BOSSIER CITY, LA – Multiple Bossier City Councilmembers are publicly opposing a potential millage increase reportedly being considered by the Mayor’s administration—an idea they say they learned about through media reports and social media, not official channels.
Council President Chris Smith issued a strong statement rejecting any effort to raise or roll forward property taxes at this time.
“Now is not the time to increase the burden on our residents, especially given the recent talks about sanitation rates,” said Smith. “I remain firmly committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency—principles that guided the recent passage of the Tax Reduction Audit Ordinance. This ordinance reflects the will of the people and the Council’s dedication to reducing waste, improving efficiency, and holding the line on taxes.”
Smith also criticized the administration’s communication, saying the Council was left out of the loop.
ADVERTISEMENT
District 1 Councilman Brian Hammons echoed that frustration and firmly rejected the proposed increase.
“I want to assure the citizens of District 1 that I am totally against raising taxes for Bossier City as the Mayor’s administration is proposing,” Hammons said. “I only found out about this through social media and constituents. No one from the Mayor’s office reached out to the Council. I can assure you I will fight this till the end and encourage everyone to attend the September workshop to voice your opposition.”
District 4 Councilman Joel Girouard, who also chairs the Finance Committee, reaffirmed his commitment to keeping taxes low.
“I will NOT support any raise in taxes. Period,” Girouard said. “The memo sent today from the Mayor’s office came as a surprise, and it will fall on deaf ears. Our city will grow. Our city will win. And we will do it while asking for less of your hard-earned tax dollars.”
“Earlier this year, I was elected to city councilman at large. Part of my platform was that I would support lower taxes and working towards government efficiency and cutting wasteful spending. With that being said, I am 100% against rolling forward taxes at the September 9th meeting. I campaigned on not raising taxes, and as city councilman I will not vote to raise taxes.” Craton Cochran Bossier City Council at Large stated this morning.
Bossier City Councilwoman Debra W. Ross of District 2 reaffirmed her commitment to representing the voice of her constituents, stating that the citizens of District 2 voted her into office, and she will not support any tax increase. “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me,” Ross emphasized, standing firmly against any proposal that would place additional financial burdens on residents.
Bossier City Councilman Cliff Smith, representing District 3, expressed his opposition to a proposed property tax increase, stating he learned of the administration’s intent through social media, just as many residents did. He emphasized that the City Council was not informed prior to the public announcement and made it clear that he does not support raising property taxes or introducing any new taxes. Councilman Smith is encouraging residents to attend the upcoming public meeting on September 9 and to bring others along to voice their concerns.
The public workshop on the proposed tax changes is expected in September, and Councilmembers are urging residents to attend and speak out.
