WHAT'S BEST TERM FOR BOSSIER-MANCHAC CONTRACT RENEWAL?

It’s the hot button issue for the Bossier City Council, which is NOT accustomed to anything but smooth sailing on legislation.

The city's five-year contract with Manchac Consulting Group expires on May 30.

Manchac initially requested a five-year renewal.

Questions were asked by incoming mayor Tommy Chandler on the length of the renewal, and the fact that it would extend past his term of office.

Chandler and the new Council, which will have several new members, take office on July 1. Manchac runs the city's water department and construction program.

At the Bossier council meeting on Tues. an ordinance was introduced to extend the contract for three years.

Councilman Jeff Darby suggested a one-year extension to allow the new incoming administration time to evaluate Manchac and perhaps consider other options including a RFP (Request for Proposal) or competitive bid.

Mayor-elect Chandler addressed the Council and urged a one-year extension.

Several council members stressed the value fo the Manchac contract, stating that it had saved the city $10 million. (No breakdown or authentication of these purported savings was offered.)

Additionally, they advised Chandler that he would need more time to "get his feet" on the ground and to learn his new job as well as evaluate Manchac's performance, etc.

No one suggested a compromise of two years, which seemingly would satisfy the primary arguments against a one versus three year extension.

Seemingly this is the best approach.

The ordinance is set for a final vote on Tues. May 4.