(The Center Square) — The Caddo Parish Commission met this week to amend the budget of the capital outlay fund for the parish.
They did so to reflect the termination of some capital appropriations as a result of completed or lapsed projects that no longer need funding. Because of this, the parish budget will now have less expenditures and can transfer that money into important community service funds.
These include funds such as building maintenance, oil and gas, public works, capital improvement, solid waste, parks and recreation, juvenile justice, health tax, general and detention facilities.
The total capital expenditure decrease in Caddo Parish due to this amended budget was more than $437,000.
The public works fund received the most of any, almost $275,000. The second most was the solid waste fund with over $105,000, and the third most, the capital improvement fund, dropped all the way down to $27,700.
A couple other funds received a few grand, with the lowest being the detention facilities fund with a $275 increase.
The commission also adopted an ordinance to purchase a parking lot that parish employees use, and has been previously shared with Shreveport.
Some commission members had questions about the cost, with the ordinance pricing the lot at $295,000. however, after a short discussion it was determined the lot was no longer safe and in terrible condition, so the commission supported buying and renovating the property unanimously.
All other ordinances were adopted.
There were some resolutions in discussion as well, including one that creates the Citizens Film and Entertainment Advisory Board. Another adopts a citizen participation plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program. Both, and all other resolutions, passed with one in opposition.
Many resolutions were introduced during the Thursday meeting. Some would adopt more budget changes, some look to buy property, and others will attempt to sell surplus property in the parish. All were deferred until the next meeting on Nov. 7.