St. Charles Parish · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in St. Charles Parish public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Summer food and youth center programs
Three summer camps are at full capacity in St. Rose, Killona, and Boutte, and the summer food program is serving about 300 hot meals a day across two sites with bus pickup in neighborhoods. The parish contracts with the school system for buses (about $15,000 for the summer), United Way chipped in $9,000 for facility costs, and the state reimburses per meal.
Dog park funding versus drainage priorities
Parks & Rec reported 2025 projects (Bethune Park, East Bank Bridge Park, boat launches), a new Little League charter, and big fee cuts — flag football and basketball dropped from $65 to $35-45 with Saints/Pelicans partnerships, saving families tens of thousands.
No public swimming facilities in the parish
Board members said it's embarrassing that a parish as well-off as St. Charles has no public pool, while kids drown almost every year swimming in lakes and bayous. They agreed to invite Parks and Recreation to the August 12 meeting to answer for it.