Parish president previews tight 2027 budget, pledges $66M-plus in sales-tax infrastructure projects

Parish President Michael B. Cooper opened the council's October meeting by describing the task of building the 2027 budget as "the most challenging" his administration has faced since taking office. He said the administration must make hard choices because "the way our revenues are structured does not give us the flexibility to meet every need." Cooper identified four priorities for the budget: strengthening infrastructure, building resilience through drainage and coastal restoration, planning for responsible growth, and maintaining fiscal discipline.

"Through our dedicated 2¢ sales tax, we are investing more than $66,000,000 in roads, bridges, drainage, utilities, and other capital improvements," Cooper said, calling it "one of the largest infrastructure investments in the history of St. Tammany." He urged residents to review posted budget documents and attend public hearings the parish scheduled for mid- and late-October, which he said will be streamed and recorded.

The president thanked the finance team led by Annie Perkins and said the budget attempts to protect essential services while responding to rising infrastructure demands. Cooper emphasized public safety among services at risk if revenue constraints worsen and encouraged public engagement at the upcoming hearings. The council introduced ordinances to place the 2027 operating budget and the 2027'2031 capital improvement plan on the introduction calendar for further consideration.