Assumption Parish approves 2026 budgets, amends Section 8 waiting-list preferences and adopts derelict-structure charges

The Assumption Parish Police Jury voted unanimously on Jan. 14, 2026, to adopt the proposed 2026 budgets as presented and advertised and to amend the parish’s Section 8 Rental Assistance Program Administrative Plan to allow preferences in future waiting-list intakes for elderly (62 or older) and disabled heads of household.

Police Juror Michael Dias moved the budget approval; the motion passed unanimously. The Section 8 amendment requires verification of elderly status via a birth certificate and disability status via Social Security Administration documentation or an equivalent private retirement system certification as specified in the resolution.

The jury also adopted Ordinance 26-01 levying derelict-structure charges totaling $13,979.23. The ordinance was approved by unanimous motion and is recorded in the minutes as adopted.

Other finance actions included authorization for the Secretary-Treasurer to purchase government securities for parish accounts (UBS & LAMP) and direction to solicit quotes for a 750-gallon trailer-mounted sewer cleaner, with the Parish Manager instructed to identify a funding source; jurors noted that current prices are roughly double 2017 levels. The jury authorized travel for staff to specified training events after discussing which portions of training were mandatory versus optional.

The jury closed the financial actions by directing follow-up where required: the Special Programs Director was asked to clarify mandatory training components; the Parish Manager will report back with funding options for the sewer cleaner and with updates on grant-funded projects.

Ending: The adopted budgets take effect for 2026; administrative steps and procurement actions will follow per the motions approved on Jan. 14.