(The Center Square) — Members of the Bossier City Council are looking to establish specific audits to reassure citizens on how their tax dollars are being used.
The introduction of the ordinance was passed unanimously.
Following the Bossier City Council’s induction of newly elected chair members Debra Ross and Cliff Smith during Tuesday’s meeting, an ordinance was introduced concerning audits of municipal finances.
“Bossier City taxpayers deserve assurance that their tax dollars are being managed efficiently, responsibly and lawfully,” the ordinance reads. “Periodic, transparent financial reviews help identify waste, inefficiencies, non-compliance and opportunities for tax relief and reinvestment.”
The ordinance, sponsored by councilmen Brian Hammons and Chris Smith, seeks to introduce a tax reduction audit of municipal finances along with an initial audit of the last 12 fiscal years. According to the ordinance, the city holds a three-year mandatory audit cycle. Hammons and Smith are looking to establish a recurring 12-year audit cycle.
There were no allegations to spark the audit, according to the ordinance, and it is being used as a “proactive governance measure.”
The goal is to hopefully promote efficiency and cost savings by conducting the tax reduction audit and establishing the Tax Reduction Audit of Municipal Finances.
The scope outlined for the initial audit will cover the last 12 fiscal years and look at city funds, restricted accounts, investments, bond debt, liabilities, capital projects, contracts and many others.
Councilman Chris Smith was elected President of the council during Tuesday’s meeting and spoke to the council’s goals of transparency.
“Our residents rightly expect a government that is transparent, that is accountable and is responsive to their needs,” said Smith. “And it’s our collective responsibility to meet and exceed those expectations.”
The council will discuss the ordinance further on July 15.
