Caddo Parish rolls out its 2027 budget: jail costs, road money and a Nov. 19 public hearing

Caddo Parish’s spending plan for 2027 is on the table. The Caddo Parish Commission met in a special session Thursday, Oct. 29, at Government Plaza to hear the administration’s budget message and introduce the 2027 operating and capital improvements budgets, Ordinances 6649 through 6677, according to the parish agenda.

The big numbers

The parish’s budget summary puts spending in its governmental funds at about $147.1 million and revenue at about $119.2 million. That includes about $64.4 million from property taxes and $18 million from sales taxes. The gap of about $27.9 million would be covered by fund balances, the money the parish has built up over the years. KTBS reported that spending is up 2.1% from about $144.1 million and revenue is up about $2.9 million. The Center Square reported the proposal as a $149 million budget.

• Roads: About $20.5 million for road construction, maintenance and improvements, up 2.3%, KTBS reported.
• Buildings: $1 million for the Francis Bickham Building and $1.35 million for Government Plaza, KTBS reported.
• Staff: Seven new positions, including help with Head Start, adult drug court, legal services and parks. Some would be paid with grants. The parish also wants one more employee to handle road and permit requests tied to data center development, The Center Square reported.

Jail costs

Parish Administrator Erica Bryant told commissioners the parish is in good financial shape after years of careful budgeting, but said the Caddo Correctional Center remains one of its biggest challenges. The proposal projects operating deficits of $4.5 million in juvenile justice, $5.5 million in the general fund and $2.9 million in detention facilities, The Center Square reported. Jail costs make up about a quarter of proposed spending.

Bryant said the Caddo Correctional Center is overcrowded. “We used to say that 1,400 was too many,” she said. “1,500 was too many. 1,600 was too many, and now we’re past 1,700. It’s not sustainable.” She said that if the deficits continue, the parish will at some point need more revenue.

The proposed budget does not include the $60 million sports complex on the Nov. 3 ballot. Bryant said that if voters approve it, budget changes would come to commissioners Dec. 1.

How to weigh in

• Public hearing: Thursday, Nov. 19, at 3:30 p.m., during the commission’s regular meeting at Government Plaza, 505 Travis St., Shreveport.
• Final vote: A special budget adoption meeting Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 3:30 p.m.
• The Oct. 29 agenda lists streaming on the parish’s YouTube channel, @parishofcaddois. Citizen comments are limited to 3 minutes, and you fill out a comment card in the chamber foyer.