Minden City Council members unanimously adopted the 2026-27 budget during the regular meeting Monday following a public hearing.
Mayor Nick Cox said the $46 million budget includes a four percent increase for most city employees, with an additional market adjustment for Police and Fire.
“Their compensation has fallen further behind comparable municipalities,” he said.
The budget also continues investment in streets, utilities, public safety, equipment, facilities and the Recreation Enhancement Project.
In other business, the council also voted 5-0 on the following items:
• Adopt Resolution – Municipal Water Pollution Prevention
• Adopt Ordinance No. 1171 – An Ordinance to Amend and Reenact the Code of Ordinances, City of Minden, State of Louisiana Chapter 78 – Streets, Sidewalks and Other Public Places: Article I, In General: Section 78-3. – Repair and Maintenance of Sidewalks Generally; Interfering with Streets, Sidewalks, Drainage Facilities
• Award Bid No. 05-2026 – Minden 25-26 Street Improvement Program
• Authority for Mayor Cox to Enter into an Agreement with Benton & Brown LLC with a base bid of $1.237M
• Authority for Mayor Cox to Enter into a Strategic Advisory Proposal Between the City of Minden and Harris, DeVille & Associates, Inc., a Baton Rouge-based strategic company that is a full-service communications firm specializing in issues management.
• Opt Out of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness’ Temporary Housing and Shelter Assistance Program
• Place a Four-Way Stop – Intersection of Lakeshore Drive & Berry Drive
In the fire report, Chief Brian Williams said that in July, his department responded to 1 structure fire, 8 miscellaneous calls, 14 public service calls, 2 rescues, 1 hazmat call, 10 false alarms and 13 fire alarms.
Police Chief Jared McIver said for June his officers responded to 1,862 public service calls, 6 animal calls, made 90 arrests and wrote 997 citations.
Editor’s note: Please see future publications of Webster Parish Journal for more in-depth story coverage on these issues.