New DeRidder Mayor Michael Harris introduces staff, cites audit and names interim city attorneys

Mayor Michael Harris, in his first official meeting with the DeRidder City Council on May 27, introduced his senior staff and outlined several administration priorities, including a new HR office, expanded cameras at City Hall and a job-training program for youth.

Harris thanked staff and credited them with early successes, noting the city now has an HR department and an IT employee to manage online systems and camera coverage. He said he asked for additional cameras at the front and back doors and the lobby to improve transparency and staff safety, and mentioned a city job-training program already underway.

The mayor said the city engaged a financial consultant to audit the books and reported the consultant complimented the bookkeeping while flagging "some issues that we're resolving." The consultant (identified in the meeting as Steve) told the mayor he wanted to meet the person handling the books and praised that work; Harris said staff are working with local banks and consultants on next steps.

Harris also introduced interim city attorneys Derek Jones and Shane Williams, who, he said, bring municipal experience and have already met department directors to discuss the city’s path forward. The mayor asked that council members route requests for city officers and employees through the mayor’s office, echoing later council remarks that cited Article V, Section 5-01 of the city charter on personnel communications.

The mayor’s remarks included public appreciation for city employees and an appeal for respectful conduct at City Hall. He also publicly recognized police work on a fraud case during his remarks.

The council offered welcome remarks in return and the meeting proceeded to departmental reports. No formal action was taken on staffing or appointments during the meeting; the remarks were informational and introductory.