Saint Tammany Council reviews charter for full-time council approach

St. Tammany Parish is on the brink of significant changes as the Home Rule Charter Advisory Committee convened on March 31, 2025, to discuss potential reforms aimed at enhancing government efficiency and public trust. A key focus of the meeting was the structure of the parish council, with discussions centering on whether to reduce the number of council members from 14 to a more streamlined configuration of 5 district representatives and 2 at-large members.

Committee members emphasized the need for a full-time council to improve accessibility and responsiveness to constituents. The current part-time structure has raised concerns about the ability of council members to effectively serve their communities, especially as many are balancing other full-time jobs. The proposal for a full-time council aims to ensure that representatives are available during business hours, allowing for better communication and engagement with the public.

Several participants highlighted the importance of rebuilding public trust in local government, which has been perceived as burdensome and inefficient. Suggestions included a comprehensive review of the entire Home Rule Charter to identify areas for improvement. The committee members expressed a collective desire for a government that is more efficient and accountable to the people of St. Tammany Parish.

The discussions also touched on the financial implications of transitioning to a full-time council, including salary considerations and the potential need for additional staff to support the increased workload. The committee acknowledged that any changes would require careful planning and community input, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the decision-making process.

As the committee continues its work, the focus remains on gathering data and exploring viable options that could lead to a more effective governance model. The next steps will involve presenting recommendations to the parish council, which will ultimately decide whether to put any proposed changes to a public vote. The outcome of these discussions could reshape the future of local governance in St. Tammany Parish, making it more responsive to the needs of its residents.