By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
A routine Bossier City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, took a tense turn as revelations surrounding two controversial parking lot repair projects stirred frustration among council members and residents alike.
Councilman Brian Hammons clarified that he was the only council member initially aware of parking lot repairs made to two private businesses on Benton Road using city resources.
“I would like to set the record straight on this: When I brought these items to light, I was the only council member that knew about this,” Hammons said. “There was no other council member sitting up here at this table that knew about this, because y’all were all just too shocked whenever I brought this up.”
The repairs, which involved overlaying or fixing parking lots at Scot’s Audio and Bossier Power Equipment, were reportedly completed to address damage issues allegedly caused by construction related to the nearby Walter O. Bigby Carriageway. According to Bossier City Attorney Charles Jacobs, the decision to proceed with the repairs was made in order to avoid potential litigation.
The matter first gained attention two weeks earlier, when Hammons publicly questioned the repairs, stating that the project had not been discussed or approved in any prior city council meetings. The topic has since raised questions about the process through which the city undertook and funded the work.
Following the Tuesday April 8 regular city council meeting, the council proceeded with a closed-door executive session.
Two council members — Hammons and Chris Smith — opted not to participate, making their decisions known before the council adjourned.