Caddo Commission Says No to Rouxgaroux Funding Request

After spending a few weeks taking a look at the proposal, the Caddo Parish Commission has turned down a request to give tax dollars to the Louisiana Rouxgaroux football team.

The team has asked for $32 thousand dollars to help fund marketing efforts for the arena football team.

Last month, the Commission voted to advance this ordinance to the April meeting. But during the Thursday meeting, this proposal was removed from the agenda.

How Would the Money Be Used?

Louisiana Rouxgaroux owner Keith Carter has told KEEL News the money would have been used for marketing and to help students in Caddo schools get exposed to the game.
The Rouxgaroux plays its home games at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City.
Commissioner Stormy Gage-Watts has shown support for this spending. She says this expands economic growth in our community.

But several commissioners raised concerns about spending tax dollars on a “for profit” business. Commissioner Chris Kracman says he has serious concerns about this proposed spending.

READ MORE: Questions raised about Rouxgaroux funding

No other government entities have approved funding for the Rouxgaroux team.

Last month, Parish Commissioners asked questions about this proposal that was presented to the panel by former Commissioner Lyndon B. Johnson. He was asked if the Bossier Police Jury is also chipping in money. He told the panel, the Bossier crew was waiting on Caddo to act. But KEEL News checked with the leadership team in Bossier and we were told there has been no proposal to provide any public funding for the Rouxgaroux.

Is It Legal to Give Tax Dollars to For-Profit Businesses?

Commission attorney Donna Frazier told the Commission state law does allow this kind of transaction as long as the return on the investment meets the outlay of tax money. Supporters say the sales taxes and hotel and motel tax dollars will likely meet this obligation.