Council saves taxpayers additional $4.5 million in 2025 while maintaining full services
PORT ALLEN – The West Baton Rouge Parish Council approved significant tax relief for residents on July 24th, rolling back millage rates to save taxpayers $4.5 million in 2025 while advancing multiple economic development opportunities and infrastructure projects.
The council’s aggressive rollback approach has now saved parish residents a cumulative $14.9 million since 2020, with the 2025 millage rates falling 5.75 mills below the maximum authorized rates.
Major Tax Relief Approved
Finance Director Chance Stephens presented the millage rollback proposal, explaining that the parish can maintain all current services and capital projects while returning millions to taxpayers through reduced property tax rates.
2025 Millage Rates Approved:
- Community Center: 2 mills
- Health Unit: 1 mill
- Museum: 2 mills
- Council on Aging: 1.5 mills
- Recreation: 4 mills
- 911 Communication District: 2 mills
- Drainage: 6.2 mills
The rollback represents 5.75 mills below the maximum authorized rates, with each mill worth approximately $785,000 to taxpayers based on Assessor Chris Guerin’s 2025 projections.
“I want to first thank the administration for working with us on this,” said Council Chairman Carey Denstel. “I think it’s great that we can do all of our services, capital projects, and still save the taxpayers some money.”
Councilman Atley Walker praised the council’s fiscal stewardship, noting additional savings from efficient parish operations. “We’ve been good stewards of the taxpayers’ money here in our parish,” Walker said, citing Fire Superintendent Butch Browning’s recent report of $110,000 in taxpayer savings through improved emergency services efficiency.
Economic Development Uptick Reported
Parish President Jason Manola reported increased interest from potential economic development prospects, though specific details remain confidential during companies’ due diligence processes.
“We have seen an uptick here within the last few months on some potential economic development opportunities for our parish,” Manola told the council, noting that companies are still conducting evaluations before public announcements can be made.
The parish also gained a new state-level contact for infrastructure projects with the appointment of Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson as DOTD’s executive director of roads and bridges.
Infrastructure and Project Updates
Bridge Improvements Continue DOTD will begin double-striping the northbound Intracoastal Bridge, requiring northbound Baton Rouge-bound traffic to commit to the far right lane. The improvement required a contractor change order but addresses long-standing traffic flow concerns.
Highway 1 Through Port Allen The long-delayed Highway 1 improvement project through Port Allen received updated timelines. After missing previous projections, contractors are now expected to begin work in late August or early September following June bid awards.
Drainage Study Progress The Lukeville Lane, Chalkaw Road, and Labova Estates drainage study advanced with Professional Engineering Consultants Corporation (PEC) completing drainage mapping. The next phase will prioritize specific improvement projects with design work following community input.
Roads and Drainage Operations Report Public Works Director Philip reported significant monthly progress:
Roads Department:
- Tractor crews completed fourth pass on southside, nearly finished on northside
- Spray crews following tractor work on both sides of parish
- Completed major cleanout of all drainage covers in the Lynndale Subdivision
- Preparing multiple roads for overlay including Mulatto Bend Rd, Webster Lane, John Road, and Wellington
Drainage Department:
- Completed 3.6 miles of ditches and canals cleanouts in July, leading to 8.6 Miles cleaned out since June.
- Focused on three major canals: Coulee, Tonton, and Morley
- Upcoming projects include Section Road ditch improvements and Port Allen Canal work from LA-1 to North 14th Street
Zoning and Development Approvals
Diamond Industries Extension The council approved a six-month extension for Diamond Industries’ temporary special use permit at 2946 Phillips Way. The industrial site stores utility trucks and equipment for power line replacement projects.
Chairman Denstel, representing the district, supported the extension, noting the facility’s appropriate industrial location and minimal community impact.
Gas Station Compliance A formerly closed gas station at 1521 Highway 190 West received zoning compliance approval, changing from I2 industrial to C1.4 commercial. The facility had been closed for over six months, requiring the zoning adjustment to reopen operations.
Agricultural Development The council approved agricultural zoning changes for FDNC Properties LLC on Rosedale Road, creating three lots from a 31.23-acre parcel. The rezoning from A2 to A3 allows for larger-scale agricultural operations while maintaining minimum acreage requirements.
Financial Performance Strong
Finance Director Stephens reported solid mid-year financial performance across major parish funds. Sales tax collections showed improvement in July after running 46% of budget through June, with projections suggesting the parish will meet budget expectations.
Operating expenses remained at 46% of budget at the midpoint of the fiscal year, indicating efficient spending management across all departments.
FEMA Community Rating Update
Emergency Management Director Brandon presented the annual Community Rating System progress report required by FEMA. The report highlighted completed projects including Stubby Bayou improvements and ongoing work with Professional Engineering Consultants Corporation following April rain events.
The parish also initiated discussions with Louisiana GOHSEP about addressing repetitive loss properties, with plans to work on several properties next year to better understand the federal assistance process.
Routine Business Completed
Council on Aging Budget Amendment The council approved year-end budget adjustments for the Council on Aging’s 2024-2025 operating budget, allowing the agency to close out the fiscal year properly.
Materials Procurement The council approved the 2025-2026 roads materials bid, awarding contracts to Coburns for pipe materials and Dirt Works for limestone and related materials based on low bid evaluations.
Knights of Columbus Lease A five-year renewal for the Knights of Columbus facility as a polling place passed unanimously. The agreement costs $150 per election, paid by the state for Precinct 9 operations.
Alcohol Permit The council approved a Class B liquor permit for Pilot Travel Center #1439 at 420 Lobdale Highway in Port Allen, the former Cash’s location that Pilot has acquired and upgraded.
Upcoming Meetings and Projects
The next Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 14th at 5:30 PM.
Multiple zoning requests will receive public hearings on August 28th, including residential and agricultural development proposals across the parish.
The council continues monitoring weather conditions for potential impacts, with Emergency Management and administration coordinating response plans as needed.
The West Baton Rouge Parish Council meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM at the WBR Governmental Building, 880 N. Alexander Avenue, Port Allen.
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