Bogalusa City Council

08/18/2026

Official Statement Regarding Water Leak at Bogalusa Cemetery

Issued on behalf of the Public Works Director, City of Bogalusa

The City of Bogalusa Public Works Department is providing the following statement regarding the water leak discovered at Bogalusa Cemetery on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Based on the condition of the water connection, the leak appeared to be the result of possible vandalism. The cap had been loosened. Had the connection been struck by a lawn mower or other mowing equipment, we would expect the cap and surrounding components to have sustained significantly more damage, potentially being torn apart.

The location of the leak is also in an area of the cemetery that is known to experience flooding and has very soft ground conditions. If the water had been running continuously for more than 24 hours, the surrounding ground would have been expected to show significant saturation. However, when the area was inspected, very little water was present on the ground, and the ground did not appear to be saturated.

The City is continuing to address the matter and will take appropriate steps to help prevent similar incidents from occurring.

The City of Bogalusa would like to sincerely thank all of our volunteers throughout the city who take the time to give back to our community. Whether you volunteer at City events, assist with community projects, clean the cemetery, help maintain our parks and public spaces, or simply give your time wherever it is needed, your efforts do not go unnoticed.

We are grateful for each and every person who is willing to volunteer and invest their time in making Bogalusa a better place. Our community is stronger when we work together.

Together, we can accomplish so much.

Public Works Director
City of Bogalusa

08/11/2026

07/21/2026

Update- 7/21 at 11:50 P.M. As a precautionary measure public works is making one sand pile available (see flyer). Bring your own shovel.
Storm in Gulf is getting alot of wind shear and we may get very little. Should track shift more towards us more piles will be made available according to Don Jones Public Works.

07/13/2026

Fiscal Adminstrator action (document link below) on both city owned cemeteries.
For inquires email the following:

[email protected]

See link for cemetery document:

07/08/2026

Save the date!

07/06/2026

The City of Bogalusa and The Bogalusa City Council would like to extend our condolences to the Etoy Mervin "Toye" Taylor, Jr. Family. Former Mayor and Councilman of the City of Bogalusa.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Mervin Etoy "Toye" Taylor, Jr

Obituary
Mervin Etoy “Toye” Taylor Jr.

August 24, 1954 – July 4, 2026

Mervin Etoy “Toye” Taylor Jr., a beloved public servant, devoted educator, and lifelong champion for Washington Parish and the State of Louisiana, passed away on July 4, 2026, at the age of 71.Born on August 24, 1954, in Bogalusa, Louisiana, he was the son of Deborah Ann Trascher and Mervin Etoy Taylor Sr.

Raised in Bogalusa, he attended Bogalusa City Schools, graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1972, and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University.After completing his education, Toye began his career as a teacher at Columbia Street School, where his care for young people and belief in their potential first took root and remained with him throughout his life. That same spirit of encouragement and service led him into public life. In 1982, he was elected Bogalusa City Councilman-at-Large, and in 1986, he was elected Mayor of Bogalusa, serving three consecutive terms and dedicating himself to strengthening the city and improving the lives of the people he loved and served.In 1998, Toye made history as the first Parish President of Washington Parish. He served with integrity, wisdom, and a steadfast devotion to the people who placed their trust in him. After leaving office, he continued his service to Louisiana in the administrations of Governor Bobby Jindal and Governor John Bel Edwards, and later worked as a consultant to local elected officials across the state.He was deeply known for his love of his hometown, his tireless work ethic, and his conviction that public office was a sacred opportunity to serve others. His legacy reaches across education, municipal government, parish government, and state government, and his influence will continue to live on in the communities he helped shape and strengthen.Toye will be remembered not only for the offices he held, but for the kindness he extended, the relationships he nurtured, the wisdom he offered, and the sincere care he showed to everyone around him. His life stands as a lasting example of servant leadership, civic pride, and an unwavering commitment to making Louisiana a better place for generations to come.

He was predeceased by his parents, a son, Michael Kyle Taylor, a brother, Steven Scott Taylor, and his father-in-law, Charles Marshall Richardson Senior.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Richardson Taylor; his children, Leigh Anne Taylor (Chris Williams), Christopher Ryan Taylor (Angie), Steven Charles Taylor, and William Marshall Taylor (Akira); his grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Taylor, Ethan Christopher Williams, Sarah Katherine Taylor, Alexandra Grace Taylor, Ella Catherine Williams, John Robert Taylor, Jackson Henry Taylor, Shyla Marie Taylor, and Braxtyn Gage Taylor; and his mother-in-law, Sandra Pole Richardson.

Visitation will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, 216 Alabama Avenue, Bogalusa, LA on Wednesday, July 8, from 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM and again Thursday morning, July 9, beginning at 9:00 AM until the funeral service at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Poole Ritchie Funeral Home.

07/04/2026

07/03/2026

Agenda for upcoming Bogalusa City Council meeting for Tuesday,July 7th,2026 at 5:30 p.m.Agenda was posted to City Hall Doors on 7/1/26. For attachments and agenda go to bogalusa.gov click on agendas under 2026.