Council approves veteran business tax relief substitute and asks opioid task force to fund veterans court

The St. Tammany Parish Council on July 10 substituted and approved an ordinance creating an occupational license exemption/relief for veteran‑owned businesses and approved a resolution encouraging the opioid task force to contribute funds to the parish veteran specialty court.

Councilmember Pat Phillips led the ordinance work with staff and outside input; the ordinance as substituted keeps an initial $500 relief for veterans (and related eligibility language) and included a companion resolution asking the opioid task force to commit funds. At the meeting Phillips said the opioid task force had committed $30,000 in two parts — $20,000 for the veterans court and $10,000 for transportation — and the council planned to formalize a request in budget discussions.

Councilmember David Coogel announced he would abstain from votes involving the veteran business relief because he and another member are listed in the veteran‑business database and could personally benefit. The ordinance substitution passed; the related resolution asking the opioid task force to commit $25,000 (with the task force later specifying $20k + $10k transportation) was approved by council vote.

Councilmembers said the measures aim to support veterans in business and improve outcomes in the specialty court while using settlement and opioid‑related funds consistent with local priorities.