(The Center Square) – An organization that supports the arts in Bossier Parish risks losing taxpayer-funded support after it repeatedly failed to produce financial information to the state.
The Bossier City Council agreed Tuesday to give the Bossier Arts Council two weeks to provide documentation showing the nonprofit is in good standing with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, or risk losing city support and being evicted from the city-owned building it occupies.
The city council had considered ending its cooperative endeavor agreement with the arts council. In 2025, the city provided $130,000 and free use of a city-owned building in the East Bank District as part of that agreement. Council members said the total annual subsidy is valued at roughly $300,000.
The legislative auditor had recommended withholding funding because the arts council failed to provide the state with financial reports for the past three years. The reports are intended to ensure compliance and transparency for public dollars.
Supporters of the arts council persuaded four of the seven city council members to allow a temporary reprieve. If the organization does not obtain the auditor’s certification by March 3, city funding could be withdrawn and the organization will be required to vacate the building.
Supporters packed the room, urging council members to continue backing the arts. The organization hosts art exhibits, music concerts, dance performances, theater productions and educational opportunities throughout the year.
“Bossier would not be the same without the arts council,” said an 8-year-old named Penny.
The city council was clearly conflicted over the decision. They have expressed concern over the group’s past management practices and communication. Some council members worried that continued support could negatively affect the city’s finances.
“It’s not the city’s responsibility to fund the Bossier Arts Council. It’s our responsibility to be frugal with taxpayer money,” said Brian Hammons, District 1 councilman.
“We understand it’s your job to be good stewards of the money. We are asking for a little bit of time,” said Nathan Hicks, a member of the art council’s board.
Hicks detailed internal controls and new provisions designed to prevent violations and ensure the organization doesn’t repeat fiscal mistakes. He said the staff has not identified any missing funds from errors he said were made in the past.
