On December 7, Webster Parish residents will have the opportunity to vote on a proposed 1.75-mill property tax to support the Webster Parish Council on Aging (WPCOA). Executive Director Johnny Johnson is urging the community to approve the measure, emphasizing its critical role in sustaining vital services for the parish’s senior population.
The WPCOA, a nonprofit and quasi-governmental organization, is dedicated to helping Webster Parish seniors aged 60 and older maintain independence and live productive lives in their own homes. Over the past fiscal year, the organization has significantly expanded its services to meet growing needs.
“Our meals-on-wheels program delivered 42,000 frozen meals from July 2023 to June 2024, marking a 39% increase over the last two years,” Johnson said. The WPCOA also served nearly 14,000 meals through its congregate meal program during the same period, providing not only balanced nutrition but also essential social interaction for seniors. Additionally, the organization completed more than 3,000 units of light housekeeping for homebound clients.
Funding for these programs comes from a variety of sources, including federal and state Title III funds, Parish Councils on Aging (PCOA) grants, NSIP funding, and stipends from the Webster Parish Police Jury and the cities of Minden and Springhill. The pandemic-era grants, which provided crucial support during 2022-2024, have now expired, leaving the WPCOA facing a significant budget shortfall.
“Our revenue in 2025 will return to pre-pandemic levels, which will be devastating to our programs,” Johnson explained. Inflation and the growing demand for services have only compounded the financial challenges.
The proposed property tax would provide much-needed stability for the organization, allowing it to continue offering its programs at current levels. Johnson stressed the importance of transparency, inviting voters to review detailed explanations of the tax’s intended use on the WPCOA Facebook page.
“We accomplish a lot of good in the community with a relatively small amount of tax money,” Johnson said. “I encourage everyone to do their homework and see the impact we make daily. If anyone has questions, my office is always open.”
The proposed 1.75-mill tax represents a modest increase, but Johnson believes it is essential to ensure that Webster Parish seniors receive the support they need to age in place.
The election will take place on December 7. Residents are encouraged to cast their votes and play a role in shaping the future of senior care in Webster Parish.