St. Tammany Parish Government Introduces Proposed 2021 Operating and Capital Budgets

St. Tammany Parish Government Introduces Proposed 2021 Operating and Capital Budgets

From St. Tammany Parish Government 10/2/2020:

On Thursday, October 1, 2020, the St. Tammany Parish Council introduced two ordinances for adoption of the proposed 2021 Parish Operating Budget, and the proposed 2021 Parish Capital Improvement Budget. President Cooper has outlined in his budget several key initiatives including: the streamlining of public services to increase efficiency, save money, and better serve St. Tammany citizens; the restoration of trust between Parish Government and citizens through increased transparency and access to public officials; the update of the current comprehensive plan — last updated in 1999; and the creation of partnerships with local and State leaders on issues that impact all citizens, including infrastructure and economic development.

Parish President Mike Cooper

“When I took the oath of office at the beginning of this year, I committed to providing a more streamlined and responsive government, to place sensible controls on unbridled development and avoid mistakes of the past, and to use our public monies wisely and efficiently on priorities which address our basic and most pressing needs,” said Cooper. “This year’s budget reflects the continued effort to improve the financial accountability of Parish Government and to meet the service demands of our citizens and the infrastructure needs of our Parish. Considering the economic uncertainties in our parish, our state, our nation, and our world, in the foreseeable future due to COVID-19, the proposed budget is conservative and fiscally prudent.”

The 2021 Budget, was prepared by St. Tammany Parish Chief Financial Officer, Leslie Long and staff under the direction of St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper. According to the October 1, 2020 St. Tammany Parish Council agenda, the Parish Council will hold a public hearing in Council Chambers at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2020 to review the proposed Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets prior to adoption. The Parish’s paperless version of the proposed budgets is available for review online at the St. Tammany Parish Government website at this link.