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St. Martin Parish Council votes to withdraw from Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District, opposes tax for detention facility
Summary
The St. Martin Parish Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 26-031-RS on March 6, 2026, severing the parish’s participation in the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District and declaring opposition to any tax to fund acquisition, operation or maintenance of a juvenile detention facility. The motion was moved by David Poirier and seconded by Hoyt Louviere.
The St. Martin Parish Council voted unanimously Friday to withdraw St. Martin Parish from the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District and to oppose any tax to fund the acquisition, operation or maintenance of a juvenile detention facility.
The action took place at a special meeting called by Chairman Chris Tauzin at 1:00 p.m. in the Carroll J. Fuselier Meeting Room in St. Martinville. The resolution, adopted as Resolution No. 26-031-RS, states that the district has been unable to secure funds for a detention facility under Act No. 166 of the 2023 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature and that a reliable funding source for operations has not been identified.
Councilman David Poirier moved to adopt the resolution and Councilman Hoyt Louviere seconded. The roll call vote recorded Yeas from Hoyt Louviere, Carla JeanBatiste, David Poirier, Chris Tauzin and Ben Clay; there were no Nays or Abstentions. Four members were excused: Tangie Narcisse, Corey Melancon, Vincent Alexander and Chris Courville.
The resolution declares that "the St. Martin Parish Government no longer desires to be a member of the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District" and directs the Parish President to execute any documents necessary to effectuate the withdrawal. It also directs certified copies of the resolution be submitted to the legislative delegation that represents St. Martin Parish.
The resolution references Resolution Number 23-024-RS (the parish’s prior endorsement of the district) and Act Number 166 of the 2023 Regular Session; it states the district’s governing commission has been unable to secure appropriations for acquisition of a detention facility and that the demands for such a facility are "no longer as acute." The resolution also states the parish does not support any taxation for acquiring or operating such a facility. The text of the adopted resolution is part of the official minutes.
Brooke Thibodeaux, clerk of the council, certified the minutes and the council adjourned following the vote.
