Bossier City Council on a final reading approved an ordinance amending Section 94-76 of the Bossier City Code of Ordinances to adjust sanitation rates, with Councilmember Darby recorded as the lone no vote.

The administration said the adopted change applies a 2% sanitation rate increase intended to cover rising costs. “We felt like a 2% increase would adequately cover the expenses and it would equate to, about 25 to 30¢ per household,” City administration representative Miss Nottingham said during the council discussion.

Councilmembers and staff discussed the origins and scope of the increase. A councilmember raised concerns about effects on “the elderly and those who are on a fixed income,” saying the council should consider the distributive impact of the change. Nottingham said the 2% rate was set by the administration after a rate study provided parameters and recommendations and that the council may amend the rate if it chooses.

Staff noted other enterprise fund pressures discussed during the meeting. City staff member Ben said previously installed water meters are nearing their expected 10-year service life and that replacing meters could affect utility revenue stability. City staff also said the current waste collection contract is operating month-to-month under reconduction and has included annual CPI adjustments that contributed to sanitation cost increases at the municipal level.

Council and staff clarified operational limits for commercial service: city staff said businesses that require a dumpster receive private service and that the municipal can limit is typically four cans per commercial account. Staff said they are scheduling a sanitation-provider meeting to discuss contract options and service details.

Formal action: the council adopted the ordinance on final reading to amend Section 94-76 to adjust sanitation rates. The motion carried; Councilmember Darby voted against the ordinance.

The council did not set a new implementation date in the discussion recorded on the transcript; the ordinance was passed on final reading and will be reflected in city billing per the administrative schedule.