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Washington council approves termination of police officer, introduces utility fee ordinances and accepts audit review
Summary
At a Dec. 16 meeting, the Town of Washington Council unanimously approved November minutes and financials, accepted an audit review for FY ending June 2024, introduced two ordinances on utility fees and deposits, and voted to terminate Police Officer Christopher Simien.
At its Dec. 16 regular meeting in Washington, La., Mayor Landreneau presided as the five-member Town of Washington Council voted unanimously to terminate the employment of Police Officer Christopher Simien, accepted an outside review of the town audit for the fiscal year ending June 2024, and introduced two proposed ordinances on utility fees and deposits.
The council opened at 6:00 p.m. at Town of Washington offices, recited a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and confirmed a full quorum: council members Erick Fontenot, Beau Wilson, Rogers Malveaux, Tanya Doucet and Mary Lavergne were present.
Mary Lavergne moved to approve the council meeting minutes from November 2024; the motion carried with all members voting in favor. Beau Wilson moved to accept and approve the November 2024 financial statements, including the budget-to-actual comparison; that motion also passed unanimously.
Council members reviewed progress on resolving audit findings for fiscal year 2023–24 and accepted a review provided by Burton Kolder of the audit for the fiscal year ending June 2024. Beau Wilson moved to accept Burton Kolder's review; all council members voted in favor.
Council introduced two ordinances: one described as "Regulating the Calculation for Utility Fees" and a second titled "Utility Fees, Deposits, and Terms Proposed." The transcript records these as introductions (first presentation) but does not record council discussion of ordinance details or a vote to adopt either ordinance.
On personnel business, Beau Wilson moved to accept the termination of employment of Police Officer Christopher Simien. The council recorded YEAS from Erick Fontenot, Beau Wilson, Rogers Malveaux, Tanya Doucet and Mary Lavergne; NAYS: none. The motion carried and the termination was approved.
Assistant Police Chief Easton Shelvin addressed the council regarding expectations for the Police Department; the minutes note the presentation but provide no further detail on specific policies or directives.
Erick Fontenot moved to adjourn; the motion carried and the meeting concluded.
The municipal clerk recorded the minutes. The transcript does not specify next steps for the introduced ordinances or any personnel follow-up beyond the vote to accept the termination.
