Many citizens question the proposal for the Caddo Commission to donate $32,500 to the Louisiana Rouxgaroux, a FOR PROFIT entity, for legal and public policy issues.
The Louisiana Supreme Court has set forth three criteria that must be satisfied for a public entity to provide funding to a FOR PROFIT organization. These are not suggestions, but requirements for the disbursement of public funds to for-profit entities.
The Caddo Commission will consider this funding request for a first reading at its meeting this Thursday. The request cannot be approved until the next regular meeting on April 2.
Here are the three requirements:
1. The funding by the Commission must be for a public purpose that is consistent with the Commission's purpose
2. The expenditure, taken as a whole, does not appear to be a gift from the Commission
3. The Commission must have a demonstrative, objective, and reasonable expectation of recovering a benefit at least equal to the amount expended.
The most objective measure of any such funding will be the increase in sales taxes by at least $32,500 directly/indirectly related to the team.
The team’s office is in Bossier City, and its home games are in Bossier City.
Housing must be provided for visiting teams, but there is no requirement that this lodging be in Shreveport.
The Commission only receives a PORTION of sales taxes in Caddo Parish.
Hotel/motel taxes are paid to the Shreveport Bossier Tourist Bureau, which includes the SB Sports Commission.
These facts do not address the public policy question of using public dollars to directly fund the operations of a for-profit business, which apparently will set a precedent.
A public records request was filed today to determine if the Commission has ever directly funded a FOR PROFIT entity. Once the request is answered, it will be posted on Settle Talk.
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.