During its April 28 Natchitoches City Council meeting, city officials and residents voiced concerns over staffing challenges, department restructuring, and the future of the Main Street program. The discussion centered on the potential transition of the program from the city’s Finance Department to the Community Development Department.
The agenda item read: Ordinance To Provide For The Amendment Of The Personnel Policies Manual To Alter The Organizational Chart Of The City Of Natchitoches To Relocate Main Street From Finance To Community Development, Providing For Advertising, Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer And Effective Date Of Ordinance.
Councilman Dale Nielsen highlighted that the city continues to be nationally recognized for its marketing efforts and economic resilience, particularly in comparison to other communities. He noted that Natchitoches has seen only a slight decline—less than 1%—in its sales tax revenues, crediting tourism and local partnerships for the city’s relative economic stability.
“The success we’re seeing is the result of a collective effort,” Nielsen said. “Our Main Street program has played a critical role in driving tourism and downtown engagement.”
The discussion intensified when resident Stacey Lawrence presented a formal letter on behalf of a group opposed to Ordinance 012 of 2025, which would transfer oversight of the Main Street program to Community Development. The letter outlines serious allegations regarding internal operations, including staff resignations, alleged violations of federal labor standards, and claims of a hostile work environment.
Lawrence and the co-signers requested an independent investigation into the department’s leadership and a delay of the proposed program transfer until findings are reviewed. “These issues have caused considerable distress among former employees and impacted the professional environment,” the letter stated.
Council members acknowledged the need for transparency but emphasized that personnel matters must be handled in executive session, not open meetings. City legal counsel confirmed receipt of the letter and advised that the concerns be reviewed formally.
Mayor Williams further explained the history of the Main Street role, noting that it had previously been a shared position between the Historic District Business Association and the city. With the HDBA moving to fund a full-time position independently, the city is now considering the responsibilities and staffing needed on its end, especially as operations at the riverbank and other venues (Beau Jardin) are set to increase.
“We’re trying to meet the demand,” Williams said, citing open positions within beautification and maintenance. “We recently hired a beautification supervisor, but we still have part-time positions unfilled. These vacancies affect what the public sees every day.”
As the meeting progressed, some council members voiced support for maintaining the program’s current structure until further assessments could be made. Others expressed willingness to revisit the proposal in the future, once the concerns raised had been addressed.
The ordinance ultimately failed to pass in a split vote (Petite-Yes, All Other Council Members-No). Council members emphasized the importance of ensuring both fiscal responsibility and departmental stability before any major restructuring moves forward.