By Emilee Calametti | The Center Square
The Bossier City Council voted to limit donations with taxpayer funds to any non-governmental organizations, which include charitable, civic, cultural and educational organizations.
The ordinance, drafted and sponsored by Council President Chris Smith and Mayor Thomas Chandler, aims to increase transparency.
Issues have arisen in the past of Bossier potentially misusing money, including a recent instance of taxpayer funds being used for parking lot repairs at two city businesses.
The city set an annual contribution cap for non-governmental organizations at 0.5% of the general fund budget, with no NGO receiving more than $20,000 per year. All contributions require city council approval before distribution.
To receive funds from Bossier, the organization must be a registered nonprofit in Louisiana in good standing, while also directly benefiting Bossier residents.
As for the process, the ordinance established a formal application and approval process. If any non-governmental organization is seeking funding from Bossier, it must complete and submit an application by Sept. 1 each year. These contributions will be reviewed as a whole during the city council’s budget approval meeting. The ordinance specifies that no city department, officer or employee is to distribute funds outside of this designated process.
Once an application is approved and funds are set to be distributed, the organization must enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the city for three years. This agreement helps with reporting and ensures the funds can be properly audited if needed.
Donations to organizations involved in political campaigning or lobbying are prohibited under the new ordinance.
The ordinance takes effect Jan. 1.