By Stacey Tinsley | Bossier Press-Tribune
The Bossier City Council voted Tuesday to approve terminating the city’s Joint Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Bossier Arts Council and repealing existing ordinances that allowed the organization to use city-owned property.
The action came during the council’s regular meeting on March 3 and follows discussions between city officials and the arts organization regarding compliance requirements, funding and long-term sustainability.
The Bossier Arts Council has operated in the East Bank District for approximately 45 years, serving as a hub for local artists, exhibitions and community programming. Through its cooperative agreement with the city, the organization received in-kind support including use of city premises, utilities and other resources.
City officials said concerns surfaced in October regarding financial compliance and broader accountability measures tied to public support.
Councilman Brian Hammons addressed the timeline during Tuesday’s meeting.
“This didn’t start two weeks ago. This started in October,” Hammons said. “It’s not that the City of Bossier does not care about the arts. It’s been there 45 years. Apparently we care about the arts. But you have to understand, that we have guidelines that must go along with that.”
Hammons added that while the city has provided rent-free space and covered utilities, officials were concerned about the organization’s broader funding strategy.
“Yes, you have free rent, free electric, free water. You have all of that. But you have no money to do anything else. You have no federal grants out there working. You have no fundraisers out there working,” he said.
Despite the proposed termination of the agreement, council members emphasized that support for the arts in Bossier City will continue.
Bossier City Council President and At-Large Councilman Chris Smith said the vote does not signal the end of arts programming in the East Bank District.
“However this vote goes today, there’s going to be art in Bossier City in the East Bank District,” Smith said. “That is a commitment from this entire council. Whether it’s the BAC or not, I think it remains to be determined. Art is not going away. There’s going to be a place for artists to go. The city is not looking to profit off of this endeavor.”
Smith described the move as an effort to ensure accountability while maintaining a long-term vision for arts and cultural development in the district.
During the same meeting, the council also approved introduction of an ordinance prohibiting payments to any outside agency or entity listed as non-compliant by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. The measure is intended to strengthen oversight and ensure public funds are distributed only to organizations meeting state reporting requirements.
The ordinances introduced Tuesday will return for final consideration at a future council meeting.
As discussions continue, city leaders say they remain committed to fostering arts and culture in Bossier City while balancing financial responsibility and regulatory compliance.