The Natchitoches City Council met February 23, hearing updates from the Mayor’s Youth Council, approving two agricultural leases, introducing a water treatment facility improvement ordinance, and addressing multiple resolutions and financial reports.
The Mayor’s Youth Council continues to provide students across Natchitoches with opportunities to engage with the community while learning about local culture and government operations. The council meets monthly, with each session focusing on civic engagement, community service, and hands-on learning experiences.
Amelia Willis, a senior at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, shared her experience as a member of the council. “Last January, I’d only been living in Natchitoches for about a year and a half… I realized I need to be more involved in the surrounding community outside of just the LSMSA and NSU bubble,” Willis said. She described council activities ranging from a visit to Fort St. Jean Baptiste to hands-on lessons in cultural traditions, such as making king cakes with Fire Chief John Wynn. “None of us were particularly fantastic at it, but the overabundance of sugar was quick to cover any insecurities we had about the success of our baking,” Willis added.
The council is also planning future projects, including a collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club to encourage youth involvement citywide. Members say the council not only deepens their understanding of the city but also fosters lasting connections among students from different schools.
Ordinances – Final Approval
- Approve an agricultural lease with Russell & Mary Edith Stacy Farms for property located between Louisiana Highway 1 By-Pass and Waterwell Road.
- Approve a second agricultural lease for a 96.82-acre tract, 69.11 acres of which are farmable, also with Russell & Mary Edith Stacy Farms.
Both ordinances were previously tabled and finalized at this meeting.
Ordinance – Introduction
- Award a bid for Phase 2 of water treatment facility improvements (Bid No. 0682). The project will continue upgrades to Plant 3 after completion of Plant 2 improvements and includes funding coverage that leaves a small cushion for unforeseen costs.
Resolutions
- Enter into a task order agreement with KSA Engineers for T-hangar taxi lane design at Natchitoches Regional Airport. The project is FAA-funded.
- Approve a task order agreement with KSA Engineers for fuel facility improvements at the airport. The upgrade supports growing jet and agricultural aviation traffic and is fully FAA-funded.
- Approve the lease of a dozer for the city’s Utility Department with Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, replacing a previous rental arrangement and saving the city money.
Finance Director Clarissa Smith reported January sales tax collections totaled $1,400,000, up 1.12% from last year. Fiscal-year collections increased 3.2%, totaling $311,000 more than the previous year. Hotel occupancy and economic development district taxes also showed increases, while DMV collections were slightly down.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for March 9, 2026.
