The May 12 Natchitoches City Council meeting brought property tax policy into sharp focus as there was a discussion on whether to “roll forward” millage rates—a decision that could significantly impact funding for vital city services.
The roll forward measure would maintain existing millage rates following reassessments that increased property values. While not a tax rate increase, this action would result in higher tax bills for some property owners due to the increased valuations.
Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. and several council members emphasized that maintaining the current rates is crucial to continuing essential city services.
PASSED:
Ordinance No. 017 of 2025 establishes the following adjusted millage rates:
Public Safety Facilities/Services (Fire & Police): 9.350 mills
General Alimony: 6.570 mills
PASSED BUT WILL BE RE-EXAMINED AT THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
Ordinance No. 018 of 2025 rolls forward the millage rates to:
Public Safety Facilities/Services (Fire & Police): 9.350 mills
General Alimony: 10.000 mills
Additional Millages (specific purpose): 6.570 mills and 7.030 mills
According to the ordinances, the revenues from these levies are to be used solely for the purposes they were established for, such as public safety, infrastructure, and general governmental operations.
Initially, the Council appeared to vote against rolling forward, which would mean accepting a lower millage rate and thus collecting less tax revenue. However, unclear wording in the motion and lack of understanding about what a “yes” or “no” vote meant created significant procedural confusion.
Natchitoches Fire Chief John Wynn stressed the serious consequences of failing to roll forward. The fire and police departments each rely on over $1 million in annual millage revenue, earmarked for critical capital projects such as vehicles, safety equipment, and infrastructure upgrades. This year, the roll-forward decision could provide an additional $182,000, with an estimated $60,000 per department potentially lost if the roll forward is not approved.
The decision was made to come back at the next meeting and decide whether or not to rescind Ordinance No. 18. The next Natchitoches City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27.
Other agenda items included:
ORDINANCES – FINAL:
- Enter Into A Cooperative Endeavor Agreement With The Historic District Business Association Inc., Providing For An Automatic Annual Renewal, Providing For Advertising, Further Providing For Severability, And Further Providing For A Repealer And Effective Date Of Ordinance.
- Award The Bid For FY 2023 LCDBG Street Improvements (Bid No. 0671)
ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:
- Amend The 2024-2025 Budget To Reflect Additional Revenues And Expenditures
RESOLUTIONS:
- Advertise For Bids For City Of Natchitoches 2025 Street Rehabilitation Program (Bid No. 0676)
- Execute Change Order No. Two To The Agreement Between The City Of Natchitoches And F&W Electric Contractor, Inc., To Replace Airfield Signage And Lights At The Natchitoches Regional Airport State Project No. H.015676 (Bid No. 0670)
- Execute A Certificate Of Substantial Completion To The Contract Between The City Of Natchitoches And F&W Electric Contractors, Inc., To Replace Airfield Signage And Lights At The Natchitoches Regional Airport (Bid No. 0670)
- Advertise And Accept Bids For (1) 2500 KVA 3 Phase Mount Transformer (Bid No. 0677)
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- The next scheduled City Council meeting will be Tuesday May 27, 2025.
- The offices of the City of Natchitoches will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025 for Memorial Day.
- The regularly scheduled City Council Meeting for Monday, May 26, 2025 has been re-scheduled to Tuesday, May 27, 2025 due to Memorial Day.
