In a Tuesday meeting, the Bossier City Council presented a revised 2027 operating and capital budget that trims almost $3 million from the city’s spending plan. Councilman Chris Smith explained that the cuts are intended to eliminate a projected $1.8 million deficit in the general fund and keep the city’s finances balanced.
Fiscal prudence at the forefront
Smith said council staff spent four weeks reviewing Mayor Tommy Chandler’s original proposal, then “slowly chipped away” at the shortfall. “We could always rob our general fund balance, but that isn’t wise fiscal policy,” he warned, noting the reserve is meant for emergencies such as another pandemic or market collapse.
The budget reductions include $400,000 in overtime expenses, $200,000 for additional grass‑cutting, $200,000 for software and fuel costs, and $100,000 from the engineering department. Savings were also identified through lower health‑insurance premiums and a reduction to the City Council’s own budget.
Community development concerns
Councilwoman Debra Ross raised questions about how residents will access assistance programs after the Office of Community Development faces a $227,000 cut. While the department’s budget shrinks, Smith assured that the city’s community‑development initiatives will continue, citing an expected $500,000 in federal funding for 2027. He added that program responsibilities will be reassigned to other city employees rather than eliminated.
“I still think that department doesn’t need to be just done away with,” Ross said. “I realize you’re going to pass the duties on to someone else, but I don’t think it’s fair to close that department down.”
Budget numbers and next steps
The original 2027 general‑fund proposal called for roughly $85.8 million in expenditures against $83.9 million in projected revenue, leaving the deficit. After the cuts, council members voted to introduce the amended operating and capital budgets for further consideration.
City officials emphasized that the revised budget reflects a responsible approach to stewardship of taxpayer dollars while still protecting essential services. The council will continue to monitor the impact of the cuts and explore additional efficiencies as the fiscal year approaches.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
