CUTTING THE “FAT’ IN THE SHREVEPORT CITY BUDGET

It was a theme in every council campaign last year.And a constant mantra at the council meetings, especially by the 3 newbies.Levette Fuller, John Nickelson, and Grayson Boucher all want to cut the “fat” in the city budget.That’s what they promised on the campaign trail.

IN 2018 SHREVEPORT SPENDS OVER $1 MILLION IN ATTORNEY FEES

The Shreveport City Council has become acutely aware of the city’s strained financial status and there has been much discussion about the need to cut budget costs.One place to start is to look at fees paid by the city to private attorneys for legal services. In 2018, this amount was exceeded $1.

PERKINS RELEASES 100 DAY REPORT

It’s a good read.The opening paragraph sets the tone: "On December 29, 2018, Adrian D. Perkins was sworn in as the 57th Mayor of Shreveport, LA. In his inaugural address, Mayor Perkins outlined a practical and progressive vision that focused on public safety and econonic development.

WILL SHREVEPORT GET A SECOND CHANCE FOR A LAW SCHOOL?

You have heard it before.Shreveport needs—and deserves—a local law school.In 2012 Louisiana College purchased the Joe D. Waggoner Building on Fannin Street.The college paid $400 grand for the building.And then another $4.

WAYS TO FUND BODY CAMERAS FOR SHREVEPORT POLICE

They all agree. Which is a good thing.The “they” is Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins, Shreveport provisional police chief Ben Raymond, Shreveport Police Officer’s Association president Dr./Sgt. Michael Carter and the Shreveport City Council.

FOLLOW UP ON SHREVEPORT FINANCES/AUDIT COLUMN

As expected, the column “ So Just How Bad Are Shreveport Finances?” elicited many comments and questions from readers.In no particular order this are addressed in an effort to show “the entire picture.”The revenue sources for the city in years 2015-2018 have remained relatively stable.

PUBLIC DOLLARS AND ATTORNEYS SERVING AS POLITICAL APPOINTEES

The city of Shreveport has many appointees on various boards, commissions and authorities.These include the Property Standards Board, the Airport Authority, the Port, The MPC and others.Attorneys are sometimes appointed to these governmental entities.

TO ALL SETTLETALK READERS

Just a short note…You probably have noticed that my focus on columns this year has been more on education of local political issues with less political comment.With limited resources the local media does a good job in reporting local government news.

So Just How Bad Are Shreveport Finances?

It’s safe to say there are no stacks of gold bullion in the mayor’s office.But the finances are not as bad as Detroit before that city filed bankruptcy.Last week the city internal auditor released a just completed report to the Perkins administration and the Shreveport City Council.

When Will Shreveport Have a New Permanent Police Chief?

It’s a good question.Actually , it’s a 3-part question.The first is when will the now permanent chief Alan Crump retire? He has been on medical leave at full pay since November of last year.Only Crump knows that date. Most believe he will retire in June of this year.

WHY HAVE UNDERFUNDED GARBAGE ENTERPRISE FUND?

The Shreveport City Council finally decided the garbage fee issue on Tues. By a 4-3 vote, a $7 per month fee was enacted. The fee becomes effective May 1. It will first appear on city water bills in June.These moneys will be paid into a newly created sanitation enterprise fund.

BIG QUESTIONS ON LATEST CROSS BAYOU DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Yes, its back. Another proposal to develop Cross Bayou.The first was by former mayor Ollie Tyler. This version featured a sports complex, office buildings and housing units. The city council shot this idea down in 2017.The second proposal is by Gateway Development Consortium (GDC).

SETTLE IS CATCHING HELL FOR NOT RAISING HELL WITH PERKINS

For many years my columns subjected me to a never-ending name-calling. Some weeks I was a hero. Other weeks I was a goat. Some weeks I was both – depending on who reads what I wrote.But that’s all okay. I do not write bedtime stores. Nor do I pen fairy tales that always end “happily ever after”.

Ballengee Misses Many Airport Authority Meetings

Waynette Ballengee is one of three Shreveport Airport Authority members that Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins wants to replace on the Shreveport Airport Authority boards.Ballengee has acknowledged that these appointments are political.

City Council Needs to Review Policy on Supporting Local Events

This column is being published before the start of the CRAWFEST scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Betty Virginia Park. Thus the comments herein are not related to the "success" of the festival from the economic perspective.