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Council adopts ordinance raising police base pay from $16 to $18 an hour
Summary
The Natchitoches City Council adopted Ordinance No. 25 of 2026, increasing the base hourly rate for police officers from $16 to $18, citing use of a voter-authorized 1995 tax to fund operating expenses; the measure passed by roll call.
The Natchitoches City Council adopted Ordinance No. 25 of 2026 on July 27, increasing the base hourly rate for city police officers from $16 to $18.
Councilman Nielsen read the ordinance, saying the “increase the base hourly rate from $16 per hour to $18 per hour for police officers is necessary and appropriate.” The mayor and council discussed the revenue source for the raise and said a legal review of a 1995 voter-approved tax found it may fund operating expenses including payroll rather than being limited to capital projects. The council then voted by roll call to adopt the measure.
The city's police chief urged support for the pay change, telling the council, “I implore you all to vote yes,” and emphasizing the impact on recruitment and retention: “We would like to compensate our officers for the job that they do and putting their lives on the line.” City officials said the increase will be applied in accordance with civil service rules.
The ordinance was moved for adoption by Councilman Nielsen; the motion was seconded (second not specified in the transcript) and carried by roll call. The transcript records affirmative roll-call responses from council members listed during the vote.
