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Jefferson Parish president outlines $1.029 billion 2026 operating budget, $139 million in capital for public works
Summary
The parish president presented the 2026 proposed operating budget (about $1.029 billion) and a capital budget of roughly $139 million, saying public works (drainage, streets, water, sewer) will account for most capital spending and that the administration is budgeting a 5% merit increase for certain employees.
Parish officials presented the 2026 proposed operating and capital budgets during the Nov. 5 Jefferson Parish Council meeting, describing an operating plan of roughly $1,029,000,000 and a capital program of about $139,000,000.
According to the parish presentation, dedicated revenues (property tax, service charges, sales tax) account for about 90% of operating expenditures. The administration proposed a 5% merit-based annual pay increase for classified, executive and judicial pay-plan employees, and continuing longevity pay for public safety personnel. The administration said all departments will maintain a 15% reserve fund balance, exceeding the 10% policy requirement.
The capital budget was described as concentrated in public works: roughly $127,800,000 (about 92% of the capital program) was identified for drainage, streets, water and sewer improvements. The administration framed the capital program as necessary to support current levels of service and to position the parish favorably for future bond-rating evaluations.
Officials also noted non-budget items and programs (library events, tree-planting, recycling and hazardous-waste collection schedules) and reminded residents about the West Jefferson levee renewal millage (a Nov. 15 renewal not to exceed 4.75 mills, intended to fund levee maintenance and testing). The parish emphasized that the EPA requires annual customer notice of service-line materials for water systems and that the parish's AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) project will help identify service lines over an estimated 2-year rollout; replacement of confirmed lead lines will be performed by the water department.
The council did not adopt the budget at the Nov. 5 meeting; the presentation was offered to solicit council consideration and allow for future amendments.
