Stay educated on what affects our money
With only a month to go until state lawmakers head to Baton Rouge for a special session of the legislature to address budget shortfalls and a regular session in the spring, it’s likely that the attention of most will be on those legislative activities.
And of slightly less concern, undoubtedly drawing public attention, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, starting next year, will require state high school seniors to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid – or be denied graduation.
There’s the possibility of a waiver – but there’s likely to be some public blowback on this whole concept.
Although statistics show that about half of these students don’t apply for financial assistance possibly available as a result of filing this application, many would argue that it is not the state’s place to force students to file it. No doubt there will be more discussion on this BESE plan.
But several other issues unrelated to the upcoming work of state lawmakers and education leaders should be of interest to local residents.
As a result of an October 2015 ordinance passed by the Bossier City Council, members soon should learn the results of “an audit of Water and Sewer Funds, Expenditures of Bond Proceeds and all utility expenditures and collections.” The audit is being performed by Lafayette CPA firm McElroy, Quirk & Birch. Council member David Montgomery said he was to meet with CPA firm’s representatives at the end of last week to go over their preliminary report.
Following last week’s council agenda meeting, Montgomery explained the reason for the audit stems from a report received by the council several months ago that indicated although the Utilities Department’s contingency fund should have had a several million dollar balance, the report revealed a negative balance.
Montgomery said in addition to whatever action needs to occur as a result of the audit’s findings, the council will call for a monthly Utilities Department financial report similar to what they currently receive concerning the city’s general fund standing.
Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker also weighed in on the issue and said he looks forward to the audit report and hopes that it will provide direction for the city to address the shortfall issue.
Bossier City residents may recall that utility rates were increased in 2013 to accommodate major upgrades to the system and provide for continued operations and maintenance.
On a more positive side, and also in Bossier, City Attorney Jimmy Hall said the work to redevelop the Old Bossier downtown area should be visible by April. He said construction of the planned plaza should be underway by that time, as well as work to re-make Barksdale Boulevard into a utility-line free corridor, with a new surface, and well-defined bike lanes.
Already there are signs of interest in improving the area from local businesses; drivers in the Barksdale Boulevard and Hamilton Road intersection area may have said the long-standing Circle K is gone. But it will be rebuilt – and more complementary to the planned design of the Old Bossier area.
At the other end of the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway, the Walker Place Park appears near complete – as does the pedestrian bridge that joins it to the ART linear park.
It’s a lovely area, but one wonder’s at the near future use of the amenity. Parking is in the CenturyLink Center lot, across the drainage ditch from the park. And those looking to use the bridge to get to the parkway trail for walking or biking have a fairly good trek, when they might simply park at one of the four access points on the parkway.
From state level to the local, area citizens should want to stay connected and follow the activities of our several governments – and weigh in on issues that can impact our pocketbooks and rights.
Marty Carlson, a freelance writer, has been covering local news for the past 17 years. She can be reached via email at martycarlson1218@ gmail.com.
