The City of Bastrop, Louisiana, held a special meeting on January 3, 2025, to address significant concerns regarding the management of the GOCEP fund, which has been in existence since 2021. The meeting was marked by a heated discussion about transparency and accountability within the city administration.

The meeting began with a council member expressing frustration over the lack of communication regarding the GOCEP fund. It was revealed that the fund, initially believed to be non-existent, had a balance that fluctuated from $2.2 million to $1.8 million. The council member emphasized that the administration had been aware of the fund's existence and had made purchases using it in 2022 and 2023, contradicting previous claims of ignorance.

The council member criticized the administration for not being open and transparent, stating that it was unfair for the council and the public to be left in the dark about the fund's status. They stressed the importance of not allowing such a situation to occur again, highlighting the need for better communication and oversight.

As the discussion progressed, another council member acknowledged the lack of established purchasing policies, which contributed to the confusion surrounding the fund. They committed to researching and implementing clear procedures to ensure accountability and transparency in future financial dealings.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of establishing formal policies to prevent similar issues from arising in the future. The council members expressed a collective desire to improve governance and restore trust with the constituents they serve. The urgency of addressing these matters was underscored, as the deadline for certain financial decisions was imminent.