By John Summers
The West Baton Rouge Parish Council met Thursday, March 26, at the Government Building in Port Allen, approving new rules for hotels and motels, updating building permit fees, and introducing a pair of ordinances set for public hearing April 9 — including a budget amendment to purchase land using jail funds. Residents also returned once again to press the council on a proposed federal immigration detention facility in the parish. The council's next regular meeting is Thursday, April 9, at 5:30 p.m.
Council honors Panthers with proclamation
Before getting to business, the council recognized the Brusly High School Panthers boys basketball team with a formal proclamation. The Panthers won the 2026 LHSAA Division II non-select state championship on March 13, defeating two-time defending champion Wossman 45-38 — the program's first state title since 1984. Ben Radford was named tournament MVP. Head coach Kirby Loupe introduced the full roster before the team was dismissed to a reception.
Parish President Jason Manola, a member of the 1984 championship team, called Rolando Brown — also on that squad — to join him at the podium.
"You guys don't know it yet, but y'all created a bond that's going to last a lifetime," Manola told the players.
Senior Kazi Murray received a college offer from BRCC the day of the meeting. (Full championship coverage: wbrindependent.com)
ICE facility concerns raised again — council still silent
For at least the fifth time since February, residents used public comment to press the Parish Council on a proposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility at the former Conn's HomePlus warehouse at 2070 Commercial Drive.
Chris Perry returned Thursday with the same message she has delivered at meeting after meeting.
"It's becoming more of a probability at this point that ICE is going to locate over on Commercial Drive," Perry said. "That would be detrimental to this community. It would take away the whole flavor of Port Allen."
Parish President Jason Manola has responded at each meeting. Under the parish's Home Rule Charter, the council holds sole authority to introduce and approve a resolution or moratorium on the matter. It has not done so.
Hotels and motels face new permit rules
The council approved an ordinance updating the parish's hotel and motel regulations, including new requirements for annual permit applications and a revised enforcement process for properties generating high volumes of law enforcement calls.
Under the updated code, hotels and motels are subject to a call-for-service ratio system. Properties reaching a ratio of 0.25 calls per room within a calendar year will receive a warning letter. Those reaching 0.5 or higher may face suspension or revocation of their operating permit after an opportunity to be heard before the council.
Brandon Bourgoyne said the revision removes an administrative court step from the prior ordinance that had been getting abused. Under the new system, properties come directly before the council once the threshold is met.
Fines range from $250 for smaller properties to $500 for those with more than 100 rooms. Calls initiated by the owner or operator do not count against the property. A permit denied by the council carries a one-year waiting period before the same applicant can reapply for the same location.
Building permit fees updated, roofing permits now required
The council approved a comprehensive update to the parish's building regulations, including revised permit fees and new permit categories.
Roofing permits are now required under state law and will carry a $75 fee. Billboard permits were set at $500. Commercial minimum permit fees increase from $40 to $75, and a new $75 commercial site plan review fee was established. Generator permits increase from $60 to $75. Solar panel permits were also set at $75.
Bourgoyne said the update codifies existing permitting office procedures, making them publicly accessible in the parish code.
Parish buying land from bail bond company near jail
The council introduced an ordinance adding $241,831 to the Jail Fund budget to purchase a 2.509-acre tract on Northwest Drive near LA Highway 1 from New Orleans Bail Bonds, LLC. The purchase price is $240,000.
The property — Tract C-3, West Bank Commercial Park — sits adjacent to land already owned by the WBR Law Enforcement District. Parish spokeswoman Madison Cacioppo said potential future uses are still under consideration by the parish and the West Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office. A public hearing is scheduled for tonight, April 9.
The council's next regular meeting is Thursday, April 9, at 5:30 p.m. at the WBR Governmental Building, 880 N. Alexander Ave., Port Allen.
