The Natchitoches Parish Council met on Sept. 15 to address a range of matters, beginning with updates on parish projects and extending into lengthy discussions about roadwork, litigation settlements, and cooperative agreements with municipalities.

Early in the meeting, Parish President John Salter and parish staff reviewed roadwork progress, bridge repairs, and various parish needs. Council members discussed ongoing issues related to parish infrastructure, the costs of projects, and the need for cooperative efforts with state and federal entities.

The council then turned to financial matters, including budget amendments, expenditures, and the allocation of resources for continuing parish operations. Several resolutions and ordinances were introduced and considered, addressing both fiscal and policy issues facing the parish.

Resolution 32-2025 was introduced, granting approval and authorization to the parish president to execute participation in or settlement documents with the Pro Group, Sandoz Group, and the Second Year Manufacturer Group. The measure also permitted submission of a “yes” vote in U.S. Bankruptcy Court proceedings regarding proposed settlement agreements between the parties.

Parish legal representatives explained the resolution was part of the opioid litigation settlement process, which involves national agreements requiring approval from a percentage of participants in order to move forward. The resolution allowed Natchitoches Parish to participate in these settlements and sign documents as needed.

Officials explained that while the Purdue Group was in bankruptcy proceedings, settlements with Sandoz and smaller manufacturers were moving forward. Parish representatives emphasized that while the potential payouts were not large sums, they could provide some financial benefit to the parish.

It was noted that 20% of settlement funds would be retained by the state, while the remaining 80% would be distributed to parishes on a population and case-recorded basis. Attorneys could not provide an exact dollar figure for Natchitoches Parish but offered estimates based on comparable cases, suggesting that payouts could be in the range of $25,000 for one portion of the settlement, with potentially larger amounts in other cases.

Council members voted unanimously in favor of the resolution, allowing the parish to proceed with participation in the settlements.

Following the resolution, the council opened the floor to non-agenda visitors. Ashland Mayor Terry Chesser addressed the council regarding the condition of roads in his municipality, explaining that many older residents were struggling to access mail and services due to poor road conditions. He said he had also received complaints from the U.S. Postal Service regarding access issues.

Parish officials discussed the limitations of parish authority and funding when it comes to municipal roads. Legal counsel explained that under Louisiana law, parish funds cannot be used to purchase materials for municipal road projects, but parish labor and equipment can be used under certain circumstances if a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) is executed.

The council discussed the legal opinions governing such situations, including a 2020 Attorney General opinion that allows parishes to use equipment and personnel for the benefit of municipalities under written agreements with specific limitations. Officials emphasized that while parishes cannot take over routine maintenance of municipal roads, they may perform limited work when public safety is at stake, such as grading or clearing roads to ensure access for emergency vehicles.

Several council members and parish staff raised concerns about how to balance immediate needs with legal requirements. They noted that many residents in Ashland face significant difficulties with road access, particularly in emergencies. Parish President Salter said he would communicate directly with mayors in the parish to explain the law and the process for preparing CEAs.

The discussion turned to whether the council should authorize blanket CEAs to cover future work or require approval of each agreement on a case-by-case basis. Legal counsel advised that each agreement must be specific, outlining exactly what work will be done, on which road, and under what conditions. Materials such as rock, dirt, or culverts must be provided by the municipality.

Council members stressed the importance of preparing CEAs quickly so that work could move forward without delays, particularly on roads where mail carriers and emergency vehicles cannot currently pass. Some suggested that special meetings could be called to approve agreements if urgent needs arise before the next scheduled meeting.

Residents also raised questions about responsibility, fairness, and the division of tax revenues between municipalities and the parish. Officials noted that while municipalities often have their own taxes to fund services, Ashland does not currently have a local tax base to rely on, creating additional challenges.

The discussion included references to past practices, prior legal interpretations, and comparisons to other parishes. Several participants noted that roadwork practices had changed in recent years following new legal opinions, which placed stricter limits on how parishes may assist municipalities.

Ultimately, the council agreed that the parish president would meet with municipal leaders to identify urgent needs, prepare CEAs, and present them to the council for approval. Parish officials reaffirmed that while parish funds cannot be used for materials, labor and equipment may be made available under legally compliant agreements, particularly where public safety is involved.

The meeting concluded with further discussion about the need for cooperation between the parish and municipalities to ensure residents have safe and reliable access to essential services. Council members and staff emphasized that while the legal framework is complex, the parish remains committed to assisting municipalities where possible under the law.