Sheriff Randy "Country" Seal is proud to report the status of the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office (WPSO) at the conclusion of his tenure. As of this date, there are no pending or threatened matters of litigation or regulation that could present a materially adverse effect or threat to the Agency. Furthermore, there are no unresolved matters of litigation against the Agency or any of its officers, deputies, or employees, and no unpaid legal obligations. The incoming Administration will inherit a clean slate of lawsuits, with the exception of one matter conditionally dismissed, pending final dismissal order.

Upon taking office, at least 17 federal lawsuits were pending against the Agency and its personnel, along with an indeterminate number of state court liability claims. Under Sheriff Seal's leadership, all these matters were resolved within the first term, with the exception of one claim dismissed in the second term. Lawsuit and claim frequency were reduced by more than two-thirds from the previous Administration.

The Agency is fully compliant with all loan covenants, contractual obligations, vendor obligations, and other legal relationships, including all matters with federal, state, and local government entities. There are no outstanding public records requests or subpoena responses. Comprehensive general liability insurance is in place for the incoming Administration, along with health and benefit insurance for all deputies. Intergovernmental Agreements and Mutual Aid Agreements with adjoining agencies are in place, ensuring seamless interagency operations. Issues related to Agency real estate titles have been corrected from the previous Administration.

Parish Government is currently funding jail operations at a significantly higher level than under the previous Administration, pursuant to its constitutional obligation. Additional funding for these mandated expenses is available. Comprehensive operational and employment policies and procedures are in place, ensuring constitutional compliance on all fronts. Surplus unclaimed and abandoned property disposal policies are established, as are policies regarding court-ordered seizures and property tax sales. An accurate inventory list and a complete financial accounting have been provided to the incoming Administration.

Fiscal Achievements and Operational Efficiency

Sheriff Seal proudly announces that as he concludes his tenure, the general fund balance stands at an unprecedented $5.4 million, marking the highest in Washington Parish's history. It is important to note that $800,000 of this total was provided by the CARES Act, while the remaining$4.6 million was accumulated through stringent fiscal management, disciplined budgeting, and operational efficiency.

Upon taking office in July 1 2008, Sheriff Seal inherited an agency burdened with $1.95 million in debt and an additional $382,268in civil penalties owed to the IRS from the previous administration. Through adept negotiations with the IRS and strict adherence to legal and administrative reforms, these penalties were resolved, steering the agency away from impending bankruptcy and setting a foundation for its financial recovery and growth.

Today, Sheriff Seal departs from the WPSO with a remarkable legacy of fiscal prudence and operational enhancements. Under his leadership, the organization has achieved a debt-free status, completed multiple clean audits, introduced a new fleet of deputy units, and provided updated equipment. Additionally, personnel have received consistent annual raises since2018. In preparation for the transition, the Seal Administration initiated the bidding process for inmate meals and pharmacy services for the incoming sheriff.

Make sure you have a designated driver, also known as a DD. Your choices matter, and they can save lives.

Over the years, we've received some common questions and comments, and we'd like to address them:

Question: Are DWI Checkpoints legally required to be publicly announced?

Answer: Contrary to popular belief, there is no legal requirement to publicly announce them in advance. The law mandates the announcement of a "checkpoint ahead" at the actual checkpoint location (refer to the posted picture).

Question: Why announce the checkpoint? Won't that prevent catching offenders?

Answer: Our primary goal is to PREVENT drinking and driving. We hope this announcement will deter individuals from driving impaired. Taxi companies, Uber drivers, and others report increased business on checkpoint nights. The announcement works, and we also conduct roving DWI patrols throughout the parish.

Comment: DWI Checkpoints violate my rights.

Answer: The U.S. Supreme Court disagrees with this notion.

Comment: You're just doing this for revenue, issuing tickets, and making arrests.

Answer: This perception changes when you or a loved one has been a victim of a drunk driver. Despite conspiracy theories, we conduct these checkpoints to save lives, not for financial gain. If we can save even one life this weekend, it's worthwhile. It could be your life or that of your loved ones.

Question: How is this funded?

Answer: Manpower for checkpoints and additional patrols is funded through a grant from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

Comment: This is a waste of taxpayer money.

Answer: Opinions vary, but a majority of our residents support these efforts.

Comment: Thank you for your work. We appreciate our deputies!

Answer: We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support. Washington Parish has outstanding citizens!

Sheriff Randy Seal's message: "We urge everyone to make responsible choices, not just this weekend, but always. If you've consumed alcohol, do not drive. Have a designated driver. It's effective. If all else fails, call us, and we will ensure you have a safe ride."

Stay safe, Washington Parish! Let's make the roads safer together.

Property tax notices are normally mailed during the last week of November for that taxable year. For example, property taxes for 2023 become due upon receipt of the notice and become delinquent if not paid by December 31, 2023.

The amount of property tax due is based upon your tax rate and taxable assessment. The tax is calculated by multiplying the taxable assessment by the tax rate. The tax rate is the sum of the individual millage that were approved by voters for such purpose as fire protection, law enforcement, education, and other function of parish government. The Washington Parish Assessor’s Office determines the taxable assessment of property.

If your homestead/mortgage company usually pays your property taxes, please forward the tax notice to them for payment. If not, property taxes may be paid through several other methods:

• Online: http://snstaxpayments.com/washington
• Mail: 1002 Main Street, Franklinton, LA 70438
• In-Person (Franklinton) : See Temporary In-Person Location
• Temporary In-Person (Franklinton): 974 Washington Street (The Old Moseley Building)
• In-Person (Bogalusa): 302 Mississippi Avenue

Information concerning payment dates or amounts paid may be obtained online, or by calling 985-839-3434

NEW ORLEANS, LA. - The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) New Orleans Field Division in conjunction with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office (LSFM) today announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information on a series of suspicious fires in Washington Parish during the past several years.

ATF New Orleans is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who are responsible for a series of suspicious fires in Washington Parish.

Over the past several years, a series of suspicious fires have been identified at seven (7) residential and church structures located in Washington Parish, specifically near Pine, Louisiana. There are no reported fatalities or injuries resulting from these fires.

Special Agents and Certified Fire Investigators (CFI) from the ATF New Orleans Field Division are assisting investigators in processing evidence from all the scenes.

ATF works closely with the State Fire Marshal's Office and local fire departments across Louisiana to determine the origin and cause of fires and collaboratively investigates crimes of arson.

Anyone with any information about these fires should contact ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477) or the State Fire Marshal's Office at 844-954-1221.

Information can also be sent to ATFTips@atf.gov, through ATF's website at www.atf.gov/contact/atftips. Tips can be submitted anonymously using the Reportit® app, available from both Google Play and the Apple App store, or by visiting www.reportit.com.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson.  For more information about ATF and its programs go to www.atf.gov.