The Natchitoches Parish Council convened for a regular meeting on June 16, covering a packed agenda that included updates on planning and zoning, parish road maintenance, capital outlay funding, and solid waste operations.
Parish President John Salter updated the Council on several infrastructure funding wins from the recent legislative session. He highlighted over $500,000 in funding for Blanchard Road, $1.5 million for the Port of Natchitoches, and $4 million for the resurfacing of Goldonna Road. He also mentioned that Lateral Lane infrastructure funding is being pursued with support from state waterways partners.
The Council introduced multiple ordinances to adjust the parish road maintenance system:
Crit Gay Road: Ordinance 005-2025 proposes extending parish maintenance 526 feet beyond its current distance of 1,295 feet to accommodate a newly placed home.
Chuck Foshee Road: Ordinance 006-2025 seeks to remove 376 feet of unused and barricaded road due to lack of residential occupancy.
White Oak Lane: Ordinance 007-2025 recommends removing an undeveloped dead-end section of road at the request of a property owner who cited trespassing and littering concerns.
The Council introduced Ordinance 008-2025 to rezone property on Laird Fletcher Road from family residential to mobile home residential (RMH-1) to allow a homeowner to place a mobile home for her daughter. Planning Commission officials confirmed the request aligned with existing zoning in the area and received only one objection during the review process.
Two voting precinct changes were approved:
A temporary polling location move from St. Augustine Church to Cypress Police Jury Voting Building due to the annual fair.
A permanent move from Oak Grove Methodist Church to Calvary Baptist Church Hall for three precincts.
The Council approved a resolution authorizing the parish’s Industrial Development Board to enter into a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement with Blue Lake Solar for an upcoming solar project. Officials emphasized the urgency of finalizing the agreement before new state legislation potentially restricts such incentives.
The Council debated the parish’s solid waste management strategy, particularly contracts and purchases involving waste collection equipment and lease agreements:
Two items failed as Council members Allen, Cheatwood and Braxton voted against them:
- Sign the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Sabine Parish for trash disposal – FAILED.
- Award bids for Solid Waste on the following equipment and give the President authority to sign all necessary documents – FAILED:
1. 45′ Demolition trailer
2. Front-Load Garbage Truck
3. Chassis with Roll Off Garbage Truck Body
4. 40-yard compactor containers
Council members expressed confusion over some previous purchases and questioned whether proper bidding procedures were followed. Parish officials clarified that some items were purchased through state contracts and did not require separate bidding.
In a contentious exchange, council members also discussed renewing the parish’s contract with Waste Connections Bayou, Inc. to align with the City of Natchitoches’ trash services. Some members raised concerns about rising rates and lack of detailed financial data to justify the contract. Ultimately, a vote to renew the agreement passed by a narrow margin – PASSED.
The Council also re-appointed Edward Ward to the Natchitoches Parish Housing Authority Board.
The Council will revisit several introduced ordinances and zoning changes at its next meeting for final adoption. Parish officials continue to urge better communication between departments and clearer documentation in public records to address ongoing concerns.
Natchitoches Parish Waste Service Transition Fully Explained