KEN KREFFT
Contributing Columnist
As I stated in my remarks at the Sept. 10 Public Safety Committee meeting, I believe that the city of Shreveport should pay 100% of the monthly health-care premium for the police and fire departments. Such a move would aid in recruiting and retaining police officers and firefighters.
The city health board’s rate hikes make it more difficult to attract new recruits and keep current personnel. We are having a record high year in city sales tax receipts. We are receiving considerable federal monies. Funds are adequate to pay the entire SPD/SFD health costs.
I ask the mayor and the city council to consider paying the whole expense of it. It would provide much greater net pay. An ordinance can accomplish this. The mayor noted at the Sept. 28 city council meeting there will be worker salary hikes next year. Good. The rate amount will be known 10/1 when 2022 budgets are sent per the city charter to the city council to review. Section 7.02 b covers the operating budget; 7.03 a, the capital budget.