St. Tammany Parish · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Tammany Parish public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Parish jail conditions and funding shortfall
The sheriff says the proposed budget leaves him needing about $15 million from his own fund — 20% of it — just to run the parish jail, whose aging infrastructure is failing: AC breakdowns, water leaks and closed housing units. Accreditation and the $5 million federal inmate revenue are at risk.
New Acadian Ambulance services contract
A new four-year ambulance contract starting January 1 adds the medical helicopter, shortens backup distances, changes response reporting and adds a dispatch dashboard — all at no cost to the parish.
NAMI and the Safe Haven campus funding crisis
A consent item greenlights a medically assisted treatment clinic at the Safe Haven campus in Mandeville, run with Florida Parishes Human Service Authority.
Courts and District Attorney face 60% cuts
The council closed its meeting to discuss the parish's ongoing lawsuit against District Attorney Warren Montgomery over the criminal justice funding dispute.
Coroner's DNA laboratory closure
The coroner's DNA lab faces a 60% cut after its millage failed to renew, and its reserves run out mid-2027. Cases would move to the state lab, which won't handle burglaries or thefts and takes far longer — hurting prosecutions.
Abolishing obsolete building code boards
Five building code regulatory boards may go away because state law preempts local building codes. Referred to Planning & Zoning to decide.
Community blood donation for America's 250th
The Blood Center warned the parish hovers at only 25-50% of daily blood supply needs, and asked the Council to promote a July 30 blood drive at the council chambers — goal: 25 donors, plus Blue Bell ice cream.
Law enforcement millage renewal on June ballot
The Sheriff's Office is asking voters to renew a 4.31-mill, ten-year law enforcement millage — about $8 a month on a $300,000 home — that funds 142 deputies, dispatch and equipment. The Sheriff says $9.3 million was shifted from the general fund to cover the jail and the millage is essential.
Mosquito Abatement millage renewal
Dr. Caillouet promoted the June 27 renewal lowering the district's max millage from 4.2 to 2.95 mills, saving taxpayers about $4 million a year while West Nile remains a yearly threat.