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Lefouch Parish Council adopts 2026 budget; $10,000 amendment for Commission on Women fails
Summary
The council adopted the 2026 operations and capital budget (Ordinance No. 4) on Nov. 25. A proposed $10,000 transfer to the Commission on Women failed (three yays, five nays, one absence); a proposed $40,000 redirection for senior centers was pulled after members said the listed fund source was incorrect and the administration pledged smaller, targeted funding.
The Lefouch Parish Council voted Nov. 25 to adopt the 2026 operations, maintenance and capital budget under Ordinance No. 4 following debate on several proposed amendments.
Councilman Lorraine introduced an amendment to transfer $10,000 from the royalty fund (fund 108) to the Commission on Women (fund 126) to support the Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy and related activities. Supporters said the program has a statewide draw and previously received larger parish contributions; opponents said the parish’s finances are tight and cautioned against budgeting on uncertain future royalty increases. The roll-call vote on the amendment failed, recorded in the meeting as three yays, five nays and one absence.
Councilman Lorraine also proposed a separate $40,000 amendment to reallocate money for senior-citizen programs from fund 109 to fund 127. Administration and other members said the written fund source and the ordinance language did not allow the proposed transfer as drafted. President Ojeron said he could not commit to covering senior utilities but pledged to dedicate $5,000 from recreation operating funds to assist senior centers and to work with Councilman Lorraine on options in January; the $40,000 amendment was pulled.
The council then moved to adopt the 2026 budget. A motion by Councilman Melvin, seconded by Councilman Adams, carried on voice roll-call: eight yays, zero nays, one absentee (Chairman Otan absent), and the ordinance was adopted.
Why it matters: Council members framed the debate as a question of priorities and parity — some argued small community programs benefit parish life and tourism, while others emphasized constrained reserves and the need to protect essential balances (the royalty fund was noted as having low year-end balances). The administration repeatedly cited tight overall fund balances and the need for careful choices when reassigning restricted funds.
Next steps: The administration and Councilman Lorraine committed to follow up on senior-center funding options in January; the council will revisit any targeted reallocations consistent with fund rules and ordinance language.
