Bossier City Residents Voice Concerns Over Election Day Ordinances and City Budget Spending

Bossier City Residents Speak Out on Election Day Ordinances

Bossier City was buzzing with excitement on Election Day, as community members filled the council meeting room, ready to challenge two significant ordinances. The first ordinance on the chopping block is a proposed new charter that the council has tried to get on the ballot before. After failing to get it onto the December ballot back in mid-October, the council is back at it, hoping to push this hot topic onto the March ballot.

A Complicated History

The Louisiana Bond Commission threw a wrench in the works last month, stating that the council’s previous resolution didn’t reflect the charter the residents truly wanted. It appears that the proposed charter could muddy the waters, making it harder for the people’s voice to be heard. “If this goes through as it is and it passes, I think it could block any further action,” warned John Fleming, the state treasurer and commission chair. It looks like he’s concerned about how this might affect future decisions regarding term limits.

Who’s For It, Who’s Against It

Despite the pushback and ongoing public comments against the charter, council members still voted to send it back to the bond commission, with a vote of six in favor and just one against. That one voice of dissent came from Brian Hammons, who wasn’t shy about questioning the motivation behind reigniting the charter debate. He pointed out that the city’s legal team was arguing that this time around, things would be different.

“What is going to be different this time when we send this to the bond commission?” Hammons asked. His concerns are valid, especially since a court appeal about the charter is scheduled for November 19, and he noted that a decision should come within a month. Voting now could lead to unnecessary complications, he argues. However, the council feels that with the extended timeline for residents to review the charter, they’re in a better position to implement it.

The Need for Change

Many residents who helped develop the proposed charter argue that it includes vital measures beyond just term limits, and there’s a pressing need to get it on the ballot sooner rather than later. But not everyone is optimistic about the city’s spending habits. During the November 5 meeting, some of the familiar voices who opposed the charter also raised their concerns about the 2025 budget.

David Crocket, a local community member, voiced frustration at the allocation of funds. “You can give these people pay raises when you need to. If you try to save money in Bossier City instead of spending it all the time,” he advised. He urged the council to prioritize fixing the roads and addressing community needs.

Concerns Over City Spending

Weston Merriott, who filed the initial lawsuit against the charter, took a jab at the council’s spending decisions. “The $83 million that were spent on the Walter O. Bigby? What a worthy cause. We’re all saving 2.5 minutes as we head northbound into Bossier, thanks to this monumental task,” Merriott quipped sarcastically. His comments reflected a growing discontent about projects prioritized over taking care of essential services.

Combining Budgets and Moving Forward

Adding to the controversy, residents were unhappy to learn that the council combined the budget ordinances into a single discussion, limiting public comments to just one instance instead of addressing each ordinance individually. The budget passed with six votes in favor and one against, a move that left many feeling unheard.

As Bossier City residents continue to engage with their local government, one thing is for sure: the upcoming months will be crucial in determining the city’s future. With the March elections approaching, community members are eager to make their voices count, and they’ll be watching closely to see how these ordinances play out.