Bossier City debates tax hike and 'revenue forecasts' to fund $500 monthly pay raises
Plus — Two new candidates for Bossier City Council. City mourns the death of a former employee.
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Beyond Bossier
Bossier City debates tax hike and 'revenue forecasts' to fund $500 monthly pay raises
Either a property tax hike or 'revenue forecasts' were proposed to help pay for $500 a month raises for Bossier City employees and first responders. Now, both are on the table at the City Council.
Mayor Tommy Chandler proposed the property tax increase and a $1 million annual transfer from the Parkway Capital budget as part of his City budget proposal to fund pay raises.
That was scrapped by an amendment offered by councilmember David Montgomery which was passed at the last council meeting. Montgomery proposed using City budget surpluses instead of a property tax increase to pay for $500 across-the-board salary increases for all non-civil service employees.
"The amended budget also includes $1,758,438 to both the Fire Department and Police Department to use for raises within each department," Chief Administrative Officer Amanda Nottingham tells BossierNow.
"Due to Louisiana [law], across-the-board raises cannot be given to fire employees, so the budget amendment proposes both Chiefs receive equal sums to implement pay raises within their departments. Due to state law mandates regarding pay for fire employees, I am not sure how the proposed amendments will affect pay ranges for the Fire Department, but it is my belief that they will align with the [salary study] recommendation."
That amended budget comes back before the council Tuesday for a final vote — but includes using the surplus and raising property taxes.
"The amendments proposed by Councilman Montgomery does include using the projected surplus from the current fiscal year to cover the cost of the raises for 2025. It is my understanding that the surplus will be used for 2025 only," Nottingham added.
She says revenue forecasts will be increased for subsequent years to cover the additional costs of funding the raises.
"Over the past several years, realized revenues have exceeded the budgeted revenues and that is the basis for increasing revenues in future budgets," Nottingham said.
"No amendment was made to property taxes and still includes the roll forward," she added.
BossierNow background:
A recent reassessment by the Bossier Tax Assessor's Office raised property taxes for all homeowners in Bossier Parish due to higher values.
Local taxing authorities can either increase or decrease a millage due to the change in the tax-value base. A "roll back" of a millage lowers the tax rate to compensate for the increased valuation — meaning property owners pay the same amount of taxes.
A "roll forward" of a millage allows the taxing authority to gain additional revenue from the reassessment — in effect, a tax hike.
Councilmember Chris Smith has not been in favor of the Montgomery amendment.
"The biggest issue at play here is that the council has historically underestimated revenues, which is what has led to this large sum in the fund balance. Who knows, maybe if the City accurately tried to project its revenues instead of staying so conservative, we would know just how sustainable this plan is," Smith tells BossierNow.
"I just don't like that the raise plan is not equitable and doesn't address the root issues," he added. "I am assuming the Montgomery amendment is what will pass and it will be incumbent on the next council to try and figure it out. Not a good situation to be in."
Debra W. Ross announces her candidacy for Bossier City Council
Saying she feels she hasn't been well represented in her district, Debra W. Ross has announced her candidacy for the Bossier City Council. Ross, a retired registered nurse, is running for the District 2 seat currently held by Jeffery Darby.
Darby has not publicly announced his intention to run for reelection.
"I want to serve because most of the citizens in District 2 feel as though they have not been well represented. I am a lifelong citizen of Bossier City, and I feel the same way," Ross said in a release. "I want to be the one at the table for the citizens of District 2 and the citizens of Bossier so I can be their voice when plans or decisions are being made."
Ross's bio says that she is married with three sons and eight grandchildren and is a member of the Bossier Baptist Church. Her community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Council on Aging and the Multi-Cultural Development Center. Ross also serves on the Democratic Parish Electoral Committee.
Her priorities include: 1) Enhanced safety measures (pedestrian crossing signs in high-traffic areas ensuring safer routes for everyone). 2) Support city employees (stand up for our city's workforce and promote fair practices for all employees). And 3) Transparent financial management (collaborating with fellow council members on budget oversight, financial planning and clear communication with the public on city finances).
Joel Girouard announces his candidacy for Bossier City Council
A local business owner has announced his candidacy for the Bossier City Council. Joel Girouard, a State Farm agent with an office in Shreveport, is running for the District 4 seat currently held by Jeff Free.
Free has not publicly announced his intentions to run for reelection.
Girouard's bio says that he has been a small business owner for over 14 years, is an active partner in the Simple Church, and is an Army veteran.
He is an Airline High School alumni and earned his B.S. in Accounting at LSU. He is married with two children.
Girouard says his priorities are to promote economic growth, champion first responders, maintain low tax rates, encourage fiscal responsibility, upgrade and maintain our roads, and preserve Bossier City's A-rated water system.
City mourns passing of former public information officer
Friday, Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler announced the death of former public information officer Traci Ponder, who suffered a spontaneous coronary artery dissection in 2021 and never recovered.
Mayor Chandler said that on behalf of the City of Bossier City, he wanted to announce to Ponder's family that "we mourn with you and you have our gratitude, respect and support during this difficult time. Traci loved Bossier City and was a light in this Community."
Traci Ponder is survived by her husband, Jonathan Ponder, and two young daughters.
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