St. Tammany Parish · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Tammany Parish public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Impact fee update and refund provision (Ord. Cal. No. 8215)
The parish wants to raise road and drainage impact fees on new homes by over 27% and delete the ten-year refund provision. Home builders want an accounting of fees collected; staff says no refunds were ever issued and only about $7,000 is refundable.
Manufactured Home Minimum Size Standards
Cougle's referral asks the Planning and Zoning Commission to build a conditional-use pathway so residents in hardship — like a deployed service member whose home lost power — can keep or replace a manufactured home without rezoning. Critics note the current MHO patchwork amounts to spot zoning.
Planning and Zoning Commission vacancy filled
The council chose Rene Arcemont over former commissioner Suzanne Crow for the open seat. Arcemont is already a sitting commissioner moving to a full position.
2026 Budget Amendments
Six budget ordinances adjusted operating, capital and grants funds — from library and Safe Haven projects to opioid abatement money. One drew a lone no vote from Binder.
School Board notification of zoning changes
Laughlin's referral asks P&Z to set up official notice to the School Board of major zoning changes and subdivisions so schools can plan. The School Board's special counsel welcomed it and staff said an email distribution list will handle it.
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.
Read-only access to parish financial systems for councilmembers
Should every councilmember be able to log into parish financial software themselves? Administration says council staff can already pull any report; critics flagged training and security concerns. The resolution passed 12-1 after a failed attempt to postpone.
Helenbirg tract street dedications
Resident Jack Vincent warned the parish is revoking dedicated street right-of-way from a 1909-1910 subdivision while the area suffers drainage and traffic problems; Laughlin promised a full provenance report by his July district meeting.
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.