Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The St. Charles Parish Council convened a public hearing and work session on October 20, 2026, to review the proposed 2027 Consolidated Operating and Capital Budget. Parish President Matthew Jewell delivered the budget message, outlining $256.4 million in proposed expenditures and $149.9 million in projected revenues. The hearing featured line-by-line review of departmental budgets and the adoption of numerous amendments reallocating funds across various infrastructure and community programs.
Several council members proposed and adopted amendments reallocating funds:
Okay. That worked. Call to order, prayer and the pledge. Good morning, and welcome to the St. Charles Parish Budget hearing on Tuesday, October 20th at 9 a.m. in the council chambers in the parish courthouse. Please silence all electronic devices and remove all hats. This meeting is called to order with a prayer and a pledge of allegiance by Mr. Sam Scholey. Lord, we come to you seeking your wisdom and guidance. Scripture tells us in First Corinthians 4. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. In Psalms 25, show me your ways, the Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Lord, we ask that you guide us and direct us in our discussions for funding parish departments and selection of construction projects. And Lord, as we make decisions and vote on the budget, may we be found faithful in our public service and have gained a trust of our residents. Above all, we ask that we be found faithful in your eyes, O God, and obedient to the task, for we ask it in thy precious name. Amen. Message 2027 consolidated operating and capital budget. The proposed budget includes 256.4 million in governmental fund expenditures. Allocation major allocations include 74.3 million for levy protection, 33.3 million for public works, 3.2 million in grant funding dedicated to drainage projects. Projected governmental response projected governmental fund revenues totaling 149.9 million with a beginning fund balance of 131.5 million carried up carried forward from 2026 to help fund planned expenditures. Working with the parish council assessor, sheriff's office, and school system, we have reduced the parish's total millage rate from a high of 118.41 mils to 100.9 mils, the lowest since 1992. We should continue reviewing parish revenues and pursuing further reductions when feasible. Lower millage rates provide direct relief to residents and businesses while helping St. Charles Parish remain competitive for future investment and growth. Since May, our administration has worked to align this budget with parish priorities available resources. Sales tax revenues, which represent 33% of total revenues remain strong, supported by continued industrial expansion. Total assessed property values are expected to increase to two billion six hundred I'm sorry, two billion six hundred and five million, which should rank St. Charles Parish seventh statewide in assessed value. The budget makes substantial investments in maintenance and capital improvements, including the Turtle Pond Pump Station. This budget continues implementation of the drainage master plans through phase investments and priority projects. We will continue to work with council to advance this program and pursue outside funding that can help move additional projects forward. The budget also invests in recreational facilities that further that I'm sorry, and recreational facilities that support residents' quality of life. The budget includes funding for a much needed East Bank gymnasium and other various park improvements, complementing our infrastructure investments with facilities that serve families throughout the parish. So support employees, support our employees. The budget includes a three percent cost of living adjustment to the pay plan and merit-based raises for our eligible staff. Our 2026 review and update of the parish wide pay plan found that it is that it remains well aligned with the market. We also eliminated or consolidated positions where appropriate to maintain fair competitive compensation while using parish resources responsibly. I thank the parish council for your continued collaboration in the finance department for the parish and the parish employees for their work preparing this budget and serving our residents. I look forward to working with you to advance these priorities in 2027. Sincerely, Matthew Jewell, St. Charles Parish President. Thank you, President Jewell, for that message. Council members, do you have any questions or comments about the budget message? Seeing none, we'll move