DOES SHREVEPORT NEED A BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE?

Mayor Adrian Perkins faces a skeptical public on his four proposed bond propositions.

Many believe he will have an uphill battle to get the citizenry to pass any of the proposals.

A "pass the bonds" PR campaign cannot crank up until the Shreveport City Council passes the bond resolution. It will be on the Jan. 26 agenda.

Unlike the failed 1999 bond package, these proposals WILL constitute new taxes since the prior millages have expired.

Formation of a bond oversight committee is a step for good government. And it may assist in the passage of the bond package.

Many cities like Austin, Portland and San Francisco have these committees. They are created to ensure efficiency, equity, timeliness and accountability in the implementation of existing and future bond programs.

These committees review expenditures and provide annual reports on bond issuances and spending. They are authorized to receive information from city departments on adherence to bond language, fiscal accountability and transparency.

Additionally, these bodies can consider and recommend project modifications if inflationary increases in construction costs exceed budget estimates or if construction priorities have changed.

Oversight committees report to the elected body – here, the Shreveport City Council -- and they would be subject to the Louisiana Open Meetings and Public Records laws.

An oversight committee can be created by a council ordinance to provide oversight and render reports. The committees cannot be delegated legislative authority from public officials.

Hopefully, there will be public discussion on this progressive government suggestion.