BOSSIER CITY, La. — The Bossier City Council voted March 17 to terminate its long-standing agreement with the Bossier Arts Council, concluding weeks of discussion over financial compliance and accountability in the use of public funds.
In a 5-2 vote, the council approved an ordinance ending the cooperative endeavor agreement with the nonprofit and requiring it to vacate its space in the city-owned Old Municipal Building in the East Bank District. The move ends a partnership that has spanned approximately 45 years.
The decision follows findings that the arts council has been noncompliant with state financial reporting requirements for three consecutive years, according to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor. That designation renders the organization ineligible for state funding and certain federally administered grants.
City officials said arts programming will continue despite the change in management.
Councilwoman Debra Ross introduced a separate ordinance, which passed its first reading, proposing that the city assume a more direct role in overseeing arts activities. The plan includes hiring a full-time employee to manage the Old Municipal Building and coordinate programming.
“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.
The council’s actions extended beyond the arts council, signaling a broader shift in how nonprofit funding is evaluated.
An additional ordinance was introduced to revoke $20,000 in previously approved funding for the United Way of Northwest Louisiana, which has also been listed as noncompliant by the state auditor.
United Way President and CEO LaToria Thomas said the compliance issue stems from a delayed 2024 audit tied to administrative changes. She said the organization has engaged 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 intended to ensure consistency in how public funds are distributed.
“My position is just the City Council staying consistent — not picking winners and losers or treating one organization differently,” Smith said.
Councilman Cliff Smith added that the decisions are not necessarily permanent and could be revisited once compliance issues are resolved.
“This is not the final nail in the coffin,” he said. “Do your due diligence, take care of business, and then go from there.”
Stacey Tinsley from the Bossier Press-Tribune contributed to this report.