The Natchitoches Parish Council held its monthly meeting on May 27, focusing on updates regarding federal funding deadlines, local planning projects, and several budgetary matters.
Parish officials confirmed receipt of three major grants totaling $600,000, including a $300,000 emergency LGAP grant for Gold Road, $50,000 in additional LGAP funding, and $250,000 earmarked for a water system project.
Planning and zoning discussions took up a significant portion of the meeting, with Council members expressing concerns over a delayed zoning change ordinance that won’t be postponed until July. Additionally, there was discussion of road maintenance and community concerns in District 4, including damage reportedly caused by earlier paving projects. Residents had previously contributed to road improvements and have voiced dissatisfaction with recent work.
Council members also clarified procedures regarding permit reports. Planning staff from the Rapides Area Planning Commission (RAPC) are stationed at the courthouse five days a week to help process applications and provide oversight. Reports related to permits and evaluations are now being uploaded to the parish website.
In action items, the Council unanimously approved amendments to the 2025 operating budget, which included line items for the 104 Planning Fund, 915 Opioid Settlement, 242 Patrick Road project, and the 920 Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund. A discussion regarding RAPC’s billing model revealed a change in how permit funds are processed, with RAPC now billing the parish after collecting fees directly from applicants.
The Council also voted to adopt the 2025 millage rates. However two agenda items failed to pass. One was to authorize the parish president to sign a three-year agreement with the auditing firm Thomas, Cunningham, Broadway, and Todtenbier. Some members questioned the three-year term. Finance Director Julie Lockhart noted that locking in the agreement would prevent future fee increases and avoid travel expenses associated with out-of-town firms. The second item was to approve a CEA between the Natchitoches Parish Government and the Henry O’ Flipper Foundation, Inc. for $7,500 for three houses in the City. Allen, Cheatwood and Braxton voted against both items.
Finally, three reappointments were approved for the Natchitoches Parish Fire District 10 Board: Christopher Leone, Steve Leone, and Robert Baker. Officials emphasized the importance of revitalizing the board to ensure effective operations.
The next parish council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 16.
