The Walker City Council's regular meeting on June 8, 2026, dealt with several matters of administrative and legislative importance while also recognizing outstanding community members and upcoming events.
Finance Director Mike Cotton began the meeting by presenting the April 2026 financial report, noting that net profit for the period ending April 30, 2026, was $1,620,000. He also reported a 1.4% increase in sales tax and a 3.5% increase in natural gas sales.
Mayor Watson then recognized Savannah Marler, a Walker High School senior, for her accomplishment as the 2026 Special Olympics Girls Athlete of the Year.
Following this, the council introduced a few ordinances for later voting. These included one for the 2026 budget adjustment for a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with Gravity Drainage District 5 and the Livingston Parish Government, and another for the 2026 budget amendment involving Pendarvis Lane drainage improvements affecting Wold Point and Tractor Supply.
Chief of Operations Jamie Etheridge then presented a resolution to adopt the 2026 Livingston Parish Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The resolution affirms the city's support and continued participation in the mitigation planning process and the implementation of mitigation actions identified in the plan. The council approved it unanimously.
Afterward, an ordinance amending Chapter 3 of the Unified Development Code (UDC) to exclude apartments from residential and commercial zoning was presented to the council, as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission in its May 18, 2026, resolution. The council approved the ordinance unanimously.
Walker Police Chief David Addison then proposed promoting Joseph Chrisman to the rank of corporal. The council unanimously approved the request.
The meeting adjourned after additional comments on community events, including the Kiwanis Miles for Smiles event, which drew more than 100 participants. A Fourth of July event celebrating America's 250th anniversary will be held July 4 from 2 p.m. until dark at Sidney Hutchinson Park. The event is kid-friendly and will end with a fireworks display.
