The Natchitoches City Council held its March 24 meeting and an ordinance up for introduction addresses the adoption of the budget for the City of Natchitoches for the fiscal year June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026.

The budget, totaling $104 million, includes allocations for the general fund, utility fund, and capital projects.

The general fund is set at $22.1 million, reflecting a $2 million increase from last year. This rise accounts for annual cost-of-living raises and operational expenses. While supply costs have stabilized compared to previous years, increased project-related expenditures required adjustments in funding.

The utility fund has decreased by $6 million, mainly due to a drop in electricity costs. The shift from Cleco to LEPA is expected to generate additional savings, and the city has seen six months of declining Power Cost Adjustments (PCA).

Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. added that the City has the lowest electric rates in the entire state, even with the recent adjustments that were made.

The capital projects fund has risen by $12 million, primarily due to budgeting for the city’s water treatment plant and infrastructure improvements, including sewer and street projects. These costs are offset by revenue, ensuring a balanced budget.

Overall, this year’s budget is an increase from last year’s $91 million total, but city officials emphasized that the adjustments were carefully planned to account for necessary expenses while maintaining financial stability.

The Council also approved the following agenda items:       

ORDINANCES – FINAL:
Award the bid for Water Distribution System improvements (Breda Town – Phase 2) (Bid No. 0672) to CDE Construction of Keithville in the amount of $601,554.

RESOLUTIONS:
Enter Into A Grant Agreement With The Rapides Foundation For The Strengthening Families Program Grant.

Authorize And Approve the Execution Of An Equipment – Lease Purchase Agreement With Cadence Equipment Finance, A Division Of Cadence Bank (Street Sweeper)

Designate Persons To Sign Checks, To Designate A Person To Maintain Authority Of The Internet Banking Hierarchy And To Designate A Person To Maintain Authority Of Corporate Credit Card Accounts As Part Of The Banking Services Agreement With Bank Of Montgomery.

Authorize The Use Of Local Funds For Engineering Costs And Hire Balar Engineers For Engineering Services Related To The FY25 LCDBG Public Facilities Program

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be April 14, 2025.