Bossier City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Bossier City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Property Tax Levy
The 2026 tax ordinance was introduced at 21.5 total mills — flat from last year. Final adoption comes later.
Public Information Officer position
The council approved hiring a Public Information Officer — a new city hall position for communicating with residents and media.
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.