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Monroe council adopts FY 2026–27 budget, approves CIP and a slate of ordinances
Summary
At its April 14 meeting, the Monroe City Council unanimously approved the FY 2026–27 operating budget and a five‑year capital improvement program, along with multiple ordinances adjusting fees, golf course rates, a sober‑living occupancy change, property acquisitions and rights‑of‑way.
The Monroe City Council on April 14 unanimously approved Ordinance No. 12,288 adopting the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Operating Budget and also approved a package of ordinances and resolutions covering capital projects, fee adjustments and property matters.
Councilmember Mr. Harvey moved the budget ordinance, and Mr. Muhammad seconded; the motion passed unanimously with Councilmembers Ezernack and Woods recorded as absent. The public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers.
The council also adopted Ordinance No. 12,293, the city’s Five‑Year Capital Improvement Program for May 1, 2025–April 30, 2030. Additional ordinances approved on second reading included No. 12,289 (adjustments to community center and park fees), No. 12,290 (changes to Chennault Golf Course rates and removal of Selman Field provisions), No. 12,291 (rate adjustments for Johnny Myers Memorial Golf Course) and No. 12,292 (amending occupancy limits for sober‑living homes to align with Louisiana Department of Health standards). Each of those motions was moved and seconded by council members with no public comment.
The council authorized acquisition of real property at 603 and 605 Atkinson Street by Ordinance No. 12,294 and revoked a 15‑foot‑wide by 130‑foot alley north of Peach Street via Ordinance No. 12,295. Resolutions approved included an exception to the open‑container ordinance for the General Claire L. Chennault Foundation airshow, a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for a handicap‑accessible playground at Forsythe Park (amended to reflect three parties), a settlement of certain remnant‑distributor opioid claims, and a lease authorization for up to 16 sanitation vehicles.
Procurement items approved for advertisement included a PR–Air Burner Project estimated at $193,520 and the WPCC Fine Bar Screens Replacement Project estimated at $1,680,000. The council also approved an Interlocal Agreement to apply for and accept Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds of $69,605.50 with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Why this matters: the council’s adoption of the operating budget and capital plan sets city spending priorities and authorizes projects and contracts that affect infrastructure, parks and public works for the coming fiscal year. Many items were approved unanimously and without public comment.
Next steps: several introduced items were continued or introduced for future consideration, including a reapportionment plan that was passed over to the April 28 meeting pending written approvals from the Registrar of Voters and Clerk of Court.
