DeRidder Mayor Promises Water System Purchase, But Utility Denies Negotiations

Magnolia Water says no active talks underway despite mayor's claims

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:53pm

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A dynamic, fragmented painting in shades of blue depicts a broken water pipe or leaky faucet, symbolizing the failing infrastructure at the heart of this community dispute over water services.A fractured, abstract painting captures the breakdown of a local water system, reflecting the tensions between residents, government, and private utilities.DeRidder Today

DeRidder Mayor Mike Harris claims negotiations are ongoing to purchase the water and wastewater services for the city's Green Acres subdivision, but the utility provider, Magnolia Water, denies any active negotiations have taken place. Residents of Green Acres have long complained about water quality issues and high bills, prompting the mayor to pledge to resolve the problems.

Why it matters

The dispute over the water system purchase highlights the tensions between local government and private utility providers, as well as the challenges residents face in obtaining reliable and affordable water and sewer services. The situation also raises questions about transparency in local politics and the role of regulatory oversight.

The details

According to Mayor Harris, initial talks with Magnolia Water stalled but have since resumed, with the company's concerns now resolved. However, Magnolia's legal counsel, Andy Ezell, contradicts the mayor's claims, stating that while the company is open to negotiations, no material discussions have actually taken place. Ezell says the mayor's proposed deal structure was unacceptable due to regulatory requirements. The mayor also intended to use a local realtor, M K Dokwal, to facilitate the sale, but Dokwal declined to comment on the matter.

  • In late 2025, Magnolia Water's business development department reached out to the city about purchasing DeRidder's wastewater utility assets.
  • At that time, Mayor Harris indicated a desire for the city to purchase the Green Acres water and wastewater systems from Magnolia.
  • Over the past year, residents of the Green Acres subdivision have publicly complained about water quality, wastewater issues, and rising bills.

The players

Mike Harris

The mayor of DeRidder, Louisiana, who has pledged to resolve the water and sewer issues in the Green Acres subdivision.

Magnolia Water

An independent water utility provider that operates in 11 states and serves more than 400,000 customers, including the Green Acres subdivision.

Andy Ezell

The legal counsel for Magnolia Water, who denies the mayor's claims of ongoing negotiations.

Brandie Newman

A resident of the Green Acres subdivision who has experienced issues with water quality and sewer service, as well as high bills.

Mike Francis

A Public Service Commissioner who was not aware of any meetings between the mayor and the Green Acres community.

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What they’re saying

“We have worked through those things, and we are still very much in talks and moving forward. Negotiations are happening.”

— Mike Harris, Mayor of DeRidder

“Magnolia is in the business of acquiring and operating water and wastewater systems, not selling them. However, if a qualified buyer wished to enter into negotiations concerning the sale of the Green Acres water and wastewater systems, we would certainly consider a viable offer arising from such negotiations.”

— Andy Ezell, Legal Counsel for Magnolia Water

“It's horrible, and it's unreliable. We have neighbors who can't invite people over because they don't have a functioning toilet. It has backed up into our homes and yards. Other neighbors have to go to Walmart to use the bathroom because the one in their home doesn't work. All while our bills continue to get higher.”

— Brandie Newman, Green Acres Resident

“I was never at a meeting because I didn't know about any meetings. I have no problem traveling to DeRidder and being a part of a meeting, but I was never invited or made aware such meetings were taking place.”

— Mike Francis, Public Service Commissioner

What’s next

The mayor says he will attempt to add the proposed water system purchase to a future city council agenda for a vote once a final deal is reached with Magnolia Water. However, the utility company denies any active negotiations are underway, and it remains unclear if the mayor has the authority to unilaterally pursue such a purchase.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the challenges residents face in obtaining reliable and affordable water and sewer services, as well as the tensions between local government and private utility providers. It also raises questions about transparency in local politics and the role of regulatory oversight in resolving such issues.