The Parish Council met Dec. 15 to review departmental reports, consider ordinances affecting parish roads, approve appointments and funding requests, and authorize several contracts and agreements.
During departmental reports, the public works director and community services representatives reported no major issues. Financial reports were presented, including the check register and updated budgets for tax-driven funds such as the general fund, highway maintenance, government buildings, solid waste, health unit, sales tax, and the parish library.
Council members reviewed the check register, which included a payment of $266,419 to Waste Connections of Louisiana covering several months of service. Parish officials explained that the amount reflected normal operating costs over a multi-month period and that total parish expenditures listed on the register exceeded $1 million. Administrators also reported progress on Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) projects. Officials confirmed that the parish’s 2026 application had been received by the state.
The council unanimously voted to make several appointments and reappointments to parish fire protection district boards. Tristan Graves was reappointed to the Natchitoches Parish Fire District 7 Board. Mark Waskom and Ludlow McNeely were reappointed to the Natchitoches Parish Fire District 6 Board. The council also appointed Deveon J. Brisker to the Natchitoches Parish Fire District 2 Board, replacing John Rowell.
Three ordinances related to removing sections of roads from the parish road system were introduced. One ordinance to remove a portion of Red Rock Road (26,755 feet) passed its introduction. Proposed removals involving Collins Road (9,036 feet) and Trichell Road (5,960 feet) did not advance due to lack of motions.
The council amended its agenda to address an item related to staffing at the Natchitoches Parish Shooting Range, introducing Ordinance 027-2025 to add a shooting range employee position and corresponding salary to the parish personnel manual.
A resolution approving a restoration tax abatement application for Donahoe Law Firm, LLC was also approved. The tax abatement, part of a state economic development program, allows property taxes to remain at pre-improvement levels for a specified period following historic restoration work.
Council members approved changes to the 2026 meeting schedule due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day. Meetings were rescheduled for Jan. 26 and Feb. 23, respectively.
The council approved opioid settlement funding requests totaling $200,000, including $175,000 for the 10th Judicial District Adult Drug Court and $25,000 for the Juvenile Drug Court. Officials explained that opioid settlement funds have strict usage requirements and that the court system is well-equipped to administer the funds appropriately.
Authorization was also granted for the parish president to sign lease agreements for two new dump trucks. Officials noted that while monthly lease costs would increase, the new trucks would be covered by warranty, reducing long-term repair expenses and downtime compared to the parish’s aging fleet.
Additional approvals included bids for various road materials, authorization to redesign and administer the parish website to meet ADA compliance standards, and related maintenance services. Officials emphasized that the new website would be more user-friendly, mobile-accessible, and compliant with upcoming accessibility requirements.
