Mayor and City Council

The Special meeting called by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Gretna, Louisiana was held on Monday, March 16, 2026; at Gretna City Hall, 740 Second Street, Council Chambers, on the second floor, Gretna, Louisiana. Notice of Budget Hearing Meeting (Council Special Public Meeting) Notice of the Special Meeting of the Mayor and City Council was duly posted on the bulletin board, main entrance of Gretna City Hall Building; 740 Second Street, Gretna, LA 70053; and on the City’s Website. 1. Call to Order and Roll Call: Mayor Belinda C. Constant was in the chair; the City Clerk was present; Mayor Constant called the meeting to order at 12:00 PM. The roll was called; a quorum of five Council Members was present; Wayne A. Rau, at Large; Rudy S. Smith, District 1; Michael A. Hinyub, District 2; Mark K. Miller, District 3. And Randy S. Carr, District 4. Absent: None 2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance Upon opening of the meeting, Mayor Belinda C. Constant offered a prayer. Thereafter the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Amendments - March 16, 2026 Agenda On a motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Smith, IT WAS RESOLVED to amend the March 16, 2026 Agenda (Budget Hearing) to add a resolution ratifying Mayor Belinda C. Constant’s entering into a letter agreement with Chick-fil-A related to parking issues and related matters; Amending the previously approved event date for Tunnels to Tower 5K Run-Walk November 1, 2026; and to ADD Approval of an event request for the Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park, March 28, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.; and the same was unanimously approved.  3. Budget Hearing: To conduct Budget hearing on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The reading of the Budget Message (Mayor Belinda C. Constant); and the adoption of the Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. 4. Reading of the Budget Message: At this time Mayor Constant opened the Budget Hearing meeting, with five Council Members present; and proceeded to read the Budget Message for Fiscal Year 2026-2027: To the Honorable Members of the Gretna City Council and the Citizens of Gretna: It is my honor to present the City of Gretna’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026–2027. This budget reflects the City’s commitment to responsible fiscal management, maintaining essential public services, and investing in the long-term stability and prosperity of our community. The FY 2026–2027 budget was prepared with careful consideration of current economic conditions, projected revenues, and the service needs of residents and businesses. The budget maintains a balanced financial approach while continuing to support public safety, infrastructure maintenance, utility services, parks and recreation, and community development. This budget also serves as a policy document that reflects the City’s priorities and strategic objectives while providing a financial framework for delivering essential municipal services. Key Budget Priorities The FY 2026–2027 budget focuses on several key priorities that guide the City’s financial and operational planning: • Public Safety: Continued support for police services, equipment replacement, and training to maintain a safe community. • Infrastructure and Utilities: Investment in roadway maintenance, drainage improvements, and water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades. • Capital Improvements: Advancement of infrastructure projects that strengthen transportation and utility systems, including the ongoing reconstruction and infrastructure upgrades along 5th Street. • Community Engagement: Incorporating feedback received during district meetings to address neighborhood priorities and service needs. • Economic Development: Supporting local businesses and responsible growth while preserving Gretna’s historic character.  March 16, 2026 Budget Hearing Economic Outlook The City of Gretna continues to benefit from stable economic activity within the New Orleans metropolitan region. A diverse mix of local businesses, commercial development, and residential growth throughout Jefferson Parish contributes to the City’s economic stability. At the same time, the City continues to monitor broader economic factors including inflation, rising operational costs, and changing consumer spending patterns that may affect municipal revenues. These conditions underscore the importance of conservative financial planning and careful revenue forecasting. Revenue Trends Sales tax revenue remains the City’s largest source of General Fund revenue and is closely tied to local economic activity. For Fiscal Year 2026–2027, sales tax collections are projected to remain consistent with the prior fiscal year. Although a new Chick-fil-A restaurant is expected to open during the budget year and contribute additional commercial activity, revenue projections have been developed using conservative forecasting practices. This approach helps ensure the operating budget remains stable and is not dependent on uncertain revenue growth. Additional revenue sources include property taxes, franchise fees, licenses and permits, and intergovernmental revenues. Estimates for these revenues were developed using historical trends and current economic indicators. Major Budget Initiatives for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 The budget was developed through a collaborative process involving department directors, the finance department, and city administration to ensure that operational needs and long-term priorities were carefully evaluated. The FY 2026–2027 budget supports several initiatives focused on maintaining reliable municipal services and preserving critical infrastructure. Community engagement continues to play a significant role in the City’s planning and budgeting process. During district meetings held throughout the year, residents provided input regarding neighborhood priorities and service needs. Feedback from these meetings emphasized the importance of infrastructure improvements, neighborhood services, and continued investment in public safety. Consistent with this feedback, the budget continues to prioritize public safety operations and infrastructure maintenance throughout the City. Public Safety and Core Services Public safety remains a fundamental priority of the City. The FY 2026–2027 budget supports continued operations of the Gretna Police Department and provides resources for equipment replacement, operational needs, and ongoing training. The budget also supports essential municipal services including water and wastewater utility operations, street maintenance, drainage systems, parks and recreation programs, and community development activities that contribute to the quality of life for residents. Capital Improvements Infrastructure investment remains a vital component of the City’s long-term strategy. The FY 2026–2027 budget includes funding for roadway maintenance, drainage improvements, and utility system upgrades to maintain reliable public infrastructure and support the needs of residents and businesses. A significant infrastructure initiative currently underway is the construction and improvement project along 5th Street. The primary purpose of this project is to restore both the roadway surface and the supporting underground infrastructure, improve drainage capacity, enhance pedestrian safety, and promote continued economic activity along this important corridor. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is overseeing the project and is providing full funding through a combination of state and federal resources. These infrastructure improvements help ensure that the City’s transportation and utility systems remain safe, reliable, and capable of supporting Gretna’s long-term growth and development. Long-Term Planning and Capital Improvement Program The City of Gretna utilizes a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to identify and prioritize major infrastructure projects over multiple years. The CIP provides a framework for evaluating infrastructure needs, coordinating project schedules, and aligning capital investments with available financial resources. Through this process, the City can strategically plan for roadway improvements, drainage upgrades, and infrastructure maintenance while pursuing potential grant opportunities and external funding sources. Fund Balance and Financial Condition The FY 2026–2027 budget was developed in accordance with the City’s financial policies, which emphasize balanced operations and responsible fund balance management. Page 2 of 5  March 16, 2026 Budget Hearing Maintaining adequate fund balance reserves provides financial stability and allows the City to respond to unforeseen expenses, revenue fluctuations, or emergency situations. Conservative revenue forecasting and careful expenditure management help ensure the City maintains a strong financial position while continuing to deliver essential services. Economic Development and Community Vitality Supporting economic development and maintaining community vitality remain important priorities for the City. Gretna’s historic district, small business community, and residential neighborhoods contribute significantly to the City’s character and economic strength. The City will continue to support responsible development and initiatives that strengthen the local economy while preserving the historic identity that makes Gretna unique. Acknowledgments The preparation of this budget reflects the collaborative efforts of the City Council, department directors, and the finance staff. Their cooperation and dedication throughout the budget process help ensure that the City continues to operate with transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. The City remains committed to presenting the budget in a clear and transparent manner so residents and stakeholders can better understand how public resources are allocated and managed. Together, we will continue working to strengthen our community, maintain essential services, and support a stable future for the residents of Gretna. Respectfully submitted, Mayor Belinda C. Constant City of Gretna Mrs. Raylyn C. Stevens, Chief Financial Officer said the Budget has been reviewed through several meetings had. She thanked the City Council for their support. Thanked her staff, especially Marisa Bush (her right hand) for producing these reports. Chief Lawson thanked Mayor Constant, Council Members and Mrs. Raylyn Stevens and Deputy Chief Jason DiMarco for all the efforts that goes into the budgeting for the upcoming year; have done a really excellent job getting to a place that is comfortable for the city. We deliver what we can on behalf of the taxpayers’ dollars. The department faces many challenges when it comes to recruiting and the high technology used in law enforcement. Thanked the City Administration for their support for the department and the EMS Team. Mayor Constant thanked the Council Members, on behalf of herself, the Administration, and the Finance Department, appreciated the trust placed upon the Administration to work the Budget necessarily the way we see fit; giving the administration that authority speaks volumes of the relationship shared with the City Council. Thank you all for the trust placed on the Administration. The 2026-2027 Budget Hearing session is now closed; and the public meeting for the City of Gretna resumed with five Council Members present: Wayne A. Rau, at Large; Rudy S. Smith, District 1; Michael A. Hinyub, District 2; Mark K. Miller, District 3. And Randy S. Carr, District 4. Absent: None No comments from the public or Council members.  5. Consideration and Adoption of the Budget Ordinance: On a motion by Council Member Rau and seconded by Council Member Smith, the following ordinance was read, and adopted section by section and then as a whole by the following vote: Yeas: Council Members Rau, Smith, Hinyub, Miller, and Carr. Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None ORDINANCE NO. 5033 An ordinance adopting the Budget for the City of Gretna, Louisiana for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027; and authorizing the Mayor of the City of Gretna, Louisiana to sign all contracts here stated within the Budget instrument, on behalf of the municipality. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Gretna, Louisiana, acting as legislative authority for said City that: Page 3 of 5  March 16, 2026 Budget Hearing The Budget for the City of Gretna, Louisiana for the Fiscal Year of April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, is hereby introduced in open session on February 12, 2025, of Council regular meeting; and the same is to be adopted on March 17, 2025, Council Special meeting. The Mayor of the City of Gretna is hereby authorized to sign all contracts here stated within the Budget instrument on behalf of the municipality. Mayor Constant: The city was requested by Chick-fil-A to consider the business being able to use the city’s area purchased by the city next door to Chick-fil-A if in fact after 30-days of operation they would need the necessary additional parking based on the success of the business. WJ LeBlanc: Explained it was a piece of land the city would never use and obviously if the business is successful, he had the expectation that they will be needing the use of that particular piece of land; and will be forwarding this resolution to Chick-fil-A’s attorney this afternoon. Provided that a majority of the City Council of the City of Gretna have voted in favor of this ordinance, this ordinance shall have the full force and effect of law at midnight on the tenth day, following the Clerk's presentment of same, to the Mayor, in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:406(c)(2) unless the Mayor returns same, unsigned, to the Clerk during that ten-day period. No comments from the public or Council members.  FLOOR MATTERS: Adoption of a Resolution: On a motion by Council Member Rau and seconded by Council Member Smith, the following resolution was read, and adopted section by section and then as a whole by the following vote: Yeas: Council Members Rau, Smith, Hinyub, Miller, and Carr. Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None RESOLUTION NO. 2026-019 A resolution ratifying Mayor Belinda C. Constant’s entering into a letter agreement with Chick-fil-A related to parking issues and related matters. WHEREAS, the City of Gretna is excited about the upcoming Chick-fil-A project coming to Gretna, and WHEREAS, in connection with this project, Chick-fil-A and the City of Gretna have worked together to make this project a reality; and WHEREAS, in working together the Mayor signed a letter agreement concerning parking issues, necessitating council ratification of same. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Gretna, Louisiana, acting governing authority of said City that: The letter agreement between the City of Gretna and Chick-fil-A previously entered into by Mayor Belinda C. Constant is hereby ratified. No comments from the public or Council members.  Approving new date of previously approved event request. Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk. On a motion Council Member Hinyub and seconded by Council Member Smith, IT WAS RESOLVED to approve the proposed new date for the event request Tunnel to Towers, 5K Run and Walk; for November 1, 2026; from 5:30 AM to 12 NOON; and the same was approved by the following vote: Yeas: Council Members Hinyub, Smith, Rau, Miller, and Carr. Nays: None Absent: None Abstain: None No comments from the public or Council members. Page 4 of 5  March 16, 2026 Budget Hearing  Approval of Event Request: On a motion by Council Member Carr and seconded by Council Member Rau, IT WAS RESOLVED to approve the event request for the Easter Egg Hunt at Centennial Park (Willow Drive) on March 28, 2026; at 1:30 p.m.; and the same was unanimously approved.  6. Other Matters: NONE 7. Meeting Adjournment. There was no further city business to conduct, and on a motion by Councilman Rau and seconded by Councilman Hinyub, the Special Meeting (Budget Hearing) for March 16, 2026, adjourned at 12:20 PM; and the same was unanimously approved. CITY CLERK MAYOR CITY OF GRETNA CITY OF GRETNA STATE OF LOUISIANA STATE OF LOUISIANA Page 5 of 5