The Natchitoches Parish Council convened for its monthly meeting on April 28, addressing a wide array of financial, infrastructure, public safety, and community service issues. Council members took action on several key initiatives, including budget amendments, drainage repair funding, trail ride event regulations, and enhanced library outreach.
Parish Treasurer Julie Lockhart presented multiple amendments to the 2025 operating budget. Among the adjustments were changes to the planning fund due to a procedural update with the Rapides Area Planning Commission (RAPC), which now requires direct fund processing by the Parish before invoicing.
Other amendments involved the opioid settlement fund and infrastructure accounts, including a shift in funding for postponed work on Riverview Drive and Patrick Road. These funds will be carried over into the next fiscal cycle.
Additionally, the council adopted Ordinance 001-2025, which amended the General Fund and Highway Fund budgets, and Ordinance 002-2025, granting the parish president authority to waive planning and zoning fees during declared storm emergencies.
One of the most debated items on the agenda was Ordinance 003-2025, aimed at regulating large public events such as trail rides, outdoor concerts, and festivals. The ordinance introduces new requirements for permitting, sanitation, safety, and law enforcement presence at such events.
One resident spoke out during public comments, citing a recent trail ride near Highway 26 that drew over 1,000 participants and caused property damage, excessive noise, and littering.
“I had to call the sheriff’s department over the loud music, and my neighbors’ yards were used as restrooms,” she said. “This ordinance needs to be specific—no motorized vehicles, designated routes, sanitation requirements—or the problem will continue.”
Council members committed to working with the Parish Attorney and Sheriff’s Office to refine enforcement measures and clarify permit conditions.
The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Parish President John Salter to apply for $300,000 in Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP) funding to address emergency drainage issues along Goldonna Road.
This funding will go a long way in helping us improve drainage for residents in that area.
In department reports, Interim Public Works Director Joey Creamer provided updates on certain roads, noting efforts to improve water drainage and airflow in overgrown areas. He also reported ongoing coordination with DOTD regarding traffic control around the LA-119 bridge detour, part of a multi-year bridge replacement project.
Meanwhile, work on the Riverview Drive paving project is nearing completion, with only 300 feet left and concrete work scheduled to resume midweek, pending favorable weather.
The council approved a lease agreement with the Louisiana Office of Public Health for continued use of the Natchitoches Parish Health Unit building. While members authorized Salter to finalize the agreement, some expressed a desire to review final revisions prior to execution.
Additionally, concerns were raised over Fire District #10, which currently lacks a formal board or insurance rating. Two new board members have been appointed, and a temporary fire chief will soon be named. The council is considering emergency appointments to restore district operations before the next regular meeting.
Library Director Mona Bamburg briefed the council on the library’s expanding outreach efforts, including the purchase of a new compact book delivery van that will replace the outdated bookmobile. The new model will allow staff to deliver books door-to-door, especially in remote and rural communities, while still making limited public stops.
“We’re shifting our model,” Bamburg said. “Instead of waiting for patrons to come to us, we’re taking books directly to them.”
Bamburg also updated the council on satellite branch development. Efforts to secure land in areas like Robeline and the Black Lake community have faced delays due to property acquisition rules, zoning issues, and the limited meeting schedule of the library board.
Council members emphasized that any perception of council inaction is misguided. “The council cannot approve a land purchase until all the necessary documents and site plans are submitted,” one member said. “We just need the right information brought to us.”
The council also confirmed Parish President John Salter as Natchitoches Parish’s representative on the Industrial Ecosystem Planning (IEP) Committee, a non-voting advisory body formed by gubernatorial executive order. Members also approved participation in the Capital Area Finance Authority’s revenue bond program to assist first-time homebuyers.