Bossier City Council Approves 2027 Budget – Bossier Press-Tribune

The Bossier City Council approved its 2027 budget Tuesday, adopting a spending plan that balances projected revenues and expenditures while including an anticipated $3.3 million in additional sewer revenue from proposed utility rate increases.The council held a public hearing before approving the budget. One resident spoke during the hearing, offering praise for the city’s financial planning.“My congratulations on giving us a balanced budget and one that I think is very reasonable,” said Jeffrey Sadow, a Bossier resident and political science professor at Louisiana State University Shreveport.The city’s total budget is approximately $320.1 million, including consolidated sales tax collections that Bossier City administers for seven other taxing authorities, including the Bossier Parish School Board and smaller municipalities. After those distributions are accounted for, the city’s net operating budget is approximately $232.4 million.General fund operating expenses total about $83.9 million, a 1.42% increase over the previous year. Public safety accounts for roughly two-thirds of general fund spending, with expenditures projected to increase 3.71%. General government represents about 27% of the fund, with a projected increase of 1.38%.A significant part of the budget involves the city’s sewer system. The sewer budget projects approximately 20.6% more customer revenue, or an additional $3.3 million, based on proposed increases to sewer rates.The proposal includes a 16% increase in the monthly base service charge and a 29% increase in the usage rate, which is calculated per 1,000 gallons of water used. For a household using an average of 5,000 gallons monthly, the increase would amount to approximately $100 more per year, according to an EisnerAmper sewer rate study.However, adoption of the sewer budget does not necessarily mean the new rates have been approved. Under the city’s home rule charter, utility rate increases must be established through a separate ordinance setting the new rates.The city’s general fund balance is projected at approximately $65.9 million, about $44 million above the minimum reserve required by city ordinance. The ordinance requires the city to maintain a reserve equal to 25% of general fund spending.Sadow commended the city’s financial position but encouraged officials to maintain a strong reserve.“The standard that you set was 25 percent of the spending of the general fund. For that size of that reserve it’s 75 percent, so it’s very good,” Sadow said. “I would argue, though, that you need to keep it there or keep it close to there.”The approved budget sets the city’s spending plan for 2027, covering public safety, general government, utilities and other municipal services. The proposed sewer rate changes remain subject to the required council action to formally establish the new rates.The Bossier Press-Tribune is dedicated to providing accurate, timely and relevant news coverage to the residents of Bossier Parish and surrounding communities. With a strong commitment to journalistic integrity, the publication strives to inform the public, highlight local achievements, and serve as a trusted source for community news and information.@2026 – All Right Reserved. Specht Newspapers, Inc. The Bossier Press-Tribune is located at 710 Benton Road, Suite A, Bossier City, LA 71111. For general inquiries, call 318-747-7900. Keep me signed in until I sign out Forgot your password?A new password will be emailed to you.Have received a new password? Login here source