An ordinance to raise water rates for two industrial users, Northwestern State University and Pilgrims Pride, was introduced at the Natchitoches City Council meeting on Feb. 14.
The City is planning an expansion of the existing water treatment facilities, and in an effort to identify additional funds for the project, undertook a water rate study which was completed in May of 2021. The last water rate increase occurred in 2017, and in that rate increase, rates for all users were increased with the exception of industrial users inside the City limits.
The City will raise the rates over a two year period. It’s a $1.15 per thousand increase. The City will increase rates by 55 cents this March and another 60 cents in March of 2023.
Another ordinance up for introduction was one creating the River South Commons Economic Development District. This introduction is the first step in a multi-step process. The City will have to pass an ordinance to levy the tax and another to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the developers.
This includes plans for a new, more modern and updated shopping center. The additional tax will be paid by the developers and their tenants.
Other agenda items included:
Proclaim The Month Of February 2022 As African American History Month In The City Of Natchitoches.
ORDINANCES – FINAL:
Amend The 2021-2022 Budget To Reflect Additional Revenues and Expenditures.
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:
Enter Into An Agricultural Lease Of A 96.82 Acre Tract, More Or Less, With Russell & Mary Edith Stacy Farms
Designate Funds From The American Rescue Plan To The City Of Natchitoches Police Department To Otherwise Provide With Respect Thereto.
Approve A Cooperative Endeavor Agreement Between The City Of Natchitoches And Chick-Fil-A, Inc., Which Agreement Provides For Cost Sharing For The Installation Of Infrastructure, Including Traffic And Drainage, Which Improvements Will Serve The Proposed Restaurant Facility At The Corner Of E. 5th Street And Highway 494.
RESOLUTIONS:
Approve An Amendment To Change Order No. 6 Increasing The Contract Total To Include Pavie Street For The Phase 3 Street Rehabilitation (BID NO. 0629)
Execute A Certificate Of Substantial Completion To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And Regional Construction For Phase 3 Street Rehabilitation (Bid No. 0629)
Advertise And Accept Bids For (1) 750 KVA 3 Phase Pad Mount Transformer (Bid No. 0645)
Appoint Clarissa Brown-Smith as The Finance Director For The City Of Natchitoches
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The next scheduled City Council meeting will be Monday, February 28, 2022.
The offices of the City of Natchitoches will be closed Monday, February 21, 2022 in honor of President’s Day.
