Development News for Slidell, Louisiana

Slidell Council Adopts Budget Amendments, Grapples with Service Rate Increases and Road Project Funding

The Slidell City Council voted to adopt Amendment D, which removes ad valorem taxes for sewage and garbage disposal, amounting to $2.85 million. This action necessitates a future vote in June on renewing these millages. If the renewal fails, garbage rates will increase by $10-$11 per month, and sewer rates will also be subject to study and potential increases. If the millage renewal passes, current rates will remain, with only annual CPI adjustments for sewer rates. The council also voted to adopt Amendments A and B, allocating $2 million and $1.678 million respectively to the Robert Road Roundabout and panel replacement/SSD repairs, to be used as matching funds for federal grants. Councilman Brownfield voted against these amendments, citing concerns about tying up funds and advocating for fiscal responsibility and potential reallocation to other projects or broader taxpayer benefit.

Slidell Council Debates and Rejects Amendment to Remove Community Development Director Funding

The council discussed and ultimately did not adopt Amendment C, which proposed removing funding for the Director of Community Development position. Councilwoman King had proposed this amendment, citing opposition to introducing new high-level positions and questioning the necessity and salary of the role, particularly concerning the appointed individual, Ms. Hunter. Mayor Fondell and Councilman Brownfield defended the position, explaining it was a reclassification to make an individual whole for a changed job description, not an additional hire, and was part of a broader administrative reorganization costing less than $40,000. Due to the lack of a second motion, the amendment failed.

Slidell Council Approves Official Journal, Freezes Elected Official Salaries, and Passes Budget-Related Ordinances

The Slidell City Council held a public hearing and adopted ordinances related to official journal selection, mayoral compensation, police chief compensation, and council member compensation. The St. Tammany Informer was selected as the official journal. Amendments were adopted to set the salaries for the mayor, police chief, and council members at their current rates for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, meaning no increase. The council also adopted ordinances related to the city's millage rates, employee retirement systems, and various job descriptions and classifications within city departments.

Slidell City Council Honors Northshore High Student Grace Keane for Remarkable Athletic Achievements

The council recognized Grace Keane, a sophomore from North Shore High School, for her outstanding athletic achievements in track and field. Keane set two state records in the 1600-meter and 800-meter events, won state championships in both, and placed third in the 3200-meter run. She is also the 2026 indoor state champion in the 1600-meter and 800-meter events, and the state cross-country champion. Her accomplishments also include multiple district and regional championships, as well as national recognition in AAU Cross Country. The council commended her dedication, perseverance, sportsmanship, and the pride she brings to the City of Slidell.