Bossier City Council Advances Infrastructure Projects and Employee Salary Revisions

Bossier City Council Approves Construction Projects and Salary Adjustments

This week, the Bossier City Council gathered for their regular meeting, and it looks like there’s plenty of news to share! The council made some important decisions regarding construction projects and city employee salaries that will impact the community moving forward.

Major Infrastructure Developments

First up on the agenda was a hefty approval for the Barksdale South 24-inch water main and consolidation project. The council agreed to increase the project cost by $283,631, bringing the total to a larger sum than initially expected. To ensure the work goes smoothly, they also decided to extend the project timeline by a week. As a note, the funding needed to cover these additional costs will come from the water sector programs, which will help bolster the water capital and contingency fund.

Not stopping there, the council also discussed the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Plant. An ordinance was passed to appropriate an extra $52,379 from the sewer capital and contingency fund to replace the plant’s generator. This is a vital upgrade, ensuring that the facility can operate efficiently.

Another significant item on the agenda was the confirmation of the completion of the Citizens Bank Drive Pump Station project. This project is crucial for maintaining the city’s water management systems, and along with the notation of its completion, the council approved additional documentation covering $48,161 and a total of 96 days added to the project timeline due to unforeseen circumstances. As part of managing costs, they also ensured there would be some surplus funding to help cover extra expenses that may arise.

New City Jobs and Salary Adjustments

In addition to construction discussions, the council made moves concerning city employees. They created a new position for the Chief of Administration of the Bossier City Fire Department. This is an exciting role that aims to improve operations within the fire department. Alongside this new position, an ordinance was passed to adjust the salary of the current city clerk. The increase, estimated at $12,000, is intended to align the salary with those of other clerks across the state and will be reflected starting in 2025. This decision demonstrates the city’s commitment to fair compensation and the importance of recognizing hard work.

Budget Revisions and Community Donations

Furthermore, there were a couple of ordinances focused on budget shifts and surpluses. The first ordinance transferred $3,960 from the Diversion Special Revenue Fund to the General Fund. This allocation is designated for the establishment of the City Prosecutor’s Pretrial Diversion Program—a valuable initiative aimed at managing cases more efficiently.

Lastly, the Fire Department made an impactful move by donating their surplus fire safety trailer to the East 80 Fire Department. This gesture not only fills their current needs but also promotes collaboration and support between departments, showcasing the spirit of community and teamwork that is essential in public service.

Looking Ahead

As Bossier City continues to grow and improve, the recent choices made by the city council demonstrate a clear commitment to enhancing the infrastructure and supporting city employees. These adjustments and additions indicate that the council is on the right path toward ensuring the community remains strong and well-equipped for the future.