The Natchitoches City Council met July 27, approving a police officer pay increase, issuing a proclamation recognizing National Health Center Week, and hearing updates on community policing initiatives and several city projects.
The meeting opened with recognition of graduates from the inaugural Natchitoches Police Department Citizen’s Academy. During discussion, police officials highlighted the academy’s role in educating residents about law enforcement operations and gathering public feedback.
Police officials also discussed additional community engagement initiatives funded through the department’s violence reduction grant, including the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program for females ages 16 and older, the Senior Patrol program, and the Violent Crime Task Force. Officials said the programs are designed to strengthen community relationships, conduct welfare checks, reduce violent crime and provide opportunities for residents to engage with law enforcement.
Council members also noted progress on several grant-funded projects, including the Second Street project, the new fire station and the upcoming City Court roof project.
The council then adopted Proclamation No. 051-2026 declaring Aug. 2-8 as National Health Center Week in the City of Natchitoches.
The proclamation recognizes the role of community health centers in providing primary and preventive health care, behavioral health, nutrition, vision, oral health and pharmacy services while serving millions of patients nationwide.
Roger Campbell, executive director of Outpatient Medical Center Inc., thanked the mayor and council for the recognition. Campbell said the organization has operated as a Louisiana community health center for 49 years and will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. He noted the nonprofit is governed by a patient-majority board and invited residents to visit its facilities during National Health Center Week.
Campbell said Outpatient Medical Center will host an open house starting at 8 a.m. and running throughout the day during the week of August. 2-8, offering tours, coffee, muffins and health information.
In other Council business, the council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 025-2026, increasing the base hourly rate for City of Natchitoches police officers from $16 to $18 per hour.
Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. said the increase is funded through an existing 1995 sales tax dedicated to law enforcement operations and does not create a new tax. He said a legal review determined the tax could be used for operating expenses, including salaries, rather than only capital expenditures as previously believed.
Williams said the increase is intended to make the department more competitive in recruiting and retaining officers.
Police Chief Nikeo Collins thanked the council for approving the raise and said officers regularly work festivals, special events and other assignments while maintaining required training and responding to the daily demands of law enforcement.
The council also withdrew Ordinance No. 026-2026, which would have authorized a cooperative endeavor agreement with Northwestern State University Athletics and the Demons Unlimited Foundation related to a Dream Home Giveaway. Council members said permit fees had been paid, making further action on the ordinance unnecessary.
During announcements, city officials reminded residents that the next City Council meeting is scheduled for Aug. 10.