By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
The Bossier City Council voted Tuesday, March 17, to formally end its decades-long agreement with the Bossier Arts Council, capping weeks of debate over financial compliance and the use of public funds.
In a 5-2 vote, the council approved an ordinance terminating the joint cooperative endeavor agreement with the arts council and requiring the organization to vacate its space in the city-owned Old Municipal Building in the East Bank District.
The decision effectively ends a 45-year partnership between the city and the arts nonprofit, which has long served as a hub for exhibits, workshops and cultural programming in Bossier Parish.
At the center of the issue is the arts council’s noncompliance with state financial reporting requirements. According to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the organization has been listed as noncompliant for three consecutive years.
That designation makes the nonprofit ineligible for state funding or federal grants administered through the state.
While ending the agreement, city officials emphasized that arts programming in Bossier City will continue.
Councilwoman Debra Ross introduced an ordinance, which passed the first reading, for the city to take a more direct role by hiring a full-time employee to manage the Old Municipal Building and oversee arts-related activities.
“That was my recommendation to try to keep Bossier arts alive because I did not want to see the building empty,” Ross said during the meeting.
Under the plan, the city would continue hosting events and supporting local artists, even without the arts council managing the facility.
Tuesday’s meeting also included action affecting another organization receiving city funding, as the council signaled a broader shift in how it evaluates nonprofit partnerships.
An ordinance was introduced to revoke $20,000 in previously approved funding for the United Way of Northwest Louisiana after it was also listed as noncompliant by the state auditor.
United Way President and CEO LaToria Thomas said the issue stems from a delayed 2024 audit caused by administrative changes. She told council members the organization has hired an audit firm and is working to complete both its 2024 and 2025 reports.
“This is our first year not meeting compliance,” Thomas said. “We are working to complete the audit and get fully caught up.”
Council President Chris Smith said the council’s actions are focused on maintaining fairness and consistency across all organizations receiving public funds.
“My position is just the City Council staying consistent — not picking winners and losers or treating one organization differently,” Smith said.
Councilman Cliff Smith echoed that sentiment, noting that the decisions are not necessarily permanent.
“This is not the final nail in the coffin,” he said. “Do your due diligence, take care of business, and then go from there.”