Bossier City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bossier City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 City Budget Adoption
The council finalized all 2027 operating and capital fund budgets, closing a roughly $2 million general fund deficit through cuts and rearranging. A resident warned the city should keep reserves high ahead of about $76 million in debt payments due by 2030.
2027 city budget and Community Development restructuring
The council got its first look at next year's budget, which closes a $1.8 million deficit through roughly $3 million in cuts — including folding the Community Development department into another department. Councilwoman Ross fought the change, worried residents will lose a familiar point of contact for grant help like wheelchair ramps, but the $500,000 in federal grant money and its programs will continue.
Sales tax revenue slipping
February sales tax revenue looked down 6.3%, but it's a software issue with the parish's new combined e-filing system — money is being collected, just delayed. Expect a rebound next month.
Surplus and obsolete equipment disposal
Two first readings would let the city sell off or dispose of old movable equipment and outdated gear at Brookshire Grocery Arena.
State debt collection for city delinquencies
The city will refer final delinquent debts to the Louisiana Department of Revenue's Office of Debt Recovery for collection at no upfront cost. Expect better recovery of unpaid fees and fines.
Redeeming the 2014 and 2015 LCDA bonds
The council approved using $9.95 million from the Parkway Capital Projects Fund to pay off the 2014 and 2015 LCDA bonds early, plus the redemption resolution to do it.
The Row I and Row II Economic Development Districts
The council created two districts covering the East Bank District, Boardwalk and casino corridor as the framework for a possible 2% sales tax to fund security, infrastructure and destination-building. No tax is imposed yet — that would come as a later vote. Critics questioned why registered voters were excluded from district maps and why casinos hold three board seats versus one for East Bank small businesses.
2027 MPC budget and comprehensive plan/UDC study
The commission approved its 2027 budget, including about $955,000 already set aside for the comprehensive plan and Unified Development Code study. Consultants arrive in late September for community meetings.
$15 Million Bond Refinancing
The council approved refunding the Series 2026 sales tax bonds and is moving to pay off the 2014 and 2015 LCDA bonds early with $9.95 million. Together these refinancing moves are projected to save taxpayers about $3.5 million in interest over ten years.
Veterans Day Paid Holiday Proposal
A resident asked the council to add Veterans Day as a paid holiday for veteran city employees in the pending Chapter 78 personnel rewrite, and flagged several citation errors in the draft that she wants corrected.
City internet infrastructure upgrade
The city is swapping its aging 500 Mbps circuit for a 10 Gigabit connection — faster, more reliable, and about $378 cheaper per month over a three-year Lumen deal.
Shreveport Transit Authority funding gap
Without an extra $305,532, bus service would have been cut before the fiscal year ends. The council amended the 2026 General Fund budget to keep current service levels.
Bossier Checkbook transparency portal
The city will build a searchable public website showing where tax dollars go, as a one-year pilot. Councilors said 'where does my money go?' is among the most common questions they get.
Infrastructure Capital Fund from Sales Tax
The city now has a dedicated pot of sales tax money earmarked for infrastructure — a way to set aside cash for roads, drainage and other capital needs before they're needed.
Council leadership transition
Chris Smith handed the president's gavel to Brian Hammons, with Craton Cochran as vice president, for the year starting July 1. Smith was praised for guiding a turbulent first year with a mostly new council.
25% Minimum General Fund Balance
The council locked in a rule that the city's General Fund must keep a cushion of at least 25% of the coming year's budget — a financial safety net against shortfalls.
2026 Ad Valorem Tax Levy
The council finalized the 2026 property tax ordinance, keeping millages at current rates with no roll-forward. Property owners' city tax bills stay level.
2026 Property Tax Levy
The 2026 tax ordinance was introduced at 21.5 total mills — flat from last year. Final adoption comes later.
Leasing city mineral interests
The council authorized leasing mineral rights on about 94 acres in three city tracts near the veterans home, offered at roughly $3,000 per acre; the actual lease will go through competitive state bidding and return to the council.
Public Information Officer position
The council approved hiring a Public Information Officer — a new city hall position for communicating with residents and media.
Meeting schedule change and chamber return
The next council meeting moves to Thursday, April 30 at 10 a.m., and may be the last in the temporary room before returning to the renovated chamber.
Ice storm disaster reserve appropriation
The council finalized spending $275,000 from the disaster reserve fund to cover January 2026 ice storm costs. This drains the reserve set aside for emergencies.
Non-compliance funding ban
The council stripped the $20,000 budgeted for United Way of Northwest Louisiana because the nonprofit remains on the state Legislative Auditor's non-compliance list for missing financial audits.
United Way funding suspension
Spurred by the Arts Council saga, a new ordinance would ban city payments to any group on the Legislative Auditor's non-compliance list. United Way of Northwest Louisiana is currently a year behind on filings.
Five Year Capital Projects Plan 2026-2030
The council adopted the city's five-year capital projects plan, laying out planned infrastructure spending through 2030.
Workers' compensation funding transfer
The council moved $2.2 million from the Riverboat Gaming Trust Fund into the Risk Management Fund to pay workers' comp premiums.
December financial report
Revenue is running 24% over budget but sales tax dipped 1.4% compared to December 2024 — an early flag on consumer spending.