By: Bossier Now
The newly seated Bossier City Council will hit the ground running Tuesday with at least three measures meant to increase efficiencies, look for ways to reduce taxes, keep an eye on the Chandler administration’s legal settlements, and launch an investigation into ‘off the books’ spending.
A new generation of leadership is taking its seat at the table of Bossier City government.
Tuesday, after a swearing-in ceremony at 10 am in the Civic Center, a reform-minded City Council will be seated for its first meeting at 3 pm in City Hall.
While there will be some usual tasks to attend to, three new business items highlight the new path forward for Bossier City government.
The Council will consider three groundbreaking initiatives:
One is to look at local government efficiencies, seeking out ways to lower the tax burden on citizens.
Another adds a Council watchdog to City Administration spending on legal settlements. This is in response to the “free driveways” issue that was raised by District 1’s Brian Hammons.
And the final launches an independent investigation into the ‘off the books’ payouts that Mayor Tommy Chandler had promised to look into, but apparently never did.
The Tax Reduction Audit
The first ordinance, called the Tax Reduction Audit, is sponsored by Chris Smith and Brian Hammons, two second-term council members who form the core of the government reform initiative.
The ordinance states that “Bossier City taxpayers deserve assurance that their tax dollars are being managed efficiently, responsibly, and lawfully” and “periodic, transparent financial reviews help identify waste, inefficiencies, non-compliance, and opportunities for tax relief or reinvestment.”
While the ordinance says that there is no “specific allegation of wrongdoing,” the audit aims to identify efficiency and cost savings.
The trailblazing independent audit of Bossier City government will review the 12 most recent fiscal years, evaluating:
City funds, restricted accounts, investments, reserves, and debt service
Bonded debt, liabilities, long-term obligations, and debt schedules
Capital projects, contracts, infrastructure, and city-owned property
Financial policies, internal controls, reporting standards, and management practices
Compliance with Louisiana law concerning public funds, debt, procurement, and fiscal administration
Interviews with city officials, department heads, and finance personnel on policies, procedures, and operations.
When completed, he audit firm will present the findings and recommendations at a public Council meeting, and the full report shall be made available to the public.
Legal settlement procedures and an investigation
Following the “free driveways” issue, a resolution adds the Council President to the approval workflow for “any payments made to individuals for legal settlements” exceeding $75,000.
“The Bossier City Council is charged with the fiduciary responsibility to oversee the appropriate and lawful use of public funds,” the ordinance says, and “it has come to the attention of the Bossier City Council that public funds were expended to construct parking lots at the private businesses known as Scot’s Audio and Bossier Power Equipment.”
And yet another resolution launches an investigation into the same matter, “because the Louisiana State Constitution prohibits the donation, loan, or pledge of public funds for private purposes, requiring that public expenditures must demonstrate a clear and defined public purpose.”
The resolution further states that “preliminary observations indicate these parking lots may lack a clear public purpose, warranting further inquiry and scrutiny to ensure compliance with state constitutional provisions and applicable laws.”
An Investigative Committee will be established, consisting of three City Council members, appointed by the President of the Council, to investigate the circumstances, expenditures, and authorizations related to the construction of parking lots at Scot’s Audio and Bossier Power Equipment using public funds.