GOLDONNA, LA. — The Village of Goldonna’s water and sewer system lost nearly $20,000 during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, according to the village’s annual financial report reviewed by a Natchitoches accounting firm.
The water system recorded a net loss of $19,576 for the year, more than four times the $4,643 loss posted in the prior fiscal year. Operating expenses for the utility totaled $187,733 against revenues of $160,777, leaving an operating deficit of $25,562 before accounting for intergovernmental grants and interest.
Repairs and maintenance accounted for $55,356 of utility expenses, with general and administration costs reaching $95,066. The system’s net position declined to $196,706 from $216,283 the prior year.
The village’s general government operations fared better, with governmental activities posting a net gain of $11,448 for the year. Total assets for governmental activities rose to $113,430 from $80,924, driven in part by $41,913 in capital asset additions that included new outside equipment and walking trail improvements.
Tax revenues grew to $69,232 from $61,491 the prior year, and the village collected $16,896 in intergovernmental funds for public safety. The general fund ended the year with an unassigned balance of $23,006, up from $13,520 at the start of the fiscal year.
Mayor Gayle Cloud received $2,880 in salary and $452 in retirement benefits during the year, for total compensation of $3,332. The four-member Board of Aldermen received a combined $4,320 in compensation, led by Reed Franklin and Norrell Garner at $1,440 each.
The village carries $42,955 in long-term lease debt on governmental activities, including a lease entered during the current year for a 2024 compact tractor financed through Wells Fargo Financial Leasing at 5% interest. An older lease for a Ford F-150 remains outstanding through 2027. The utility fund carries $16,280 in remaining debt on a 1988 revenue bond with the Farmers Home Administration, which matures in 2028.
The financial statements were reviewed — not audited — by the Natchitoches firm Thomas, Cunningham, Broadway & Todtenbier, which noted no material modifications were needed to bring the statements into conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The review represents a lower level of assurance than a full audit.
The firm did flag one compliance matter in its management letter: the village failed to amend its general fund budget when actual expenditures exceeded budgeted amounts by more than the 5% threshold required under Louisiana law. In a written response, the village committed to conducting quarterly budget evaluations going forward.
The village had no pending civil suits as of June 30, 2025, and auditors found no violations of public bid law, ethics statutes or other compliance requirements reviewed under the Louisiana Governmental Audit Guide.
Goldonna is a small municipality in Natchitoches Parish. The village operates a police department, streets and drainage services, and the water utility system.
Source: Village of Goldonna Annual Financial Report, fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Reviewed by Thomas, Cunningham, Broadway & Todtenbier, CPAs, Natchitoches. Report dated December 23, 2025.