DeRidder’s cash reserves dwindle as council approves deficit budget

By Pamela Sleezer For the sixth consecutive year, the DeRidder City Council approved an operating budget with more expenditures than revenue. On Sept. 28, the council approved a deficit budget, with $9.9 million in total revenue and $10.4 million in total expenditures, leaving a $521,800 deficit in the city’s general fund. The budget also reflected sales tax expenditures outpacing revenues by $162,700, and utility fund expenses nearly $494,400 more than revenues. Compared to the 2025 budget, the city’s general fund deficit grew by $418,500. The most notable change in the general fund revenues was a decrease in intergovernmental grants and funding, down by more than $600,000 compared to 2025. Expenditures increased this year by $340,900, with the largest increase coming from the general administration department by $260,900.

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