Saint Charles Parish adopts FY2026 budget; council debates higher reserve target after Hurricane Ida
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Summary
The council unanimously adopted the parish's FY2026 consolidated operating and capital budget with line‑item amendments and district transfers. Members discussed raising the minimum general fund balance to better prepare for natural disasters and proposed a phased $500,000 annual set‑aside to reach $10 million.
The Saint Charles Parish Council voted unanimously on Nov. 3 to adopt the FY2026 consolidated operating and capital budget as amended.
The council approved multiple district‑level line‑item reductions and transfers proposed by council members to move funding into community service subgrants, emergency food and clothing assistance, rental assistance and home safety repairs. Councilwoman O’Daniels and Councilwoman Wilson each moved district budget reductions and specified the destination accounts; both motions were seconded and approved unanimously.
A housekeeping amendment was adopted to update the budget narrative for the Hornville wastewater treatment plant expansion to reflect a $14,000,000 project (previously reflected as $10,000,000) and a $4,000,000 transfer from the general fund tied to a DEQ loan, a change described by staff as a narrative correction.
During the hearing Council members discussed the parish’s fiscal reserves. A council member reviewed Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) guidance and the parish’s experience after Hurricane Ida, noting the parish covered roughly $43,600,000 in emergency costs after the storm and previously issued a $20,000,000 bond. The speaker urged consideration of increasing the minimum required general fund balance from the current statutory floor of $7,000,000 toward $10,000,000, proposing a phased $500,000 annual transfer until the target is reached.
Grant (finance staff) confirmed the parish’s current unrestricted general fund balance was approximately $7,000,001.78 at the time of the hearing. The council did not adopt an immediate ordinance to raise the minimum balance but the discussion was recorded and councilmembers were asked to follow up if they support introducing such an ordinance.
