Mayor and City Council — Gretna, LA
Date: 2026-04-24

THE CITY OF GRETNA
 MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING




 Gretna City Hall
 740 Second Street, Gretna, LA 70053
 Council Chambers, 2nd Floor

 March 16, 2026 - 12:00 PM
 AGENDA

 AGENDA ITEMS:

 1. Call to Order and Roll Call.

 2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.

 3. Budget Hearing:

 A. To conduct the Budget Hearing on the proposed Budget for Fiscal Year of April 1, 2026 to
 March 31, 2027. The reading of the Budget Message; and the adoption of the Budget
 Ordinance.

 4. Reading of the Budget Message:

 A. For Fiscal Year of April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.

 5. Adoption of the Budget Ordinance:

 A. 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.
 Requested:Administration Sponsor: Councilman Rau

 6. Other Matters:

 7. Meeting Adjournment:
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 1

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.



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 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:


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 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




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