The Natchitoches City Council moved swiftly through a packed agenda during its June 8, 2026 meeting, passing a series of standard annual resolutions, greenlighting critical infrastructure bids, and solidifying a major insurance renewal that brings added cybersecurity protection to the city at a lower cost than last year.
In the opening segment of the meeting, the council presented the Mayor’s Athletic Leadership Award to standout student-athletes from St. Mary’s Catholic School and Natchitoches Central High School. The proclamation honored the students for their “exceptional leadership, dedication, and athletic excellence,” naming them role models both on and off the field.
The council officially declared June 2026 as Rural Farmers Market Month via Resolution 043. The resolution highlights the Natchitoches Farmers Market’s role in providing fresh food access and supporting healthy community initiatives.
The council then moved through a succession of standard annual resolutions to organize the city’s operational calendar and appointments for the next 12 months:
Resolution 034: Fixed the regular City Council meeting times for 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the City Council Chambers (716 2nd Street).
Resolution 035: Set official public meeting times and places for the Planning Commission, Historic District Commission, Airport Advisory Commission, and Waterworks District No. 1.
Resolution 036: Reappointed Stacy McQueary as Clerk of the Council.
Resolution 037: Reappointed the firm of Thomas, Cunningham, Broadway & Todtenbier as the city auditor through May 31, 2027.
Resolution 038: Appointed the Bank of Montgomery as the city’s fiscal agent through May 31, 2027.
Resolution 039: Designated the Natchitoches Times as the official legal journal for city print notices.
Resolution 040: Confirmed the reappointment of Alex Washington as City Attorney, alongside Assistant City Attorneys Daniel T. Murchison Jr., Cloyd Benjamin Jr., and Gary Conlay.
Resolution 041 & 042: Approved updated member rosters for the City Planning Commission and the Historic District Commission.
Resolution 044, authorized a risk management casualty package insurance renewal with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, LLC for $573,493. The renewal process yielded excellent terms this year. Not only did the core premium drop, but the city was also able to roll comprehensive cybersecurity insurance into the package while still saving money.
The total package comes out to roughly $2,000 less per year than last year’s premium, even with the added cyber coverage.
The council approved Resolution 045, authorizing the city to advertise and accept sealed electronic bids for a long-awaited hangar door replacement at the Natchitoches Regional Airport.
Addressing the council, airport management explained that this is a second attempt at the project. Bids received approximately a year ago were rejected for coming in too high. The door has since been redesigned to fit budget expectations. The project is entirely funded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and will cost the city nothing out of pocket. The door belongs to the oldest structure on the airport grounds—the old Northwestern hangar—and its aging track system desperately needs replacement. Bids will be accepted until 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 16.
The report sparked an extended council discussion regarding the city’s inventory of over 60 adjudicated properties accumulated since 2019. Council members expressed frustration over the high costs of maintaining these vacant lots, noting that some property owners mistakenly view the city as a “high-priced lawn service.”
To return these properties to private tax rolls, the city is partnering with ENP Consulting to promote the “Next Door Neighbor Program.” The initiative allows adjacent property owners who have voluntarily maintained a city-adjudicated lot for at least a year to buy the property at a reasonable, appraised rate.
The discussion turned technical as council members questioned whether the city could simply donate these properties to neighbors who have been cutting the grass.
“By state law, any city-owned property has to be sold at a fair market value,” council members clarified, noting that while exceptions exist for donations to select non-profit organizations for public benefits, they cannot simply be given away for residential private use.
However, officials suggested that legal counsel look into an argument regarding the “benefit of the city”—weighing the city’s long-term maintenance costs against the financial upside of returning the properties to the active tax rolls. The council plans to host a future workshop to clarify the legal steps and pricing structures for citizens interested in the program.
The city’s formal bid process for a major clearance grant begins immediately, targeting 15 blighted properties for demolition, with an additional 25 properties lined up for compliance review afterward.
During the director report portion, department heads updated the council on upcoming summer activities and utility challenges:
Water & Recreation- The city has successfully recruited enough lifeguards to move forward with summer swimming lessons, which are slated to begin a week from today. Lessons will cost $25 for an eight-day session. Public open swim fees remain highly affordable at one to two dollars.
On the utility side, crews spent 20 hours last week repairing two major water main breaks caused by utility boring rigs. While upcoming broadband installations have successfully remained aerial without disrupting underground lines, gas company drilling has frequently struck city water assets.
Christmas Festival- Early design layouts have officially begun for the milestone 100th Anniversary of the Christmas Festival. Crews are designing new entrance displays for Highway 6, the traffic circle, and fresh photo-op destinations. This year’s event will feature three drone shows costing $49,500. The Historic District Business Association (HDBA) and the city will split costs, with the HDBA contributing its traditional $25,000 share back to the city to offset public safety and public works labor costs.
Public Works- With heavy seasonal rain accelerating grass growth, Public Works Director Donnell requested that residents help clear and cut ditches on their own properties if capable. Due to a current lack of inmate labor availability, city crews are stretched thin trying to maintain primary roadway fairways while simultaneously servicing residential neighborhoods.
The next scheduled Natchitoches City Council meeting is set for June 22.
City offices will be officially closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. The council highlighted a full lineup of events celebrating the Juneteenth Freedom and Unity Heritage Festival:
Juneteenth Parade: Friday, June 19. Lineup starts at 5 p.m., and the parade rolls at 6 p.m. Grand Marshal honors belong to Ms. Felicia Shante Hardison. Organizers are actively seeking additional ride participants and vendors.
Juneteenth Basketball Showdown: Saturday, June 20 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Natchitoches MLK Recreation Center. The event features a “Sheriff vs. Police” celebrity battle, alongside matchups featuring the Northwestern Demons alumni, the 1865 team, and a Natchitoches Central vs. Lakeview alumni showdown.
Jammin’ Juneteenth: Saturday, June 20 from 6-10 p.m. in downtown Natchitoches, featuring live performances by J. Paul and the Zydeco New Breeds.
Looking further ahead into the summer, the city confirmed its America 250 Fourth of July Celebration will take place on the riverbank on Saturday, July 4 from 6-10 p.m., featuring musical guests Trinity Tree and Johnny Earthquake.