The Natchitoches City Council moved to address the city’s long-term infrastructure and financial future at its April 13 meeting, introducing a $112.4 million consolidated budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and advancing a series of utility upgrades aimed at stabilizing local water services.
The proposed budget, introduced as Ordinance #011, outlines $112,421,878 in total spending across all funds for the fiscal year beginning June 1. Finance Director Clarissa Brown Smith noted that a central pillar of the plan is the strategic use of $1.2 million in local matching funds to leverage more than $20 million in state and federal grants.
“Identifying those match dollars was one of our biggest tasks this year,” Brown Smith said. “It allows us to invest in our infrastructure well beyond what our local tax base could provide alone.”
The spending plan allocates $10.3 million to utilities, $4.7 million to the physical environment, and $3.3 million to public safety capital outlay.
The council authorized a significant expansion of the South Williams Waterline Project through two change orders with David Lawler Construction.
While the first change order resulted in a $2,010 decrease by standardizing pipe materials, a second order added $64,728 to the contract to replace an aging 2-inch galvanized line on Royal Street with a new 6-inch PVC main. Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. noted that despite the addition, the project remains significantly under its original $980,000 budget.
In related infrastructure news, the council introduced a zoning amendment for 3600 University Parkway. The property is slated to be rezoned from R-2 to R-1 to facilitate the development of the city’s new fire station.
The meeting took on a celebratory tone during a series of special recognitions. The council honored Kolade Newton, a local athlete who recently captured the USA Club Wrestling State Championship in the 14U 225-pound division.
“We need more young men getting involved and doing things actively and positively,” Mayor Williams said, presenting Newton with a certificate of achievement.
The council also issued a proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, specifically recognizing the dispatchers who handle emergency calls for the city and parish. Police Chief Nikeo Collins introduced 46-year veteran Brenda Henderson and supervisor Daquan Johnson, describing the dispatchers as the “lifeline” for field officers.
“They are the voice in the night that you don’t see,” added Fire Chief John Wynn. “They are the actual first first-responders.”
The Council also approved:
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Resolution #021: Streamlining administrative paperwork for the Natchitoches Regional Airport in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).
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Proclamation #017: Declaring April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, featuring a presentation from CASA Central Louisiana regarding their annual “Pinwheel Garden” campaign.
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Resolution #020: Designating Wednesday, April 22, as Earth Day, which will coincide with the statewide “Love the Boot” litter abatement initiative.
The council will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget before its final adoption. The next scheduled meeting is set for April 27, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
