The Natchitoches Parish Council addressed a wide range of financial, infrastructure and public safety matters during its Oct. 19 meeting, including adoption of the parish’s 2027 operating and capital budget, several road speed limit changes, and discussions concerning road maintenance equipment, insurance services and property maintenance enforcement. The meeting also included departmental reports, updates on potential economic development projects, additional funding for the parish’s 4-H program and public concerns about litter along Highway 1 North.
One of the meeting’s more extensive discussions involved representatives of Risk Services of Louisiana, the parish’s former commercial insurance agency. A company representative addressed the council regarding the parish’s decision to change its agent of record, explaining that the agency learned of the change after the September council meeting. Maxwell said the decision appeared to involve misunderstandings surrounding a roughly $3,100 insurance audit associated with the parish’s vehicle coverage through Travelers Insurance.
The parish’s policy used a composite rating system, which allows vehicles to be added or removed during the policy year without immediate premium adjustments. Those changes are reconciled through an audit after the policy period. The additional premium resulted from vehicles added during the coverage period and that the agency could not legally pay the premium on the parish’s behalf.
Parish officials disputed portions of the agency’s explanation, citing communication problems and concerns about receiving an unexpected bill after the previous fiscal year’s books had been closed. The Parish had repeatedly requested an explanation of the charges and calculations before receiving documentation that matched the invoice. The discussion highlighted disagreements over customer service, communication and the responsibilities of the insurance agent.
The representative asked the council to consider reinstating the agency through the end of the year. No vote to reinstate the agency was made.
The council approved Ordinance 023-2026, adopting the parish’s 2027 operating and capital budget. During the public hearing, council members questioned several financial items, including legal expenses and projected grant revenue.
One discussion involved funding for legal services and the authority to retain outside attorneys under the parish’s home rule charter. Officials also reviewed approximately $2.858 million in projected Federal Emergency Management Agency funding included in the proposed budget.
Parish representatives explained that the amount was associated with two existing hazard mitigation grants, including a generator project for the hospital and a project involving Lower Cane. The projects remain open, with some expenditures expected to carry into 2027.
Council members also questioned a projected $3 million in state funding included in the budget. Following the public hearing, the council voted to adopt the 2027 operating and capital budget.
The council also approved several ordinances reducing speed limits on parish roads. Ordinance 025-2026 reduces the speed limit on Bayou Blue Road No. 618 from 35 mph to 15 mph. Ordinance 026-2026 reduces the speed limit on Coulee Loop No. 340 from 35 mph to 25 mph.
During discussion of Coulee Loop, officials noted that older signs displaying a 45 mph speed limit remained along the roadway. Public Works representatives indicated those signs would be removed to eliminate confusion.
Ordinance 027-2026 reduces the speed limit on Cloud Crossing Road from 35 mph to 25 mph.
The council also introduced two additional speed limit ordinances for future consideration. Ordinance 029-2026 proposes reducing the speed limit on Collins Road from 35 mph to 20 mph. Officials said residents had expressed concerns about speeding along the road, particularly following recent road work. Ordinance 030-2026 proposes reducing the speed limit on David Springs Road from 35 mph to 15 mph. Discussion of David Springs Road included concerns about the roadway’s condition, narrow sections, curves and its proximity to a church and cemetery.
The council adopted Ordinance 024-2026, amending provisions of the parish code addressing littering and abusive use of roads. The amendments involve Section 304, concerning littering, and Section 20-11, addressing abusive use of roads. The ordinance was discussed in connection with the parish’s ongoing code enforcement responsibilities. Later in the meeting, residents raised concerns about roadside litter and the need for more consistent enforcement.
The council held an extensive discussion concerning the proposed adoption of the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code. Planning and zoning representatives explained that the proposal had already undergone review by the Parish Planning Commission. The code would establish additional standards and enforcement procedures addressing property maintenance conditions.
However, officials said several decisions remain before the ordinance can be formally introduced for adoption. Those issues include enforcement authority, inspection procedures, compliance deadlines, appeal processes, potential fees and the responsibilities of the Planning Commission. Legal counsel recommended changes to ensure certain enforcement and condemnation procedures comply with Louisiana law.
The discussion also addressed whether the parish should expand its existing code enforcement staff or contract with an outside provider.
Several potential service arrangements were presented, with estimated monthly costs ranging from approximately $5,000 to $13,000 depending on staffing and service levels. The least expensive option would involve a part-time employee handling inspections and administrative responsibilities, while the more expensive arrangement would provide additional full-time staffing. Council members questioned the need for additional personnel, the cost of outside services and whether existing parish employees could perform the work. Officials indicated that additional revisions and council input would be needed before a final ordinance could be presented.
During departmental reports, planning and zoning representatives discussed several projects under consideration in Natchitoches Parish. The Planning Commission reviewed three subdivision matters during the month, including two in District 5 and one in District 4. Officials described the requests as relatively routine.
The department also reported that developers have expressed interest in potentially reusing the former International Paper site. Representatives said the discussions remain preliminary and that developers have sought information concerning permitting, inspections and planning requirements.
Another potential development involves a solar energy project that may expand to include significant battery storage capacity. Officials said the battery storage portion could potentially move forward before the solar component. The discussion included possible economic benefits, tax revenue and development agreements.
A representative familiar with solar development in Sabine Parish discussed that parish’s experience with similar projects, including sales tax revenue and payments associated with development agreements. Parish officials indicated that additional discussions would be held concerning the proposed project and potential financing arrangements.
No final development agreements were approved during the meeting.
Office of Community Services Executive Director Sharon Harris reported increased demand for utility assistance among Natchitoches Parish residents. Harris said the department recently received a little more than $77,000 in additional assistance funding. Much of that funding had already been committed or spent because of the number of residents seeking help with electricity bills.
She said the department has seen applicants who previously believed they would not qualify for assistance because of income restrictions. Harris encouraged residents who need assistance to contact the office rather than assume they are ineligible. The additional funding was expected to last until approximately mid-November, with more funding anticipated later in the month.
The council approved increasing the parish’s allocation to the Natchitoches 4-H program by $5,000, raising the amount from $20,000 to $25,000. During discussion, council members cited growth in the program and increased student participation as reasons for the additional funding. The council discussed whether the increase should apply to the current year or the upcoming budget year, ultimately focusing on the 2027 allocation.
The council approved using RedBird Auction Company to sell surplus parish equipment and authorized the execution of necessary documents. Parish officials explained that previous efforts to sell surplus equipment through a free government auction platform had produced limited results. RedBird Auction Company will handle advertising and the auction process for a 10% fee. Officials said the surplus items include equipment currently stored at the parish highway department that is no longer usable or economical to repair. The arrangement is intended to help remove unused equipment from parish property while recovering whatever value remains.
The council introduced Ordinance 028-2026, authorizing the proposed sale of three adjudicated properties identified by parcel numbers 9011477500, 9040122450 and 9095019900. Officials explained that the properties could be returned to the tax rolls through the sale process. The council also approved its annual resolution concerning the off-system bridge review program. During discussion, officials addressed the parish’s participation in the program, bridge inspection requirements and outstanding obligations associated with bridge projects. The council also approved the minutes of its Sept. 21 regular meeting.
The meeting concluded following public comments and discussion of those outstanding infrastructure concerns.
The Oct. 19 meeting reflected several continuing priorities for Natchitoches Parish, particularly road maintenance, public safety, financial planning and code enforcement.
While the council approved the 2027 budget, several speed limit changes, additional 4-H funding and the auction of surplus equipment, larger proposals involving road construction equipment, property maintenance enforcement and potential development projects remain under consideration.