St. Charles Parish Council Regular Meeting and FY2027 Budget Hearing - October 26, 2026

(Note: The meeting agenda and transcript state the convening time as 6:00 PM local time, differing from the system recorded timestamp of 11:45:00+00:00. The date October 26, 2026 is used for this summary.)

The St. Charles Parish Council convened for a Regular Meeting and FY2027 Budget Hearing. Actions included approving proclamations, receiving departmental reports, postponing a controversial rezoning request following public comment, adopting the annual budget with multiple amendments, and authorizing contracts and appointments. All final votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted.

Special Business & Proclamations

• The council posthumously honored Monica Ann Williams, a parish employee of 33 years, with a memorial proclamation. Family members accepted the tribute.
• Eagle Scout Daniel Sam Broussard was recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 370. Councilman Bob Fisher, also an Eagle Scout, offered congratulations.

Departmental Reports

• Public Works (Brandon Minard): Reported maintenance accomplishments including sweeping 96,000 feet of ditches, replacing 15,000 feet of culverts, completing over 90 asphalt repairs, replacing 550 street signs, and cutting over 3,000 miles of grass. The drainage heavy equipment group completed projects adding over 1 million gallons of storage capacity. A new flow meter system increased a pump's efficiency by 26%.
• Engineering (Mr. Bingham): Presented the first annual report for the department established June 1, 2026. The department managed $131.5 million in capital projects since the start of the previous year. Council discussed the need for standard engineering requirements and a formal document delineating responsibilities between Engineering and Public Works.
• Parish President Jewell: Reported the Ormond Drainage Center project is 35% complete with a full completion anticipated in early 2027. Announced the annual Veterans Luncheon on November 5th. Recapped the 50th anniversary ceremony for the George Prince Ferry disaster. Noted over 300 seniors attended the Primetime Seniors fall festival. Reminded the public of election day on November 3rd, featuring a recreation millage renewal and a Council on Aging millage consolidation proposal.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On the Esperanza Rezoning (2026-0340):
  • Mr. Allemand expressed concerns about heavy industrial zoning near schools and the loss of farmland.
  • Becca Hilburn requested a deferral or denial, citing non-compliance with the Future Land Use Map, lack of a drainage study or budget for the required $11 million pump station, and the potential for data centers under M-2 zoning.
  • Ms. Ravel questioned the schedule, noting a proposed data center moratorium failed to pass and asked, "what's the rush?"
  • Robert Lee voiced opposition, stating a data center "is not St. Charles Parish. St. Charles Parish is not struggling."
• On the FY2027 Budget (2026-0173):
  • Mr. Allemand criticized the disparity in drainage capital outlay for District 1, questioned the lump-sum funding for pump stations, and noted the parish's budget had increased 28% over nine years while the population declined. He commended council members for redirecting their district funds.

Discussion Items

• 2026-0340: Esperanza Plantation Rezoning: Parish President Jewell requested the item be postponed indefinitely and referred back to the Planning Commission to address confusion. Councilman Comardelle supported the postponement, emphasizing the property owners' rights and the challenges of maintaining agricultural use. The council voted unanimously to postpone.
• 2026-0173: FY2027 Budget Adoption: The council reviewed and unanimously passed a series of budget amendments before adopting the final budget.
  • Amendments included:
    • District 5 (O'Daniels): Reduction for Parc du Park restrooms ($63,000).
    • District 1 (Wilson): Reduction for Primetime Seniors ($6,610).
    • deBruler: Shift from Sheriff feeding to Fortified Roof Program ($100,000).
    • Fonseca: Established a Home Elevation Grant Program ($85,000) and increased cybersecurity grant revenue recognition ($50,000).
    • Fisher: Added funds to the Home Elevation Grant Program ($60,500).
    • Fonseca: Initiated an increase to the minimum General Fund balance from $7M to $10M over six years, starting with a $250,000 reduction to the Roads and Drainage fund transfer.
• 2026-0347: Willowdale Blvd. Contract: Discussion centered on shifting contract approvals from ordinances to resolutions for efficiency. Council members stressed the need for consistent transparency measures, including newspaper publication, within the new process.

Key Outcomes

• 2026-0340 (Esperanza Rezoning): Postponed indefinitely and referred back to the Planning Commission. Passed unanimously.
• 2026-0173 (FY2027 Budget): Adopted as amended. Passed unanimously.
• 2026-0318 (Kinler Lift Station Change Order): Approved. Passed unanimously.
• 2026-0339 (Subdivision Waiver): Resolution endorsing a waiver for Mark Mohon. Passed unanimously.
• 2026-0344 (Des Allemands Bulkhead CEA): Authorized agreement with Louisiana Treasury for $200,000. Passed unanimously.
• 2026-0347 (Willowdale Blvd Contract): Authorized contract with Madden Gulf Coast, LLC for $1,005,483.00. Passed unanimously.
• 2026-0314 (Tourist Commission Appointment): Confirmed Noble J. Benoit to the River Parishes Tourist Commission. Passed unanimously.
• Adjournment: Passed unanimously.