St. Tammany charter committee recommends 12 district seats plus two at-large seats, asks council to review reapportionment after 2030 census

The St. Tammany Parish Home Rule Charter Review Committee voted to send the full Parish Council a recommendation to change the council’s composition from the current structure to 12 single‑member districts plus two at‑large members, with any new district lines to take effect after reapportionment following the 2030 federal census.

The committee said the change is intended to balance continued local representation with administrative efficiency and to allow the council and public time to plan reapportionment around the next decennial count. Committee members and public commenters debated whether at‑large seats would improve parish‑wide oversight or dilute rural representation.

Committee members and a string of public commenters spent more than an hour discussing how different configurations would affect rural districts, campaign costs, and constituent access to elected officials. Several residents said they oppose reducing the number of district representatives because it would increase district size and reduce accessibility; others, including some committee members, argued that having two at‑large members would add parish‑wide capacity and help coordinate cross‑district issues such as sewage, recreation and large infrastructure projects.

Committee discussion covered implementation timing and legal constraints. Staff reminded members that reapportionment must comply with federal voting laws and that a post‑census redistricting process in 2030 would be required. Committee members repeatedly emphasized the recommendation is advisory: the full 14‑member Parish Council will decide whether to place any charter change before voters.

The committee voted to forward its redlined charter language to the Parish Council and to ask the council to review the proposed change. The package the committee approved directs that, if the council pursues the change, the effective reapportionment shall follow the 2030 census process.

The recommendation will now appear in the Parish Council packet; the council will decide whether to advance any measure to the ballot or to modify the proposal.

Ending: The committee closed its meeting after adopting the measure and instructing staff to assemble the redline text and supporting materials for transmittal to the council. The council must still determine whether to place any change before voters and to set the timing and district design for any at‑large seats.