By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
At its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, the Bossier City Council was met with a unified front of apartment property owners and managers, all voicing concern over a sanitation fee increase approved late last year. The group addressed the council in an effort to shed light on what they describe as an unfair and unexpected financial burden placed on apartment communities and their residents.
The controversy stems from a decision made during the December 17, 2024, council meeting, when the city approved a revision to the sanitation fee structure for apartment complexes. Previously, apartment properties were charged a flat rate of $12 per month per water meter. Under the new policy, each individual apartment unit is now subject to a $12 monthly sanitation fee.
This change effectively increases the sanitation-related water charges for apartment residents by $12 per month, regardless of their usage or the number of residents in a unit. Property owners contend that the revised structure disproportionately impacts both landlords and tenants, many of whom were unaware of the proposed change until after it was passed.
Several apartment community representatives spoke during Tuesday’s meeting, addressing the city for failing to notify stakeholders ahead of the December vote. They argued that the lack of communication deprived them of the opportunity to provide input or suggest alternatives before the measure was enacted.
The delegation urged the council to reconsider the fee structure and engage in a more collaborative process moving forward. Council members acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated a willingness to further discuss the matter.
Following the public comments, the council agreed to meet with a group of apartment property representatives in the near future to review the sanitation fees.
No official changes were made at Tuesday’s meeting, but both city officials and property owners expressed optimism that ongoing dialogue could lead to a more equitable solution.
The issue is expected to remain a key topic of discussion as stakeholders work toward a resolution.