Bridge standards ordinance denied pending revisions; 2026 budget hearing set for December

WBR Independent was unable to attend this meeting. Due to an equipment malfunction, no official audio or video recording is available. Official minutes were not released until December 1. This report is based on those minutes.

PORT ALLEN — The West Baton Rouge Parish Council moved through a light agenda in 34 minutes at its November 13 meeting, approving five resolutions unanimously while budget documents revealed parish sales tax collections are running nearly $2 million behind last year's pace.

Through October, combined sales tax revenue totaled $8.3 million — about 81% of budgeted projections and roughly $2 million less than the $10.3 million collected during the same period in 2024. The decline comes as the council prepares to adopt the 2026 operating budget next month.

Finance Director Chance Stephens told WBR Independent the decline reflects a return to normal after a record 2024, which included nearly $2.9 million in one-time equipment purchases tied to large regional projects. Collections in 2025 are in line with 2021-2023, and the parish budgeted for the drop.

Finance Director Chance Stephens presented the year-to-date budget comparison but the minutes reflect no council discussion of the revenue gap.

Bridge Standards Sent Back for Revisions

The council's only public hearing item — an ordinance updating bridge standards and permitting requirements — was denied at the administration's request.

Public Works Director Brandon Bourgoyne asked the council to reject the ordinance as written, saying changes are needed before adoption. The ordinance would have set minimum safety standards for private bridges, including load capacity, width requirements, and engineer certification. Developer Larry Johnson also addressed the council with his perspective on appropriate standards.

The denial passed 8-0, with Councilman Kirk Allain absent. The ordinance is expected to return in revised form at a future meeting.

Infrastructure Updates

Bourgoyne also provided updates on several ongoing projects:

The Court Street multi-use path and sidewalk project (Phase 2) is scheduled to let for bids on December 10th. The council approved a resolution authorizing Parish President Jason Manola to execute agreements with the Louisiana Department of Transportation, which provided partial funding for the project.

The LA 1/415 connector project has been narrowed to final alternatives. The Highway 190 Bridge project continues, along with planned re-pavement of Highway 190 from the bridge to the overpass. Bourgoyne reported no new updates from DOTD on the LA 1 rework.

Drainage studies are ongoing in both Lukeville and Addis.

Pickleball Courts See $47,400 Change Order

The council approved a $47,400 change order for the parish's pickleball court project, which spans three locations: Alexander Park in Brusly, Erwinville Recreation Center, and Port Allen Community Center.

The change order expands court surfaces at Alexander Park ($23,700) and Erwinville ($25,900), while adjustments at Port Allen resulted in a $2,200 credit. The original contract with Quality Court Industries was $784,100; the new total is $831,500.

The project timeline also extends 91 days, pushing substantial completion to March 20, 2026.

Other Business

The council approved four additional resolutions, all passing 8-0:

• Authorization for the parish president to sign audit commitment letters with Hawthorn, Waymouth & Carroll, LLP for the 2025 council annual audit and agreed-upon procedures audit
• Authorization to sign a commitment letter with Ericksen Krentel, LLP for the 2025 audit of parish natural gas and water systems
• Authorization to enter an agreement with the Louisiana Housing Corporation for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grant
• Authorization to enter a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Louisiana Department of Treasury regarding Act 461 of 2025 funds

The council also approved a final plat for Terence and Patti Kelly at 6512 S. River Road in Port Allen, combining three parcels into one lot with a waiver for lot width. Bourgoyne noted the existing lots are being consolidated, which improves the situation.

2026 Budget Hearing Set

Council Clerk Michelle Tullier read the introduction of the 2026 operating budget ordinance, which covers the parish council, capital road program, Fire Protection District No. 1, and the five-year capital expenditure budget including utilities. The public hearing is scheduled for December 11th at 5:30 p.m.

Parish President Manola's report touched on several items: a recent parish presidents meeting where DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet discussed the 415 connector project, an update on jail funding, BRAC meetings on regional focus, the recent Veterans Day celebration, and a reminder about the November 15th tax renewals.

Attendance

Present: Council Chairman Carey Denstel, Councilmen Daryl "Turf" Babin, Atley Walker Jr., Brady Hotard, Kenneth Gordon, Alan Crowe, Gary Joseph, and Councilwoman Katherine Andre.

Absent: Councilman Kirk Allain.

The next Planning and Zoning meeting is December 2nd at 5:30 p.m. The next council meeting is December 11th at 5:30 p.m. Both meetings are held at the WBR Government Building, 880 North Alexander Avenue, Port Allen.

The West Baton Rouge Parish Council meets on the second and fourth Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.

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