the director of public works.
B. The director of public works shall direct and be responsible for the following activities:
(1) Engineering services for all Parish departments and agencies.
(2) Supervision of all contract construction work.
(3) Maintenance of Parish buildings and grounds.
(4) Mapping and surveying.
(5) Construction and maintenance performed by the Parish government of roads, sidewalks, bridges and drainage facilities.
(6) Garbage and trash collection and disposal.
(7) Operation of a central facility for the repair and maintenance of Parish government vehicles and equipment.
(8) Other such activities as may be directed by the parish president.
Section 4-07. Parks and Recreation Department.
A. The parks and recreation de- partment shall be headed by the director of parks and recreation.
B. The director of parks and recreation shall direct and be responsible for:
(1) Parks and playgrounds.
(2) Recreational activities.
(3) Cultural activities and facilities.
(4) Other leisure-time activities.
(5) Other such activities as may be directed by the parish president.
Section 4-08. Department of Personnel.
A. The personnel department shall consist of a director of personnel and a personnel board who shall be responsible for the development and maintenance of a personnel system in which all appointments and promotions shall be made on the basis of fitness and merit.
B. The director of personnel shall be appointed by the parish president, subject to council approval, and shall:
(1) Prepare and administer such personnel rules and regulations governing the classified service as may be necessary or desirable for carrying out the provisions of this charter.
(2) Prepare, install and maintain a uniform classification and pay plan for all positions in the classified service.
(3) Perform such other duties and functions as may be directed by the chief administrative officer.
C. The administration of the classified service, including the classification and pay plans, of the Parish government shall be governed by written rules and regulations to be known as “Personnel Policies.” The director of personnel shall prepare such policies and recommend their adoption to the parish president. Upon approval by the parish president, the personnel policies shall be presented to the council for adoption. The council shall act within thirty (30) days upon such proposed personnel policies. Such policies shall become effective upon approval by a favorable vote of a majority of the council membership. Thereafter, the director of personnel shall recommend additions to, modifications of, or deletions from such policies to the parish president for presentation to the council in the same manner used for adoptions of the original policies. All personnel policies adopted by the council shall have the force and effect of law.
D. The personnel board shall consist of five (5) members appointed by a majority vote of the council membership. The members of the personnel board shall hold no elected public office nor hold a public position in the Parish.
E. The terms of the first members of the personnel board shall be as follows: One member shall be appointed to a one-year term; a second member shall be appointed to a two-year term; a third member shall be appointed to a three-year term; a fourth member shall be appointed to a four-year term; and a fifth member shall be ap- pointed to a five-year term. Thereafter, all
F. appointments shall be for a five-year term.
G. The personnel board shall:
(1) Hold hearings on dismissals, demotions and other disciplinary matters as may be provided in the rules. The decisions of the personnel board in these matters shall be final.
(2) Perform such other quasi-judicial duties as may be required under the rules developed pursuant to this section.
On appeal to the personnel board by an employee relative to the actions of the employer, the burden of proof shall be on the employee.
H. Any person holding a full-time position subject to this section when this charter takes effect, who served in that position at the time the charter was adopted by the electors of the Parish and at least one year prior thereto, shall continue in that position without competitive test or other method ap- proved by the council but shall be subject in all other respects to this section.
I. The following shall not be members of the classified personnel system of the Parish:
(1) All elected officials of the Parish government.
(2) Employees hired on a temporary or contractual basis.
(3) The Parish attorney and any assistant attorneys.
(4) Department heads created by or under this charter continued in accordance with the provisions of this charter.
(5) Employees appointed directly by the council.
(6) Employees of hospital districts.
(7) Employees of other Parish boards and commissions appointed directly by the board or commission, except that such boards and commissions shall adopt personnel policies subject to approval by the council by ordinance.
Section 4-09. Planning and Zoning Department.
A. The head of the planning and zoning department shall be the director of planning and zoning.
B. The director of planning and zoning shall direct and be responsible for the following activities:
(1) Maintenance of the zoning map and other maps related to the functions of the department.
(2) Coordination of planning activities.
(3) Function as staff of a zoning commission.
(4) Application for and administration of housing grants.
(5) Inspection, licensing and permit issuance in conjunction with the enforcement of any zoning ordinances and building, housing and other technical codes.
(6) Other such activities as may be directed by the parish president.
Section 4-10. Other Departments.
Except as otherwise provided by this charter, all Parish government departments, offices, agencies and functions in existence on the effective date of this charter shall continue in existence as organized on that date until reorganized in accordance with Section 4-11 (Ad- ministrative Reorganization).
Section 4-11. Administrative Reorganization.
A. The parish president may propose to the council the creation, change, alteration, consolidation or abolition of Parish departments, offices and agencies and/or the reallocation of the functions, powers, duties and responsibilities of such departments, offices or agencies, including those provided for in this charter.
B. Upon receipt of the parish president’s proposed plan of reorganization, the presiding officer of the council shall cause to be introduced an ordinance to im- plement the proposed reorganization plan. The ordinance shall follow the same procedure as provided in Section 2-12 (Ordinances in General), except that an affirmative vote of two thirds of the council members shall be required to amend or modify the reorganization plan submitted by the parish president.
C. The reorganization plan submitted by the parish president shall become effective if the council fails to act on the proposed reorganization within sixty (60) days of its submission to the council.
ARTICLE V. FINANCIAL PROCEDURES.
Section 5-01. Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year of the Parish government shall be January 1 through December 31, subject to change by ordinance by the council.
Section 5-02. Operating Budget Preparation and Adoption.
A. At least sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the president shall submit to the council a proposed operating budget in the form re- quired by this charter. At the meeting of the council at which the operating budget is submitted, the council shall order a public hearing on the budget. At least ten (10) days prior to the date of such hearing, the council shall publish in the official journal the time and place of the hearing, a general summary of the proposed budget and the times and places where copies of the proposed budget are available for public inspection. At the time and place so advertised, the council shall hold a public hearing on the budget as submitted. Changes in the proposed operating budget by the council shall be by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council. The budget shall be finally adopted not later than the second-to-last regular meeting of the fiscal year. Upon final adoption, the budget shall be in effect for the budget year, and copies shall be filed with the clerk of the council. The budget as finally adopted shall be reproduced and sufficient copies shall be made available for use by all offices, departments and agencies of the Parish government. Copies shall be available for public use in the office of the clerk and additional copies may be purchased at cost.
B. Upon failure of the council to adopt a budget prior to the end of the current fiscal year, fifty (50) percent of the amount appropriated for that fiscal year shall be reappropriated for the new fiscal year and shall be in effect until such time as a new budget is adopted.
Section 5-03. The Operating Budget Document.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to the Capital Improvement Budget, which shall be governed by Section 5-05 of Article V. The provisions of this section shall also not apply to Special Revenue Funds which are funded by federal and/or state grants and whose grant period does not correspond with St. Mary Parish’s fiscal year. The Operating budget for the Parish government shall present a complete financial plan for the ensuing fiscal year and shall consist of at least three (3) parts as follows:
Part I shall contain: (1) a budget message which shall outline the proposed financial plan for the Parish government and describe significant features of the budget for the forthcoming fiscal period; and (2) a general budget summary which, with supporting schedules, shall show the relationship between total proposed expenditures and total anticipated revenues for the forthcoming fiscal period and which shall compare these figures with corresponding actual figures for the last completed fiscal year and estimated figures for the year in progress.
Part II shall contain: (1) de- tailed estimates of all proposed ex- penditures, showing the corresponding estimated expenditures for each item for the current fiscal year and actual figures for the last preceding fiscal year with explanations of increases or decreases recommended related to performance standards or workload measurements, to the ex- tent of availability of such information; (2) manning or organizational tables for each of the departments, agencies or programs; (3) detailed estimates of all anticipated revenues and other income, showing the corresponding estimated revenue or income for each item for the current fiscal year and actual figures of the last preceding fiscal year with explanations of in- creases or decreases; (4) delinquent taxes for current and preceding years, with the estimated percentage collectible; (5) statement of the indebtedness of the Parish government, showing debt redemption and interest re- quirements, debt authorized and unissued, and conditions of the sinking funds; and (6) such other information as may be requested by the council. The total proposed expenditures shall not exceed the total of estimated funds available.
Part III shall contain a proposed complete draft of the appropriation ordinance. All ap- propriations shall be by department and/or program.
Section 5-04. Amendments to Operating Budget.
A. Supplemental Appropriations: If during the fiscal year the president certifies that there are available for ap- propriation revenues in excess of those estimated in the operating budget, the president may present a supplemental budget for the disposition of such revenues, and the council by ordinance may make supplemental appropriations for the year up to the amount of such excess in the same manner required for adoption of the budget.
B. Emergency Appropriations: To meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or the public peace, or to comply with a court judgment rendered after adoption of the budget, the council may make emergency appropriations. Such appropriations shall be made by emergency ordinance in accordance with the provisions of this charter. To the extent that there are no available unappropriated revenues to meet such appropriations, the council may by such emergency ordinance borrow money in sums necessary to meet the emergency. The repayment of such sums shall be a fixed charge upon the revenues of the fiscal year next following the fiscal year in which the sums are borrowed.
C. Reduction of Appropriations: If at any time during the fiscal year it ap- pears to the president that the revenues available will be insufficient to meet the amount appropriated, the president shall report to the council without delay, indicating the estimated amount of the deficit, any remedial action taken and recommendations as to any other steps to be taken. The council shall then take such further action as it deems necessary to prevent a deficit.
D. Subject to the limitations in Subsection F of this section, the council may, by ordinance, reduce any appropriation at any time.
E. Transfer of Appropriations: At any time during the fiscal year the president may transfer part or all of any unencumbered appropriation within programs. An unencumbered appropriation balance may be transferred from one department, office or agency to another or from one program to another only upon council action by ordinance.
F. Limitations: No appropriation for debt service may be reduced or transferred and no appropriation may be reduced below any amount re- quired by law to be appropriated or by more than the amount of the unencumbered balance thereof.
Section 5-05. Capital Improvement Budget.
A. Each year, no later than the time of submission of the operating budget for the ensuing fiscal year, the president shall submit to the council a capital improvement budget covering a period of at least five (5) years. The amount indicated to be spent during the first year of the capital improvement budget shall be the capital budget for that year.
B. The capital budget shall in- clude:
(1) A clear general summary of its contents.
(2) A list of all capital improvements and acquisitions which are proposed to be undertaken for at least the five (5) fiscal years next ensuing with appropriate supporting information as to the necessity for such improvements and acquisitions.
(3) Cost estimates, method of financing and recommended time schedules for each such improvement or acquisition.
(4) The estimated annual cost of operating and maintaining the capital improvement to be constructed or acquired.
The information shall be revised and extended each year with regard to capital improvements still pending or in process of construction or acquisition.
C. At the meeting of the council at which the capital improvement budget is submitted, the council shall order a public hearing on such capital improvement budget and shall publish in the official journal, at least ten (10) days prior to the date of such hearing, the time and place of the hearing, a general summary of the proposed capital improvement budget and the times and places where copies of the proposed capital im- provement budget are available for public inspection. At the time and place so advertised, the council shall hold a public hearing on the capital improvement budget as submitted. Changes in the proposed capital improvement budget by the council shall be by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council. The capital improvement budget shall be finally adopted not later than the second-to-last regular meeting of the fiscal year. The capital improvement budget as finally adopted shall be reproduced and sufficient copies shall be made available for use by all offices, departments and agencies of the Parish government. Copies shall be available for public use in the office of the clerk of the council and additional copies may be purchased at cost.
D. Amendments to the finally adopted capital improvement budget shall be by ordinance in accordance with provisions of this charter relative to ordinances.
E. Any construction project or method of financing a construction project submitted to and rejected by the voters shall not be undertaken for at least one (1) year unless approved by the voters.
Section 5-06. Administration of Operating and Capital Budgets.
A. No payment shall be made or obligation incurred against any allotment or appropriation except in accordance with the approved operating and capital budgets and appropriations duly made and unless the president or the president’s designee first certifies that there is a sufficient unencumbered balance in such allotment or appropriation and that sufficient funds there-from are or will be available to cover the claim or meet the obligation when it becomes due and payable. However, this provision shall not limit the authority to borrow funds in anticipation of revenues as provided in the general laws of the state. Any authorization of payment or incurring of obligation in violation of the provisions of this charter shall be void and any payment so made illegal; such action shall be cause for removal of any official, officer or employee who knowingly authorized or made such payment or incurred such obligation or who caused such payment to be authorized or made or obligation to be incurred. Such persons shall also be liable to the Parish government for any amount so paid.
B. Nothing in this charter shall be construed so as to prevent the making or authorizing of payments or making of contracts for capital improvements to be financed wholly or partly by the issuance of bonds or to prevent the making of any contract or lease providing for payments beyond the end of the fiscal year, provided that such action is authorized by ordinance, except that contracts for services not covered by the public bid law shall be for a period not to exceed two (2) years.
C. Deficit spending is prohibited except for emergencies as provided in Section 5-04 B (Amendments to Operating Budget).
Section 5-07. Lapse of Appropriations.
Every appropriation, except an appropriation for a capital expenditure, shall lapse at the close of the fiscal year to the extent that it has not been expended or encumbered. An appropriation for a capital expenditure shall continue in force until the purpose for which it was made has been accomplished or abandoned; the purpose of any such appropriation shall be deemed abandoned if three (3) years pass without any disbursement from or encumbrance of the appropriation.
Section 5-08. Bonded Debt.
The Parish government is empowered to incur bonded debt in accordance with this charter and the constitution and laws of the state. When voter ap- proval is required, no resolution shall be passed calling for a referendum to incur a bonded debt until an engineering and economic feasibility report shall have been made to the council and a summary thereof published in the official journal at least sixty (60) days prior to the proposed date of the election, unless the council is required to call such an election pursuant to a petition as provided for under the general laws of this state.
Section 5-09. Facsimile Signatures.
Facsimile signatures are authorized for negotiable instruments and multiple certificates of indebtedness in those cases where an official is required by law to sign.
ARTICLE VI. INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM, RECALL AND REMOVAL BY SUIT.
Section 6-01. Initiative and Referendum.
A. The electors of the Parish shall have the power, except as herein restricted, to propose to the council passage or repeal of ordinances and to vote on the question if the council refuses action. This power shall not extend to the proposing or repealing of ordinances making or reducing the appropriation of money, authorizing the repeal or reduction of the levy of any taxes or changing the salaries of Parish government officers or employees. The initiative power shall be exercised in the following manner:
(1) The person or persons proposing the exercise of this power shall submit the proposal to the council which shall specify within thirty (30) days a form of petition for circulation in one or multiple copies as the proposer may desire. The petition shall contain the full text of the proposed ordinance.
(2) Within sixty (60) days after the form of the petition shall have been specified, the person or persons circulating the petition shall ob- tain the signatures of at least ten (10) percent of the total registered voters of the Parish. There shall be noted after each signature on the petition the date signed and the address of the signer. Each person circulating a copy of the petition shall attach a sworn affidavit to it stating the number of signers and the fact that each signature was made in the presence of the circulator of the petition.
(3) The signed petition shall be filed with the council within sixty (60) days of the specification of the form of the petition and, upon filing, the council shall order a canvass of the signatures through the office of the Parish registrar of voters to determine their sufficiency and authenticity. The council’s canvass shall be completed within thirty (30) days. If the number of signatures is insufficient or the petition is deficient as to form or compliance with this section, the council shall notify the person or persons filing the petition of such sufficiency or deficiency and allow thirty (30) days for filing of additional papers, at the end of which time the sufficiency and correctness of the petition shall be determined finally.
(4) Within thirty (30) days after a petition shall have been certified as sufficient and correct by the council, the council shall cause the proposed ordinance, and a summary thereof, to be published in the official journal of the Parish government at least once together with a notice of the date, time and place when and where it will be given a public hearing and be considered for passage, which notice shall appear at least seven (7) days prior to the time advertised for the hearing. At the time and place so advertised the council shall hold a public hearing. Subsequent to such hearing, the council shall either:
(a) Adopt the proposed ordinance submitted in an initiative petition, without substantive amendments, or effect the repeal referred to by such petition, or
(b) Determine to submit the proposal to the electors.
(5) If the council adopts an ordinance following the submission of an initiatory petition as provided above, it shall not amend or repeal the ordinance by its own action within one (1) year following the date of submission of the petition proposing the ordinance, but it may submit proposals amending or re- pealing such ordinances to a vote of the electors. After the expiration of one (1) year, the ordinance may be amended or re- pealed as any other ordinance.
(6) If an initiative ordinance is submitted to a vote of the electors as provided in Section 6-01 (4) above, the election shall take place at the first regularly scheduled election occurring thirty (30) days after the meeting at which the council determines to submit the proposal to the electors. The re- sults shall be determined by a majority vote of the electors voting on the proposal.
(7) If a majority of the qualified electors voting on a proposed initiative ordinance vote in its favor, it shall be considered adopted upon certification of the election results. If conflicting ordinances are approved at the same election, the one receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes shall prevail to the extent of such conflict.
(8) An ordinance adopted by the electorate through the initiative process shall not be amended or re- pealed by council action for a period of one (1) year after the election at which it was adopted, but thereafter it may be amended or repealed as any other ordinance.
(9) Ordinances adopted through the initiative process shall not be subject to veto by the president.
B. Upon rejection by the voters of an ordinance proposed under this section, at least one (1) year shall lapse before the same or a similar issue can again be submitted to the voters.
Section 6-02. Recall.
A. Any elected official of the Parish government may be removed from office by the electors of the Parish through a recall process. The recall procedure shall be the same as is provided in the general laws of the state.
B. If, in a recall election, the majority of those voting vote for recall, the official named in the recall petition shall be removed ipso facto from office, and the vacancy thereby created shall be filled as in the case of ordinary vacancies in accordance with this charter. The person recalled shall not be eligible for appointment to fill the vacant position.
Section 6-03. Removal by Suit.
Any elected official of the Parish government may be removed from office by court suit as provided in the constitution and general laws of the state.
ARTICLE VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
Section 7-01. Legal Process.
Legal process against the Parish government shall be served upon the president or in his absence upon the presiding officer of the council.
Section 7-02. Code of Ethics.
All officers, officials and employees of the Parish government shall comply with the provisions of the code of ethics pertaining to local governments. The President, or the Presidents designee, shall ensure that each elected official received a copy of the state code of ethics no later than thirty (30) days after the elected officials take office.
Section 7-03. Amending or Repealing the Charter.
A. Proposals to amend or repeal this charter may be made by a two-thirds vote of the council membership or by petition signed by not less than ten (10) percent of the total number of registered voters of the Parish. A petition shall contain the full text of the proposed amendment or amendments.
The procedures and time limits for filing such a petition shall be the same as for an initiative ordinance as provided in Section 6-01 (1), (2) and (3).
B. Within thirty (30) days after a petition shall have been certified as sufficient and correct by the council, the council shall cause the amendment or amendments being proposed, and summaries thereof, to be published in the official journal of the Parish.
C. Proposals by council members to amend or repeal this charter shall be by ordinance. Such proposed ordinances shall follow the same procedure as re- quired by Section 2-12 (Ordinances in General), except that the affirmative vote of two thirds of the council membership shall be required for passage of an ordinance proposing to amend or repeal the charter.
D. Proposals to amend or repeal this charter shall be submitted for ratification to the qualified electors of the Parish at an election already authorized for other purposes or at a special election called for the purpose of considering proposed charter amendments. The results shall be determined by a majority vote of the electors voting on any particular proposal.
E. Proposals by the council and by petition may be submitted to the voters at the same election and voters may, at their op- tion, accept or re- ject any or all such proposals. Should conflicting proposals be approved at the same election, the one receiving the greater number of affirmative votes shall prevail to the extent of such conflict.
F. Within thirty (30) days after promulgation of election results, the clerk of the council shall file duly authenticated copies of said amendment with the offices of the secretary of state of Louisiana and the clerk of court of St. Mary Parish.
G. Unless specified to the contrary in the amendment, all approved amendments shall become effective thirty (30) days after said filing.
H. Upon passage or rejection of a proposal by the voters, at least one (1) year shall lapse before the same issue can again be submitted to the voters.
I. Except as provided in Section 8-08 (Severability) and Section 8-09 (Violation of Civil Rights Act), no proposal to amend or repeal this charter shall be submitted during the first one (1) year of operations under this charter. No amendment or re- peal shall shorten the term for which any incumbent official was elected or reduce the salary of office for that term.
Section 7-04. Bonding of Officers.
The director of finance, all persons authorized to sign checks and such other Parish government officers or employees as the council may designate shall give bond in the amount and with the surety prescribed by the council. The premiums on such bonds shall be paid by the Parish government.
Section 7-05. Oaths of Office.
All elected officials of the Parish government shall take the following oath of office to be administered by any qualified person:
“I, ..., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution and laws of the United States and the constitution and laws of this state and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as ..., according to the best of my ability and understanding, so help me God.”
Section 7-06. Boards and Commissions.
A. The council, by resolution, and the president may appoint advisory boards and commissions to provide advice regarding the operations of Parish services or other activities. No such board or commission shall exercise any administrative or legislative responsibility.
B. A member of an advisory board or commission shall receive no compensation for service and shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
C. Members of all existing boards and commissions shall complete their terms of office, except as may be provided by this charter or by action of the council.
D. All meetings of advisory boards and commissions shall be open to the public.
E. This section shall not apply to a board or commission created by ordinance or in accordance with general state law.
Section 7-07. Reconstitution of Government.
In the event of war or public disaster that incapacitates the president and/or a majority of the council, the remaining members of the council may act on an emergency basis and shall appoint such other officials as are necessary to reconstitute the Parish government. It shall be the intent of this section that these emergency powers shall subsist only so long as an emergency exists and that regularly constituted elections shall be held as soon as it is judicially determined that conditions permit their being held.
Section 7-08. Control Over Local Agencies and Special Districts.
A. The council shall have general power over any agency heretofore created by the governing authority of St. Mary Parish or hereafter created by the council including, without limitation, the power to abolish the agency and require prior approval of any charge or tax levied or bond issued by the agency.
B. The Parish government may consolidate and merge into itself any special district or local public agency, except a school district, situated and having jurisdiction entirely within the boundaries of the Parish. Upon the consolidation and merger, the Parish government shall succeed to and be vested with all of the rights, revenues, resources, jurisdiction, auth- ority, and powers of the special district or local public agency. A consolidation and merger shall become effective only if ap- proved by a majority of the electors voting thereon in the Parish as a whole and by a majority of the electors voting thereon in the affected special district. A local public agency shall be consolidated and merged only if approved by a majority of the electors voting thereon in the Parish as a whole.
C. If the special district or local public agency which is consolidated and merged has outstanding indebtedness, the authority provided by this section shall not be exercised unless provision is made for the retirement or assumption of the indebtedness.
ARTICLE VIII. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS.
Section 8-01. Repealed.
Section 8-02. Continuation of Actions.
A. All writs, actions, suits, proceedings, civil or criminal liabilities, prosecutions, judgments, sentences, contracts, franchises, debt or other obligations due by St. Mary Parish, rights or causes of action, claims, demands, titles and rights existing on the effective date of this charter shall continue unaffected. All sentences for punishment for ordinance violations or for crime shall be executed according to their terms.
B. All actions, ordinances, and administrative rules and regulations of St. Mary Parish in force prior to the effective date of this charter shall, insofar as they are not inconsistent with this charter, remain in full force and effect until amended or repealed by the council or until they expire by their own limitation.
Section 8-03. Special Districts.
Any special district heretofore established and existing in St. Mary Parish shall continue to exist to effectuate the purpose for which it was created, to complete any works begun or authorized therein, to pay the debts of the district and to levy taxes and other charges as may have been or may be legally authorized in the district.
Section 8-04. Fees, Charges and Tax Levies.
A. Constitutional limitations on the maximum property tax millages that can be levied without voter approval shall continue to be applicable to the Parish.
B. All fees, charges and taxes levied by St. Mary Parish shall continue to be levied by the Parish government until changed by the council by ordinance or by a vote of the people when a vote is required.
C. Receipts from fees, charges, rentals and royalties, taxes, federal and state grants, and shared revenues and taxes applicable to special districts which are less than parishwide geographically shall be used only for services to be rendered in those geographic areas.
D. The levy of property tax millages above the constitutional maximum previously approved by the voters of a special district shall continue to be levied by the Parish government and used only for the approved purposes. Such levies may be renewed upon the favorable vote of the electors within the geographical area involved.
Section 8-05. Special Legislative Acts.
All special legislative acts pertaining to St. Mary Parish, insofar as they are in conflict with the provisions of this charter, shall henceforth be inoperative and of no effect.
Section 8-06. Parish Retirement Systems.
No pension or retirement systems of the Parish government in existence at the time the charter is approved shall be affected in any way by this charter and shall remain in full force and effect and shall be carried out and regulated in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
Section 8-07. Declaration of In- tent.
This charter shall be liberally construed in aid of its declared intent which is to establish for the people of St. Mary Parish effective home rule free from legislative interference as to the structure and organization of its local government, and with the power and authority to manage its local affairs, all as contemplated and intended by the provisions of Article VI Section 5 of the constitution.
Section 8-08. Severability.
If any provision of this charter is declared invalid for any reason, that provision shall not affect the validity of this charter or any other provisions thereof.
Section 8-09. Violation of Civil Rights Act.
In the event the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice or any court of competent jurisdiction declares any part of this charter to be in violation of the Civil Rights Act prior to the date the charter becomes effective, the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission shall reconvene for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days for the purpose
of drafting and proposing amendments to the charter to the electors of St. Mary Parish.
Section 8-10. Schedule of Transition.
The provisions of this charter pertaining to the election of Parish government officials created hereunder shall become effective on the date this charter is adopted. The re- maining provisions of this charter shall become effective on the date of taking of office of the newly elected officials provided for by this charter, such date being established in Section 8-11(Election of Officials).
Section 8-11. Election of Officials.
A. The first election for the officials provided for by this charter shall coincide with the 1983 elections for governor, and subsequent elections shall be held on corresponding dates every fourth year thereafter. Persons elected under the provisions of this charter shall take office at noon on the second Monday in January next following their election.
B. All Parish officers elected under provisions of the police jury system of government applicable to the Parish prior to the adoption of this home rule charter shall continue to hold their offices and discharge the duties thereof until the officials elected under the provisions of this charter have taken office. Thereafter, their offices shall cease to exist.
Section 8-12. Required Approval by Electors.
The charter shall become effective only if approved by a majority of those voting on the charter.
Section 8-13. Repealed.
Mr. Hill requested to move up Item 16D, “Rev. Mat-hews to request an allocation of $5,000 from Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10 3/10% Sales Tax Fund to Recreation District No. 5 for certain equipment upgrades.”
Mr. Adams mov-ed to adopt Items 13A, “FOR ADOPTION – An Ordinance adopting the 2026 Combined Budgets of Revenues and Expenditures for the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana” and 13B, “FOR ADOPTION – An Ordinance adopting the proposed Five-Year Capital Outlay Program for the Years 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.” Dr. Rink seconded the motion.
Rev. Mathews requested to in- clude the recommendations from the Advisory Budget Finance Committee, to accept the St. Mary Community Action Agency’s proposal at 100% at the funding level of $69,500 (Transportation Funds - $45,500.00 and Elderly Nutrition - $24,000.00), ending December 31, 2026.
After discussion, Mr. Adams amended his current motion to include St. Mary Community Action Agency’s proposal at 100% at the funding level of $69,500 (Transportation Funds - $45,500.00 and Elderly Nutrition - $24,000.00).
Mr. Hill requested that the removal of the Wax Lake East Sewer System Improvements line item out of the 2026 Proposed Budget, budgeted at $500,000, Wards 5 & 8 area, Fund 125 be included in the amendment.
Lengthy discussion was had relative to the 3/10% Sales Tax Funding.
Rev. Mathews stated for the record that every Council Member had the opportunity to recommend restoring any organization to the 100%.
Parish President Sam Jones stated that he is not opposed to anything but that it takes time to recover.
After discussion, Rev. Mathews moved to amend the motion to include St. Mary Community Action Agency’s proposal at 100% at the funding level of $69,500 (Transportation Funds - $45,500.00 and Elderly Nutrition - $24,000.00) and to remove the Wax Lake East Sewer System Improvements line item out of the 2026 Proposed Budget, budgeted at $500,000, Wards 5 & 8 area, Fund 125. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried by the following 7-4-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Mathews, Ina, Hill, Hebert, Davis, Duhon, and Hidalgo
NAYS: Olander, Rulf, Adams, and Rink
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Mr. Adams mov-ed that the following Ordinances, including amendments, be adopted. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried by the following 8-3-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Ina, Hill, Hebert, Davis, Du- hon, Adams, Hi- dalgo, and Mat-hews
NAYS: Olander, Rulf, and Rink
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ORDINANCE
NO. 2415
An Ordinance adopting the 2026 Combined Budgets of Revenues and Expenditures for the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR RE- VIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
ORDINANCE
NO. 2416
An Ordinance adopting the proposed Five-Year Capital Outlay Program for the Years 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR RE- VIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
Mr. Olander moved that the following Ordinances be adopted. Dr. Rink seconded the motion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Olander, Hill, Rulf, Hebert, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, Mathews, and Ina
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ORDINANCE
NO. 2417
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments).
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR RE- VIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
EXHIBIT “A”
Name: E&F Property Holdings LLC
Address: 21218 Hwy 182, Jeanerette, LA
Parcel Id# 1785101050.00 -Lot Bd Teche - Thornton – Hwy. 90 - Proctor situated Sec 42 T13S R8E Acq 468 345667 and Parcel Id# 1785101049.00 - Lot Bd Teche - Thornton – Hwy. 90 - Proctor situated Sec. 42 T13S R8E Acq. 468 345667
PURPOSE: Re- zone from Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zoned District to General Commercial (GC) Zoned District.
ORDINANCE
NO. 2418
An Ordinance in compliance with Ordinance No. 1973, Chapter 5 Procedures, Division 5.4 General Procedures for Public Hearing, Section 5.4.2 Re- zonings (Zoning Map Amendments).
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
EXHIBIT “A”
Name: Hope Hebert
Address: 1732 Hwy. 83, Franklin, LA
Parcel Id# Parcel Id# 1964861034.00 - Lot 1-C Shirley Rodriquez Heirs Partition Per Plat 327 323565, Acq. 346 326515
PURPOSE: Re- zone from Single Family Residential (SR) Zoned District to Existing Neighborhood (EN2) Zon-ed District to place a manufactured home on the property.
ORDINANCE
NO. 2419
An Ordinance declaring multiple tax adjudicated properties as surplus property and authorize the Parish to proceed with the process for advertising and sale of such adjudicated properties.
THIS ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE PARISH COUNCIL’S OFFICE
THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALY LEFT BLANK
EXHIBIT “A”
PARCEL NUMBER, PROPERTY ADDRESS. TAX ASSESSMENT
2234681267.00, 803 ST JOHN ST, 2010-16922
2234681462.00, 803 ST JOHN ST, 2010-16922
2864401188.00, 0 0 CREMO, 2004-5442
2864401189.00, 168 CREMO, 2004-5442
3164321109.00, 207 JEDDO ST, 2006-20641
3164321110.00, 213 JEDDO ST, 2006-20641
3224341639.00, 937 SHORT ST, 1987-3153
1905041032.00, 19715 HWY 182, 2011-80
2114821090.00, 999 N/A, 2011-21865
2234721169.00, 320 TALBOT ST, 2011-16425
2894261110.00, 517 KIRCH- CLAUSEN RD, 2011-6195
3224341526.00, 122 MOUNT ST, 2011-12212
1905041077.00, 420 SORRELL RD, 2012-409
1905041119.00, 20021 HWY 182 W, 2012-1041
2234701645.00, 705 CARL C FOULCARD DR, 2012-17335
2234721569.00, 1046 EAGLE ST, 2012-16860
2324761080.00, 145 FOX LN, 2012-3079
2234701415.00, 705 CARL C FOULCARD DR, 2012-17335
2324741089.00, 104 MADISON ST, 2012-3322
1634684073.00, 0 FREETOWN RD, 2012-1980
2864381026.00, 401 PARADISE LN, 1988-9078
2234721163.00, 313 TALBOT ST, 2012-14909
2234701467.00, 1500 WALNUT ST, 2010-16806
3134301120.00, 2185 RIVER RD, 2013-587
1844881012.00, 113 JOSEPHINE LN, 2014-25620
2174961008.00, 104 BENNETT LN, 2010-136
1905041118.00, 20017 HWY 182, 2011-1208
2864341137.00, 517 VAUGHN ALY, 2013-22412
2864361095.00, 1712 FERN ST, 2013-18035
2234701168.00, 1014 EAGLE ST, 2006-14740
2114841109.00, 117 COLLINS ST, 2015-29689
2264741097.00, 306 CYPRESS ST, 2017-18354
2264741098.00, 306 CYPRESS ST, 2017-18354
3194381326.00, 706 MARSHALL ST, 2015-24145
1754604041.00, 0 FREETOWN RD II, 2013-3154
2894281019.00, 208 HENRY ST, 2017-11902
2234681096.00, 515 ONEAL CHUBE ST, 2015-2839
Mr. Hill requested that Item 14A, “Resolution of Recognition for Alma B. Williams on her 101st Birthday,” be tabled to the January 14, 2026 meeting. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which carried.
Mr. Hebert mov-ed that the following Resolution be adopted. Rev. Mathews seconded the motion, which carried by the following 11-0-0-0 Roll Call vote:
YEAS: Hill, Rulf, Hebert, Davis, Duhon, Adams, Rink, Hidalgo, Mathews, Ina, and Olander
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION
Resolution establishing a temporary moratorium on the development, establishment, and/or construction of solar farms in the unincorporated areas of St. Mary Parish for a period of twelve months.
WHEREAS, the development, establishment, and/or construction of Solar Farms in unincorporated areas of St. Mary Parish create unique planning and zoning issues; and
WHEREAS, each of the issues set forth relate to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens in unincorporated areas of St. Mary Parish; and
WHEREAS, the St. Mary Parish Council has been reviewing the Code of Ordinances of the Parish of St. Mary with respect to Solar Farms and changes may be necessary to protect public health, safety, and general welfare; and
WHEREAS, the implementation of a temporary moratorium on the de- velopment, establishment, and/or construction of Solar Farms in unincorporated areas of St. Mary Parish for a period of twelve (12) months will allow the St. Mary Parish Council time to prepare, consider, and adopt a comprehensive Ordinance to ensure that any such development or government are governed by rules and regulations that take into consideration the unique planning and zoning issues of such developments and adequately addresses the health, safety, and welfare concerns of the citizens of St. Mary Parish.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the St. Mary Parish Council does hereby implement a temporary moratorium on the de- velopment, establishment, and/or construction of Solar Farms in unincorporated areas of St. Mary Parish for a period of twelve (12) months, with said moratorium expiring December 25, 2026.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLV-ED that this temporary moratorium on the development, establishment, and/or construction of Solar Farms in unincorporated areas of St. Mary Parish for a period of twelve (12) months and shall expire on December 25, 2026.
ADOPTED AND APPROV-ED by the St. Mary Parish Council in regular session convened on this the 10th day of December 2025.
APPROVED:
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO,
CHAIRPERSON
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
ATTEST:
S/G LISA C. MORGAN
LISA C.
MORGAN,
CLERK
ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Referred from August 13, 2025, Regular Meeting - Appointments to the following Boards and Commissions:
Sorrell Community Park Advisory Committee – 4 Vacancies
Latarsha M. Charles
Rev. Mathews moved that Latar-sha M. Charles be appointed to the Sorrell Community Park Advisory Committee. Mr. Ina seconded the motion, which carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. We received the following financial statements:
Atchafalaya Golf Course Commission – year ended September 30, 2024
St. Mary Parish Water and Sewer Commission No. 4 – year ended September 30, 2024
B. Mary Alice Fuhrer, MSW. LCSW. has written to resign from the Youth Planning Board effective November 20, 2025.
Ms. Fuhrer will be sent a letter thanking her for her service and Lisa Morgan will research to see if the vacancy will need to be advertised.
C. Rachel Kidder has written to resign from the St. Mary Parish Recreation District No. 3 effective im- mediately.
Ms. Kidder will be sent a letter thanking her for her service and the vacancy will be advertised.
D. Rev. Mathews to request an allocation of $5,000 from Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10 3/10% Sales Tax Fund to Recreation District No. 5 for certain equipment upgrades.
Rev. Mathews moved that $5,000 from Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10 3/10% Sales Tax Fund be allocated to Recreation District No. 5 for certain equipment upgrades. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried.
Discussion was had relative to the fund balance, proposed budget, and a maintenance plan.
Rev. Mathews submitted a narrative of proposed improvement plans relative to West St. Mary Civic Center and expounded on funding and much needed upgrades.
E. Betty Hicks, Chairperson, St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Revision Commission has written on behalf of the Board of Commissioners and in accordance with Ordinance No. 2371, as ex- tended by Ordinance No. 2403, and the requirements of LA R.S. 33:1395-1395.6, I hereby formally submit the Commission’s Proposed Amended Home Rule Charter, ap- proved by motion of the Commission on November 20, 2025, for action by the St. Mary Parish Council.
Discussion was had relative to procedures and an election date.
F. Robbie Squires, Director of Government Affairs, Cox Communications Central Region, has emailed to inform you that Cox is required to obtain permission from local broadcast stations and cable networks to provide their signals on our channel lineup. We’re in discussions to renew agreements with the following programmers and broadcasters:
Station/Network, Channel(s)
Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network – WAFB, 22
Hallmark Channel, 62
Hallmark Mystery, 152
Hallmark Family, 226
If were unable to reach a new agreement by the expiration dates, these networks can prevent us from including their stations in our lineup.
Please feel free to contact me at (405) 286-5061 or Robbie.Squires@cox.com.
There being no further business, Mr. Olander moved for adjournment. Mr. Hill seconded the motion, which carried.
S/G
GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO
Gwendolyn L. Hidalgo,
Chairperson
S/G LISA C.
MORGAN
Lisa C. Morgan,
Clerk
Adv. Dec. 31, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF CHANGE OF BUSINESS NAME
To Whom It May Concern,
Please take notice that the business entity Teche Action Board, Inc., doing business as Teche Action
Clinic, has changed its as- sumed business name to Teche Health.
This change is effective as of December 2024.
The reason for this change is: Aligning the name with a comprehensive service provided.
All business and legal matters previously conducted under the old name are now handled under the new name. The company will continue to honor all existing contracts and commitments.
Previous name: Teche Action Board, Inc.
Previous Assum-ed Business Name: Teche Action Clinic
New Assumed Business Name: Teche Health
Adv. Dec. 17, 19, 24, 26 and 31, 2025, and Jan. 2, 2026

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