Shreveport Council Chair Responds to Mayor’s 2% Water Bill Fee

Last week Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux proposed a 2% fee on all Shreveport water bills, residential and commercial, to be allocated specifically for the demolition of the blighted apartment complexes in Shreveport.

Not surprisingly, the proposed fee hasn't been received well.  Shreveport Councilman Grayson Boucher posted on his Facebook page:  "For all those asking…. I’m a FIRM NO."

READ MORE: Mayor Answers Questions About Water Bill Fee

State Representative Steven Jackson posted:  "Here’s an incredibly bad idea. Make us pay extra for others willful neglect!? Instead of using it to actually upgrade the water system itself. Once torn down, I’m sure the surcharge will never roll off the bills."

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And now, Shreveport City Council Chair Tabitha Taylor released a statement saying:

"It is not within my purview to advocate for a 2% demolition fee on our citizens. Many of my colleagues, based on my observations, share this perspective. Implementing a demolition fee for citizens is not a priority for this council. Addressing our constituents concerns in various areas are.  

The demolition of these properties has been, and continues to be, a pressing concern for the council. With the council's backing, I spearheaded the pursuit of criminal charges against AMAR Holdings for blight, as evidenced by the record.  

In 2021, we sought assistance from the National Guard for demolitions through Property Standards and reemphasized this request to the current administration, exploring potential National Guard involvement.  

This council has submitted extensive requests to the administration for various actions, including proposed changes to state legislation prior to this budget request. Notably, the council has NOT advocated for a 2% demolition fee. It is essential to differentiate the council's priorities from the proposed surcharge of 2% advocated by the Mayor."