Committee forwards recommendations to council after heated review of St. Tammany Mosquito Abatement District

The St. Tammany Parish Government Efficiency Committee voted unanimously to forward a package of recommendations about the St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District (MAD) to the full parish council after public comment and a district rebuttal.

The committee recommended keeping the district’s funding on a dedicated millage but reducing the rate to approximately 2 mills, which the committee estimated would generate about $6,200,000 annually. Committee chair said the lower rate would "require budgetary adjustments that would not jeopardize the quality of the services" and urged additional business expertise on the district board to improve fiscal oversight.

Public commentators pressed the committee for accountability. Glenn Uhack, who identified himself as a mechanical engineer, said he visited MAD’s Slidell facility and raised concerns about an expanded laboratory and other costs. "Reduced response time can save lives," Uhack said while arguing the new lab and in‑house testing change the district’s cost structure. He also alleged that opposition stakeholders and actions by the district attorney have blocked appeals…