St. Landry Parish, Louisiana

The Louisiana State Bond Commission voted to give St. Landry Parish six more months, until March 2027, to repay $1.65 million in outstanding state loans. The parish had originally been approved for up to $4.6 million in loans in September 2025 and has drawn about $2.9 million of that total.

Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack warned the parish faces potential state financial oversight, including a fiscal review committee, if it doesn't make deeper cuts to operating expenses. He said parish payroll has stayed roughly steady near $350,000 a month despite projections of cuts, and expressed skepticism about parish forecasts that monthly payroll will drop to about $250,000 by September. Parish President Jessie Bellard has proposed reducing staff, cutting salaries, and trimming animal control and senior transportation services, changes estimated to save about $600,000 annually. Bellard has said roughly 88.5% of general fund spending is mandated, limiting flexibility. Waguespack opted for a shorter six-month extension rather than a full year, saying the parish must show verified progress or face closer state scrutiny.