The July 21 Natchitoches Parish Council meeting covered a range of important updates, including infrastructure improvements, inmate housing and medical expenses, and the introduction of a local solar ordinance that may intersect with new state-level guidelines.
Public works updates highlighted upcoming road repairs, resurfacing projects, and bids. Work is underway on several key roads, including Clark Road, Good Hope Road, and Blanchard Road, with improvements funded through grants, LGAP awards, and the Cane River Waterway Commission. Parish officials noted that FEMA reimbursement rates for equipment are being tracked and reported in case of disaster recovery needs.
Council members also addressed the rising cost of inmate housing and medical care following a newly signed operating agreement with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office. The cost of housing inmates has increased significantly, with monthly expenses now ranging between $85,000 and $95,000. The parish also began receiving medical bills for inmates, prompting discussion of a potential budget amendment to address these unanticipated costs.
To help manage medical costs, the council introduced a new ordinance to replace a 1996 ordinance that had not been actively implemented. The new ordinance would enable the parish to seek reimbursement for inmate medical care from inmates’ personal accounts, aligning with current state statutes.
During the meeting, the council also introduced a new ordinance establishing minimum standards for solar energy centers operating in the parish. While the ordinance is similar to standards adopted in other Louisiana parishes, discussion arose regarding its compatibility with recently passed state legislation. Developers present at the meeting expressed support for the local ordinance, suggesting it provides clarity and flexibility. Parish officials agreed to use the time between the ordinance’s introduction and adoption to clarify any potential conflicts with state requirements.
Several zoning and road maintenance matters were also addressed. The council voted to:
- Extend maintenance of Creek Gay Road by 526 feet,
- Remove Chuck Fosi Road from the parish road system,
- Approve the removal of an undeveloped portion of White Oak Lane from the system,
- Approve a zoning amendment to allow the placement of a mobile home on Lair Fletcher Road.
Additionally, a resolution was passed in support of federal recognition for the Caddo Indian Nation.
The council also discussed economic development efforts, including a few talks involving the reuse of byproducts such as cane and corn to manufacture paper goods at the old Campti Mill property that was recently shut down. A related meeting was scheduled for the following Monday.
Finally, council members were reminded to begin submitting departmental budget requests as the next fiscal planning cycle gets underway.
