(The Center Square) – The Caddo Parish Commission’s public safety committee deliberated, but took no action, over whether to fund public safety equipment for parish-wide municipalities who say they’re in urgent need of assistance.
“Is public safety in the Caddo commission’s purview?” Commissioner Chris Kracman asked, as Monday’s committee meeting drew to a close. “I would say that it is.”
The commission did not release an official total of the amount requested for vehicles and equipment but it appears it could approach $3.5 million.
A contingent of law enforcement leaders and public officials – from Blanchard and Greenwood to Mooringsport and Hosston – made impassioned calls for needed safety equipment that they are unable to pay for within their respective budgets.
“We are small communities who don’t have the tax bases,” said John McCaherty, chief of police for Mooringsport and Oil City. “Mooringsport has one liquor store – that’s our tax base.”
The committee moved to postpone any recommendation or action in order to develop a more comprehensive plan to support the entire parish.
“I just really need some vehicles and I thought that I would ask,” said Gerald Allen, Blanchard’s chief of police.
Monday’s hearing stems from an ordinance first introduced by Commissioner John-Paul Young on April 6, requesting $2.8 million for new vehicles for the Shreveport Police Department. The commission failed to advance that measure on a 6-6 tie vote, sending it back to the safety committee this month for consideration.
City and law enforcement officials became aware of Young’s proposal to support Shreveport and launched their own effort to bring about awareness of their equipment deficits.
For example, Caddo Parish District 8 Fire Chief Joey Ryan said their shrinking budget does not support the purchase of a specialty vehicle for wildland fires and emergency response. He requested $150,000.
Until the cascade of requests were brought forth, commissioners said they were not aware of the “dire situation” facing many cities and towns.
“It blew my mind,” said Commissioner Ron Cothran.
Monday’s postponement will allow commissioners time to take into consideration all the requests, and decide if the commission has a role in fulfilling those requests. It’s expected to come before the safety committee within the next 30 days. For it to be brought before the commission for a formal up-or-down vote, the committee must advance to the full body.
“I don’t want to see us touch our reserve but I want to see them get some of the assistance they need,” Cothran said.
