It’s a question that needs to be answered before the vote on the proposed pay raises which is on the Jan. 11 agenda.

Actually, the first question is how much additional funds are needed to give all Shreveport employees a 13% pay raise for 2022. And what are the sources of this funding and in what amounts?

Presumably American Rescue Fund Plan (ARFP) moneys will be utilized this year and in 2023. These are non-recurring moneys. So, a follow-up inquiry as to future funding of the pay raises is appropriate.

Hopefully this information will be made available to the public before the vote.

Mayor Perkins and six of the current seven council members could be elected for a four-year term this fall. Thus, the pay raise issue will be one that will be an overriding issue in future years for those that are re-elected.