WE NEED BETTER FISCAL MANAGEMENT AND TRANSPARENCY AND             WE NEED IT TODAY. TOMORROW WILL BE TOO LATE !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As residents of Washington Parish, we are deeply concerned about the mismanagement of our limited municipal revenue in the city of Bogalusa, LA. Our small community relies heavily on these funds for essential services and infrastructure. However, under the current mayor's leadership, we have witnessed a significant decline in both.

Our town has a population of just over 12,000 people (U.S. Census Bureau), and every cent counts towards maintaining our quality of life here. We believe that our hard-earned tax dollars should be used responsibly and transparently to benefit all citizens.  Public funds have been used without council approval for a dog park, retention pond and teen center, none of which have been completed while our streets are crumbling, and our sewer system is failing.

This mismanagement has led to numerous issues including being placed on the Louisiana Legislative Auditors Noncompliant list. According to La. R.S. 24:513; Whoever violates the provisions of R.S. 24:513,etseq. (Audit Law) shall be fined not more than $1000.00 and shall be deemed guilty of malfeasance and gross misconduct in office and shall be subject to removal.

An investigation was requested by the Municipal Police Employees Retirement System because money withheld from police officers pay checks as their portion of the contribution to their retirement was not paid to the retirement fund. 

Per our City Charter the salary of the mayor begins at $70,000.00 his beginning salary is $83,500.00 plus overtime. Salaried employees do not get paid overtime!!!

Our airport, which receives federal and state grant money to help with maintenance, improvements and operation is completely shut down for use. Pilots are having to reroute to other nearby airports for fuel because none is available.

The highest performing school in Bogalusa is having their monthly rent raised from $1500.00/month to $8800.00/month while other non-profits who support the mayor are being given leases for $1 a year.

This is not what we envisioned for our beloved town when our current mayor was elected.

We cannot stand by while this continues. Therefore, we demand that the current mayor be removed from office immediately so that responsible fiscal management can be restored in Bogalusa.

Please join us in demanding accountability and change for Bogalusa by signing this petition today!