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Natchitoches council approves $6.25 million award for water-treatment improvements
Summary
The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 007 of 2026 to authorize awarding the Phase 2 water treatment improvements contract to the lowest bidder (bid listed at $6,250,000). Staff said Plant 4 tie-in will require a planned shutdown and start-up in early April.
The Natchitoches City Council voted to adopt Ordinance No. 007 of 2026, authorizing the mayor to award a contract for phase 2 of the city’s water treatment facility improvements at a low bid listed as $6,250,000.
Councilwoman at-large Smith Kirkendall read the ordinance and summarized the bid opening, telling the council that three proposals were received: Lamar and Company of Lafayette, La., at $6,250,000; Dixie Overland Construction of Sibley at $6,413,000; and Sandlot Utility Contractors LLC at $7,223,810. Kirkendall said the appointed review committee recommended the lowest bidder and moved to adopt the ordinance.
City staff described the work as the second phase of plant expansion and rehabilitation for Plant 2 and Plant 3 and noted the schedule implications. “It’s just the second part of the water treatment plant expansion and rehabilitation of Plant 2 and Plant 3,” a staff member addressed as Tim said. He told the council the contractor “has been really accommodating to us” on change orders and coordination.
Staff said there will be a planned electrical shutdown, tentatively scheduled for the 27th, to tie in the electrical for Plant 4 and that Plant 4 should be ready to start up in early April. Council members pressed only briefly on timing; staff said the shutdown will be scheduled at low‑use hours to minimize customer impact.
The council completed a roll-call vote and the motion carried. The ordinance authorizes the mayor to execute the award consistent with the bid and committee recommendation.
The ordinance text and the bid summary were presented at final reading; the council noted the project will add capacity and that the city has been holding regular meetings with the contractor and project staff. The contract award paperwork and the specific contractor name as the awardee will be finalized by the mayor and city administration following usual contract execution steps.
