The future of the Bossier Arts Council could soon be decided by the Bossier City Council.
In a public post shared with supporters, the Bossier Arts Council stated that it had learned of a proposed ordinance that would terminate its cooperative agreement with the City of Bossier City and require the organization to vacate the Old Municipal Building at 630 Barksdale Blvd. The building has served as the council’s headquarters for decades and is widely recognized as a central arts venue in Bossier City.
“This evening we have had some terrible news brought before us,” the organization wrote. “It has been brought to our attention that the City Council of Bossier City has proposed an ordinance to Terminate their Cooperative Agreement with us and have us evicted from the Old Municipal Building on 630 Barksdale Blvd, that which we call home.”
The ordinance referred to would terminate “any and all” existing agreements and/or contracts between the the Bossier Arts Council and the City of Bossier City. The ordinance was proposed by City Attorney Charles Jacobs and comes at advice of the legislative auditor, according to the ordinance.
It would also force the BAC to vacate their building at 630 Barksdale Blvd. within seven days of the ordinance becoming effective or by March 30, whichever is earlier.
The Bossier Arts Council, commonly referred to as BAC, has operated in Bossier City for approximately 45 years, offering exhibitions, arts education programs, and community events. They also serve as events manager for the East Bank plaza. In its post, the organization said the proposed ordinance comes at a challenging time.
“This comes during a time in which our current limited staff have been working hard to keep the organization functioning while we search for an Executive Director,” the statement read.
The organization also referenced a recent report from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor that found the council noncompliant with financial reporting requirements for the third consecutive year. According to the BAC’s statement, current staff members were previously unaware of the issue but have begun corrective efforts.
“This news comes after a recent story that the BAC has been deemed noncompliant with its financial reporting requirements for the third year in a row by the LA Legislative Auditor,” the organization wrote. “Something that our current staff of three had been left unaware of, but have been in the process of rectifying with the help of a new accountant and board leadership.”
The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office routinely reviews financial submissions from public and quasi-public entities to ensure compliance with state reporting standards. Failure to meet those standards can trigger findings that necessitate corrective action plans and updated filings.
In its public message, the Bossier Arts Council acknowledged the City’s concerns but expressed hope that a resolution could be reached.
“We understand the concerns of the City but truly feel we can come to an agreement that leaves us here, in the Heart of Bossier City, making an artistic impact on our Community,” the statement said.
The proposed ordinance is scheduled for review at the Bossier City Council meeting on February 17 at 3:00 p.m. at Bossier City Council chambers, 620 Benton Road. As part of its post, the arts organization urged supporters to attend.
“We are asking all of you, our supporters, friends, and family, to come out and attend the City Council meeting next Tuesday and let the council members hear your voice,” the organization wrote. “Let them know that the BAC is for the community and that we can do our best work where we have been for the last 45 years. We need your help. We hope to see you there.”
As of publication, the proposed ordinance had not yet been voted on. Council members are expected to review and discuss the measure at the upcoming meeting. To be enacted, the measure would need to pass a vote at that meeting as well as another vote in two weeks time.
