(The Center Square) — The renewal of several citywide millages and redefining blighted property and abandoned property definitions passed during this week’s Shreveport City Council meeting, with all six council members voting in favor.
The Shreveport City Council voted to pass three ordinances seeking to renew citywide millages for another year on Tuesday. The proposed millages were for the current rate and did not increase property taxes for taxpayers.
Apart from millage renewals, the council took another step forward in the continued fight to decrease blight in the area. As blight is an ongoing issue in Shreveport, the Department of Property Standards requested an amendment to change definitions for blighted and abandoned properties.
The changes to the terminology now put the Shreveport Code of Ordinances in alignment with state law.
Abandoned property now means any property vacant or not lawfully occupied, including properties not occupied by the owner, lessee, or other invitee. The amendment details various conditions and circumstances in which the property is considered abandoned.
Blighted property now means any commercial or residential property that is vacant, uninhabitable, or hazardous, including lots. Conditions of the property will be assessed by physical condition and could pose a hazard to persons or property.
While Ordinances 38, 39, 40 and 41 passed with six in favor, Ordinance 37 failed to pass during its final reading.
Ordinance 37 pertained to the repeal of Section 26-269 of the Code of Ordinances. This section adopted the entire Louisiana State Procurement Code. However, according to the ordinance, the administration no longer believes the continued use of the procurement code is required. Despite the recommendations in the ordinance, it failed to pass, with four council members voting against it.
When looking ahead to the June 24 meeting, the council will discuss potential amendments to the General Fund and Community Development Special Revenue Fund budgets.