Ever had an opportunity to watch the waves roll in at the beach? The ocean? Did you see how large those waves are? I surf too. Yes, I surf and it’s quite an experience.
I get that television control and I surf from channel to channel trying to find that one program that meets my appreciation for watching
.
This weekend, I watched the waves roll in at the City Council’s Budget meeting. The City of Shreveport Proposed 2021 Annual Operating Budget is quite extensive. Some 556 pages.
Twenty-six waves, departments, rolling in to shore to stand before the horseshoe of the City Council answering questions to justify why their budget should be as noted in the City of Shreveport Proposed 2021 Annual Operating Budget, quite an undertaking.
That first wave to stand, department personnel, who would defend their budget, took their position before the Council on Friday, November 13, 2020 beginning at 3 PM. The council is having it’s regular meeting on that day versus Tuesday, November 24.
City Courts, $3,726,700
City Marshal, $2,854,300
Council, $1,619,900
Shreveport Redevelopment, $4,000
Water and Sewer, Program E (Water), $105,354,610, and Program F (Sewer), $707,032,456
City Attorney, $1,214,600
Human Resources, $826,000
Information Technology, 3,882,000
Airport Program H, $61,705,000
That second wave, a bit more extensive department personnel who would take their place before the horseshoe to defend their budget for the Proposed 2021 City of Shreveport Annual Operating Budget.
Finance/Risk/Debt Service, $66,241,200
Engineering & Environmental/Program / Environmental Grants
C ($113,494,275)
D ($12,620,998
G ($7,625,300)
SporTran/Grants/Program L ($55,251,181)
Riverfront, $7,851,400)
General Government/services, $32,475,800
Downtown Parking, $1,206,400
Convention Center Hotel, -8,961,100
Convention Center, $2,050,000
SPAR/GOLF/Program A&B, $24,522,700
Community Development, $24,284,300
MPC, $1,624,500
Streets Special Revenue Fund, $13,165,600
Mayor’s Office
Property Standards, $3,310,200
Public Works/Solid Waste Enterprise Fund, $18,955,800
Fire/Grants, $64,800,200
Police Grants, $65,088,900
Our City Councilmembers, indeed, have their work cut out for them but so do we. On November 20, 2020, the City Council will a Budget Public Hearing.
The City’s Operating Budget is $539,255,146 for the Proposed 2021 City of Shreveport Annual Budget. The Capital Improvements Fund Budget for the Proposed 2021 City of Shreveport Annual Budget is $1,115,626,138. An Internal Service Fund representing Retained Risk, $24,187,900.
The Budget Public Hearing affords citizens to share their input about the Proposed 2021 City of Shreveport Annual Budget. The Budget Public Hearing is Friday, November 20, 2002.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 the City Council will hold it’s meeting to the Budget Ordinance Approval.
Quite busy the Councilmembers will be.
“The more you know” is indeed applicable in that tax dollars, extensive, will ensure that our City continues to operate in servicing the citizens of the City of Shreveport.
Well, there you have it, a glimpse into what has already transpired in bringing forth our 2021 City of Shreveport Annual Budget, though proposed until approval, what will the Council do? Will there be cuts recommended? What?
God bless us all!
Jon Glover
jonglover1956@yahoo.com
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.