The Natchitoches City Council met on May 26 addressing a wide-ranging agenda that included recognition of local youth athletics, a Juneteenth proclamation, final adoption of the city’s fiscal year budget, approval of a major street improvement project, and introduction of a proposed lease in the Mill District.
The meeting opened with remarks from Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. highlighting the Mayor’s Athletic Leadership Board awards, which recognize outstanding high school student-athletes across Natchitoches Parish, including schools such as Lakeview, St. Mary’s, and Natchitoches Central. The mayor noted that specific recipient names for the current year were not immediately available during the meeting.
Councilman Nielsen presented Resolution No. 33 of 2026, officially proclaiming June 19, 2026, as Juneteenth Day in the City of Natchitoches.
The proclamation commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The resolution recognizes Juneteenth as a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice, while also highlighting the city’s cultural heritage and commitment to honoring African American history.
Mayor Williams noted that Juneteenth falls on a Friday this year and will include a city employee holiday observation along with planned community events. Council members also referenced a Juneteenth parade scheduled for June 19 at 6 p.m.
The resolution passed unanimously.
Council members voted to remove Ordinance No. 011 of 2026 from the table following its prior deferral, allowing final consideration of the City of Natchitoches budget for the fiscal year June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027.
Finance Director Clarissa Brown Smith previously submitted the budget for council review. The adopted budget includes:
- General Fund: $23,808,192
- Utility Fund: $44,433,098
- Special Revenue/Capital Project Funds: $44,980,588
The ordinance outlines standard budgetary authority provisions under Louisiana law allowing certain administrative adjustments by the mayor.
Council discussion included clarification on fund allocations and amendments. A motion was ultimately approved to adopt the budget with an amendment requiring prior City Council approval before any expenditures from the economic development consulting fund for hiring consultants or related services.
Officials also referenced ongoing economic development planning tied to the city’s broader master planning efforts and potential infrastructure expansion corridors.
The amended ordinance was approved.
Council also approved Ordinance No. 018 of 2026, which amends the 2025–2026 budget to reflect additional revenues and expenditures and ensure compliance with state auditing requirements.
City officials noted the adjustments are routine and primarily reflect utility cost increases, timing differences in grant funding, and standard fiscal alignment within the required 5% budget variance guidelines.
The ordinance passed unanimously following brief discussion and clarification from finance officials.
Council members unanimously approved Ordinance No. 019 of 2026, authorizing the city to award a contract for the Second Street and Touline Street concrete pavement replacement project.
Funded primarily through state capital outlay dollars with a required 25% city match, the project received three bids. Skyplex Trucking, LLC submitted the lowest qualified bid within the project’s budget.
City Engineer Nick Verrett recommended awarding the base bid along with two additive alternates to Skyplex Trucking, LLC, pending approval from the State of Louisiana.
Officials noted the project’s importance to improving key transportation corridors and preparing for future infrastructure needs, including traffic impacts related to regional bridge and roadway planning. Council members also emphasized the importance of state funding support in minimizing local financial impact.
The ordinance was adopted unanimously.
Ordinance No. 020 of 2026 (first reading), authorizes the city to lease an office building located between Mill Street and the railroad right-of-way.
The proposed lease involves local business operator Debbie Smith, who outlined plans to open a vintage clothing retail shop featuring curated apparel, accessories, and experiential elements designed to attract both residents and tourists.
The lease would cover approximately 1,107 square feet at a monthly rate of $700. City officials noted the property is currently unused and considered surplus.
Discussion included building condition considerations, signage requirements under historic district regulations, certificate of occupancy compliance, and parking concerns within the Mill District area. City staff clarified that exterior modifications and signage would require Historic District Commission approval, while interior use would follow standard commercial permitting processes.
Council members also discussed broader planning considerations for parking and future development in the Mill District as additional activity increases in the area.
The ordinance was introduced and will return for further consideration at a future meeting.
The next regular meeting of the Natchitoches City Council is scheduled for June 8, 2026.