CADDO PARISH ANNUAL REPORT 2003 President’s Message

Unless a permanent solution can be found, the budget problem that made itself painfully felt in Caddo Parish during 2003 will continue into 2004 and beyond. The problem is not unique to Caddo Parish–it is part of a larger problem that has plagued virtually every parish in Louisiana for many years---the ever-growing cost of funding all the aspects of the criminal justice system.

Every felony offender who passes through the criminal justice system, from the time of his apprehension by law enforcement officers, his prosecution by the state Attorney, his adjudication by the state Court, and his incarceration by the State or the Parish, imposes a large and ever- growing burden upon the taxpayers of this parish and this state. The same scenario can be found in varying degrees in every county of every state in the Union. Every dollar spent on criminal justice is a dollar that could be spent on more beneficial and positive public works and improvements–or a dollar that could remain in the pockets of taxpayers.

Within the annual budget administered by the Caddo Parish Commission are several budgetary agencies that are components of the criminal justice system–the District Attorney’s Office, the District Court and the Juvenile Court. The Parish jail—Caddo Correctional Center—is provided and maintained by the Caddo Parish Commission, even though it is operated by the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.

In total, these criminal justice expenditures account for the major part of the annual budget of the Parish of Caddo. All of these agencies are in effect competing for a limited number of dollars—the tax revenues provided by the citizens of the Parish. The question of “Who pays for what—and how As I look back on 2003 and my year as President of the Caddo Parish much?” provides an ongoing forum between the Commission and the Commission, I see it as a year of progress and achievement. I also see it budgetary agencies. That question became the focus of a lawsuit filed as a year of challenges, difficulties and continuing concerns. by the Sheriff against Caddo Parish during 2003, and it is still before the courts. On the negative side, 2003 was the year in which a Juvenile Court budgetary problem we had seen developing for years finally reached a point where This Parish has been very fortunate in recent years that boarding fees recurring and growing deficits could no longer be balanced by applying received from the casino boats in Caddo Parish have provided a source funds from our reserves. of revenue that could be applied to the deficits in the criminal justice area. However, various factors have resulted in reduced revenues in the The tax millage that funds Juvenile Court has not changed since 1957. Riverboat Fund, and we continue to seek ways to streamline operations During that 46 years there have been major changes in the juvenile justice and reduce costs as well as to restore or replace lost revenue sources. system. Juvenile offenses have dramatically increased in both numbers and in severity. These have resulted in dealing with the problem in new The positive side of the 2003 ledger contains many bright spots. For me ways that stress prevention, redirection and rehabilitation rather than personally, the opportunity to serve as president of this splendid body was incarceration alone. This in turn has produced a need for more judges a rewarding and humbling experience. (three currently as opposed to one in 1957), more trained counselors and probation officers, and more remedial programs for not just the youthful It is my hope that as President I played a role in fostering a continuance of offenders but often their families as well. The work that needs to be done the harmonious and cooperative relationships that this body has enjoyed today cannot be done on 1957 funding. during this Commission term. I also hope that as a body we set an example for good government, demonstrating that Commissioners can have good, We first addressed the problem in 2001 when we asked the voters to professional interpersonal relationships with each other while attending reallocate money from some other areas of our overall budget to apply to the business of the Parish and representing the particular interests of them where needed most, but this was a stop-gap measure at best. We their diverse constituencies. I believe that during this term and during also initiated a rigorous internal cost reduction program. However, we this year we have turned a corner in our working relationships and that determined that cost-cutting, by itself, would not be enough to close we can move forward and conduct the Parish’s business in a decent and the budget gap, and that the reserve could no longer cover the deficit. orderly fashion. Consequently, at the end of 2003 we had to take stringent measures to address the shortfall that the 2004 budget would otherwise bear. On the cover: A breathtaking view of “Government Ditch” on Caddo Lake. This passageway was used many years ago by steamboats on their way to Jefferson, Texas, and has become well traveled by many who enjoy the beautiful cypress trees adorned with Spanish moss. Working together, we tackled the aforementioned budget problems that to the tax rolls. In a related effort, during 2003 Caddo Parish contracted with a dominated much of our time, with the common goal of ensuring that Caddo private firm that specializes in collecting back taxes on properties. We expect Parish would be fiscally sound in difficult times. The hard cuts were painful, some impressive results from this program. but we saw our greater responsibility as one of being good stewards of the taxpayers’ funds. We continued in 2003 to battle a new threat, the West Nile Virus, that has been particularly prevalent in this area. We intensified our efforts to kill As I look back on the year, I see numerous highlights. One occasion that was mosquitoes, the carrier of the virus, by increasing mobile spraying and especially pleasing to me was the unfurling of a new flag for Caddo Parish. application of larvicide. Perhaps more importantly, we initiated an education This banner, featuring the Parish Emblem shown on the cover of this report, program for citizens, distributing some 95,000 pamphlets in schools, churches now flies in front of the Government Plaza with our national, state and city and businesses, emphasizing the importance of eliminating places on private flags. This flag serves as an important visible symbol of Caddo Parish as both property where water can stand and mosquitoes can breed. a geographical and a governmental entity. Every ten years the governing bodies of this state and nation are required to Many good things happened in Caddo Parish in 2003. General Motors “reapportion” themselves in response to population and demographic shifts completed a major expansion, and before the end of the year began producing that have been revealed by the decennial Census. In 2002 and 2003 the Caddo the first of a complete new line of mid-size trucks. Caddo Parish was pleased Parish Commission completed its reapportionment process prior to the fall to be able to assist GM in this expansion phase not only by making available to Commission elections. Four new Commissioners were elected, replacing four the company additional land in the West Shreveport Industrial Park, but also sitting Commissioners who either sought other offices or who reached the by making Parish-owned lands available to some of the company’s suppliers mandatory retirement imposed by term limits. who relocated here to serve that plant. Ai Corporation, Oakley Tire and Wheel Assembly, Intier Automotive and Crown Enterprises built new facilities here The departure of one of those outgoing Commissioners, District 10 Commissioner to be near GM. A major road that serves the General Motors Assembly Plant Danny Dumas, had special historical significance: Danny, who represented the was dedicated as Al Bourland Drive in recognition of a Haynesville, Louisiana, Southern Hills area, was the most senior member of the Commission, with native who could properly be called the “father” of the Shreveport GM Plant. 24 years of service. More notably, he was the only remaining member who Mr. Bourland, a former GM executive, in the early 1970's worked with former had initially served on the Police Jury-–the predecessor body that governed Senators Bennett Johnston and Russell Long and Congressman Joe Waggoner the Parish from 1847 until it was replaced by the Caddo Parish Commission in in convincing General Motors that Shreveport was the right area for the 1984. Danny was conscientious and effective, and the model of a good public company to locate an additional manufacturing plant. servant.

In the southwest part of the Parish, exciting new plans began to take shape The departure of the last remaining Police Juror is also a symbolic point in the on Parish lands that were part of the former Caddo Detention Center tract. transition that the Commission has been undergoing in recent years. I feel The Eddie D. Jones Park opened, providing much-utilized trails for mountain that relationships forged four years ago still continue as a spirit of harmony, bikers, horseback riders, hikers and long-distance runners. Chimp Haven, cooperation and consideration that characterize the Commission today. The an organization devoted to providing a sanctuary for chimpanzees no cohesiveness of this body will be a critical factor as we face the daunting new longer needed in research, moved its national headquarters here and began challenges and needs we see on the horizon–and those not yet in sight. construction on its long-awaited sanctuary facility, partially funded by the federal government and located on 200 acres donated by the Parish. We have to solve our criminal justice funding dilemma, and we have to find ways to encourage and expedite economic development. I believe this On another part of the old CDC site, plans were finally approved for a federal Commission is prepared, dedicated and motivated to tackle these and other Veterans Cemetery that will be operated by the State. The fishing pier at Earl issues we face in the months and years ahead. Williamson Park in Oil City was extended during the year, and work began on the new Keithville Community Park.

During the year we implemented a program to provide assistance to our elderly Carl A. Pierson and disabled citizens by collecting discarded cell phones and re-programming President 2003 them to serve as emergency communications devices. With the assistance of the Caddo Parish 911 Emergency Communications District, the Caddo Council on Aging, and our own technical staff, about 350 phones were re-fitted and distributed to citizens who requested them. Commission President, Carl Pierson For years we have been seeking solutions to the assists parish employees, Jack Adger problem of adjudicated properties—parcels of land that and Steven Walker, with distribution of have been placed in the custody of the Parish because emergency cell phones. back taxes were not paid and because of factors such as location, accessibility or irregular configuration they were not purchased at a Sheriff’s sale. Our Public Works and Legal Departments have for some time been aggressively working to either get the original owners to redeem them, or to place them up for bids. The results have been excellent: not only has some $483,700 been added to the Parish coffers over the past two years, property with a total assessed value of $3,919,300 has been added back Caddo Parish Commissioners

James H. “Jim” Morris Rose Wilson McCulloch Carl A. Pierson, Sr. Gilford L. “Gif” Gillen District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 Year elected: 1995 Year elected: 1999 Year elected: 1999 Year elected: 1995 Republican Democrat Democrat Republican

Joyce Bowman Kenneth Epperson Patrick C. Williams Michael Long District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 Year elected: 1999 Year elected: 1991 Year elected: 1999 Year elected: 2002 Democrat Democrat Democrat Republican

Bob Brown Danny Dumas Ron Webb Forrest A. Davis District 9 District 10 District 11 District 12 Year elected: 1995 Year elected: 1979 Year elected: 1995 Year elected: 1995 Republican Republican Republican Democrat

Caddo Parish Commission elections were held in November, 2003. As a result of that election, four districts received new commissioners which began serving their terms in January, 2004. They are as follows: District 6 Lindora Baker District 7 Stephanie Lynch District 10 David Cox District 12 Clifford Collins About Your Caddo Parish Commission

The Caddo Parish Commission (the “Commission”) is the governing authority for the Parish of Caddo and is a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana. The Commission consists of twelve members called commissioners who are elected to four-year terms from single member districts. The Commission, under the provisions of Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:1271-1285, enacts ordinances, sets policy and establishes programs in such fields as criminal and juvenile justice, highways and streets, sanitation, planning and zoning, public health and CADDO PARISH COMMISSION MEMBERS welfare, libraries, culture and recreational GOVERNMENT CHAMBERS facilities, economic development and 505 TRAVIS STREET general administrative services. SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA The Commission was established December 10, 1984 after voter approval of the Home Rule Charter for Caddo Parish on April 7, 1984. The Commission replaced the Caddo Parish Police Jury which was established January 18, 1838. Under the Home Rule Charter form of government, an elected commission serves as the legislative branch and the Parish Administrator is the Chief Executive Officer and head of the executive branch of the parish government. Although the Caddo Parish Commission holds a membership in the Louisiana Police Jury Association, Caddo Parish is among a few parishes that operates under the “commission-administrator” form of government. The Commission’s other memberships include the National Association of Counties, the Government Finance Officers Association, the Black Caucus of the State Police Jury Association and the National Association of Black County Officials.

HOW YOUR PARISH COMMISSION WORKS When your parish staff or commissioners discover problems or receive complaints from citizens, a step-by-step process immediately goes into effect.

1. The problem/need is identified. 2. The problem is “staffed” by the parish administration. 3. If the administrative staff concludes that legislation is needed, the issue is presented to the 12-member Parish Commission, which meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. 4. Commissioners, who meet in public session, seek public input on the problem/need. The commission votes to decide on the problem/need. 5. The Commission refers its decision to the Parish Administrator for implementation.

PLANNING AND ZONING Parish Commissioners are required to review all property zoning considerations. A two-thirds vote of the Commission can overturn decisions rendered by the members of the Metropolitan Planning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals. A parish Property Standards Ordinance allows inspectors to enforce property standards laws. Zoning and subdivision laws are designed to ensure citizens’ property rights. Administration Report

Included in this Report are narratives from the eight departments responsible for the administration of Caddo Parish Government operations. These narratives include projects and accomplishments for 2003. I urge you to review them. We are very proud of our employees and the Department Heads that direct their work.

I repeat what has been said before – one is a fact and the other I strongly believe – our payroll is our largest expense and our people are our greatest asset. Most entities, public and private, experience this expense; however, few have our asset, the quality of our people.

There were several significant programs or projects started, continued or completed in 2003:

∑ Our Adjudicated Property Program designed to sell and return these properties to the tax rolls continues to be successful. From its inception W.T. HANNA, JR. in 2002 through April, 2004 – Parish revenue has exceeded $200,000. ADMINISTRATOR AND CEO 521 applications - $52,100 – Parish administrative fees 118 parcels sold - $161,218 - Parish administrative fees 30 properties redeemed - $420,207 collected - $105,000 – Parish share ∑ The Parish received over $2.2 million from the State Economic Development Award Program (EDAP) for the Red River Pharma/Bio Med project and two G. M. Suppliers – Oakley and A-I for infrastructure improvements. ∑ Our Public Works Department, working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in conjunction with its National Flood Program, has received grants totaling over $1,020,000. These grants have been used to buy-out or elevate 11 previously flooded family homes. The buy-out amount is established at 75% of the appraised value. We have been involved with this program since 1999. These efforts, along with others taken by the Parish of Caddo, have benefited the entire parish through a 5% discount on flood insurance policies purchased. ∑ Efforts to develop the Eddie D. Jones Nature Park, located in South Caddo, continued with the opening of the Park and Trails in March and a Groundbreaking for Chimp Haven, May 30th. The Veterans Cemetery construction should begin in 2004. ∑ Badly needed new headquarters buildings for Public Works North and South camps are under construction and scheduled for completion in April of 2004. Funds from the sale of Parish property will pay the cost of both buildings. ∑ Of significance, the Parish has successfully defended the lawsuit brought by the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office seeking additional funding from Caddo Parish. The historic Caddo Courthouse has immaculately kept grounds. Playful squirrels call the huge oak trees home, and beautiful flowers surround the facility.

MOST IMPORTANT - For almost half of this year, we were intensely In 1957, we had one Juvenile Judge – we now have three. The involved with how to address our shortage of operating funds in juvenile population has increased and so has juvenile crime. The preparing the 2004 Budget. We began work on this anticipated juvenile justice problem has escalated beyond what could have been problem in 2001 when the Parish asked voters to approve a envisioned 47 years ago. Further savings can not solve this lack of rededication of certain millages – which they did. There was no funding WITHOUT reducing the programs necessary to address our increase in taxes. This rededication delayed our problem until now. needs for the juvenile justice operations. There must be an increase To further explain – the Parish has 21 operating funds and all, but in funding in order to continue the present level of services and in two, are dedicated to specific purposes. Funds for one purpose can anticipation of some increasing need. not be used for the support of another purpose. The Juvenile Judges have requested that the Commission place on The two non-dedicated funds are the Riverboat Fund and the the July 17th ballot a proposition that will allow voters to assess General Fund. Of course it is not prudent to use riverboat funds for the need for a small increase in the sales tax (.15%) to be dedicated recurring operating expenses. In recent years, we have had to all for the operation of our Juvenile Justice Complex. If our citizens but deplete our General Fund balance by using it to cover deficits approve this moderate increase in the funding of Juvenile Justice, in dedicated funds, primarily, those associated with criminal justice. the financial problems of the Parish and Juvenile Justice would be Not having a satisfactory fund balance can have a negative impact eliminated for the foreseeable future. on our Bond Rating which, at present, is as high as any governmental entity in the state. In the meantime, the Caddo Administration will strive to satisfactorily perform the services for which we are responsible. At this juncture, After significant operating cost reductions of over $1,000,000 by I am pleased with our operations. the Administration, we still faced almost a $2,000,000 deficit. We were forced to take $1,700,000 from our Riverboat Fund and over $300,000 from our General Fund in order to cover the shortage.

The biggest problem results from a shortage of money to operate our Juvenile Complex – the Detention Facility and Juvenile Court. It receives the same Tax Millage that it received in 1957 (2.2 mills), which was 47 years ago. Departmental Projects and Services 2003 HIGHLIGHTS During 2003, parish officials continued to implement a number of programs designed to provide quality services for the citizens of Caddo Parish. On the pages to follow, you will find an overview of each department with highlights of projects and services that were accomplished throughout the year. Department of Public Works Department of Parks and Recreation Jeron Rogers, Director Larry Raymond, Director The Department of Public Works is responsible for the design and The Department of Parks and Recreation serves the community by construction of Parish roads, bridges and drainage, as well as solid providing parks and recreational opportunities throughout the Parish, and waste collection and hauling. The department also manages the Parish’s by helping to facilitate a variety of cultural and leisure time activities. The construction permit office, engineering and subdivision plan review and department currently provides services for 18 parks and historical sites. approval, property standards violations, haul road monitoring, and zoning. Parish roads and drainage maintenance facilities are located in Vivian and ∑ Helped facilitate “Christmas on Caddo” (December 6, 2003) in Earl G. Springridge, Louisiana. Williamson Park – more than 3,000 people attended the event ∑ Partnered with Ark-La-Tex Orienteering Society to host the “Ho Ho O” Orienteering Meet (December 13, 2003) in Walter B. Jacobs ∑ Overlaid 43 miles of Parish roads through the Road Treatment Program Nature Park –210 people participated (66 Roads) Assisted SPAR with the Martin Luther King, Jr., Basketball Tournament ∑ Completed reconstruction of 6 Miles of Parish roads using in-house (February 2003) – 36 teams representing both the men’s and personnel women’s divisions participated ∑ Performed 22 miles of road striping ∑ Facilitated eight weeks of Earth Camp in partnership with Shreveport ∑ Al Bourland Drive – Construction (Economic Development) Green in Walter B. Jacobs Nature Park for 270 children and 30 ∑ Quad “J” Road – Construction counselors from eleven sites ∑ Calumet Drive – Construction (60/40 Project) ∑ Facilitated an adventure camp-out for 18 children in Eddie D. Jones ∑ General Motors Boulevard and Bert Kouns Industrial Loop – Assist Park (March 21, 2003) ∑ Facilitated Senior Day (May 16, 2003) in Earl G. Williamson Park – 125 in construction of turn lanes and drainage infrastructure people representing six senior centers participated (Economic Development) ∑ Assisted Chimp Haven with a successful groundbreaking ceremony in ∑ Assisted in the sale of 13.774 acres of land in the new Caddo Industrial Eddie D. Jones Park (May 30, 2003) – more than 225 people Park to KRH-Wieland, L.L.C., for the Oakley Sub-Assembly plant participated ∑ Assisted with the collection, sale, and donation of adjudicated Facilitated “Get Hooked on Fishing Day” for approximately 300 property children, parents, volunteers and ShrevCORPS members ∑ Assisted with Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day along with (June 28, 2003) the City of Shreveport ∑ ∑ Assisted Registrar of Voters during reapportionment process with GIS

mapping of precincts and districts ∑ The Solid Waste Department, through the Parish Work Release Program, collected litter and trash pick-up along 742 miles of road ∑ The Solid Waste Department collected, transported and disposed of approximately 15,250 tons of solid waste from seventeen (17) | compactor sites ∑ The Permits Department issued approximately 474 Building Permits, 370 Utility Permits, 59 Driveway Permits, 55 Hauler Permits and 14 Commercial Building Permits

Parish employees and ShrevCORPS students work on the extension of the pier in Earl G. Williamson Park.

Added a sixty-foot extension to the floating fishing pier in Earl G. Williamson Park with the help of a $10,000 grant from Bass Life Associates, Inc ∑ Constructed Phase II of the Visitor Center in Eddie D. Jones Park New Public Works Received 2002-2003 Pride Award for development of Eddie D.Jones Park Highway offices were ∑ Constructed almost 1/2 mile of asphalt walking trails in Keithville constructed in Vivian Community Park with the assistance of the Public Works and Springridge with Department revenue from the sale of ∑ Constructed a restroom in Keithville Community Park Jimmy Whittington of the Parish Engineers Office conducts ∑ Constructed a covered picnic pad with tables and grill in P. B. S. Pinchback Park Parish property. a workshop on adjudicated property at the annual ∑ Constructed a full-size basketball court in Hannah’s Park with the meeting of the Organization of Parish Administrative assistance of a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Officials held in Shreveport in September. Officials from ∑ Worked with the NYSP program on the fundamentals of basketball at parishes throughout the state were interested in how the Southern University for children ages 8 to 17 – approximately adjudicated property program is working in Caddo Parish. 350 children involved in program each day Departmental Projects and Services

Department of Animal Services and Mosquito Control Department of Facilities and Maintenance Richard J. “Trey” McMillan, III, Director Woodrow Wilson, Director The Department of Animal Services and Mosquito Control is responsible The Department of Facilities and Maintenance has the sole responsibility for protecting the public’s safety and health as associated with domestic for daily operation, maintenance, renovation, construction and monitoring and wild animals, mosquitoes, and diseases from rats. of all of the Parish’s facilities. In addition, the department is responsible for the security of parish facilities and it also ensures that all voting places ∑ Increased Mosquito Control personnel with additional Biologist are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. During 2003, ∑ Assisted Bossier Parish with West Nile Virus procedures the department completed forty-eight (48) capital improvement projects, ∑ Utilized CO2 baited mosquito traps to attract mosquitoes and listed below are highlights of some of those improvements. ∑ Conducted mosquito pool testing for mosquito transmitted diseases ∑ Conducted mosquito surveys in various Northwest Louisiana parishes ∑ Replaced insulated windows on the 3rd floor atrium of the Caddo Parish for purpose of new mosquito program Health Unit ∑ Provided sponsorship programs to prevent heart worms in animals ∑ Replaced the roof and installed turbines at the Vivian ∑ Expanded volunteer program to include Barksdale Air Force Health Complex Base personnel ∑ Replaced metal window guards at the Caddo Parish Courthouse Participation from volunteer group to conduct educational programs ∑ Installed a new overhead door for the van port at Caddo with Caddo Parish Schools Correctional Center Participation with donation sponsored programs such as Homeless ∑ Painted the exterior of the Head Start, Dental Facilities and Library Homer and The Dialogue Company at the David Raines Community Center ∑ Monthly meetings with the Animal Services Board to review vicious ∑ Completed Phase I of the chiller replacement at the Juvenile animal cases Justice Complex ∑ Utilized four microchip scanners ∑ Replaced the 6-ton air condition unit at the Francis P. ∑ Provided additional office for Animal Control Officers and Bickham Building Kennel Manager ∑ Upgraded the interior lighting at the LSU Extension Service Office with T-8 fixtures ∑ Replaced the ceiling tiles and grid system at the LSU Extension Service Office ∑ Replaced the roof at Caddo Community Action Agency ∑ Replaced the air condition unit at Caddo Community Action Agency Administration Building

Caddo Parish Animal Services and Mosquito Control located at 1500 Monty Street in Shreveport. The facility houses dogs and cats available Several Commissioners and Parish Administrator, Bill Hanna, join Facilities and for adoption, and plays an important Maintenance employee, Willie Collins, in the unveiling of the sign for the Caddo part in combating the mosquito Parish Courthouse. Mr. Collins brought to the attention of the administration the population year-round. need for a sign on the courthouse lawn, when he was questioned by a citizen as to the building’s identity. Departmental Projects and Services 2003 HIGHLIGHTS

Department of Fleet Services Office of the Parish Attorney Todd A. Hopkins, Director Charles C. Grubb, Parish Attorney The Department of Fleet Services is responsible for maintaining and The Office of the Parish Attorney was created and established pursuant to refueling all Parish vehicles and heavy equipment. The department also Section 5.07 of the Home Rule Charter of the Parish of Caddo. The Parish provides vehicle maintenance and refueling services to other governmental Attorney serves as the chief legal advisor to the Caddo Parish Commission, agencies within Caddo Parish. the Parish Administrator, and all offices, departments, boards and agencies of the governmental unit of the Parish of Caddo. Traffic Engineering/Sign Shop plays an important part in insuring the citizens of Caddo Parish have safe roads on which to travel. This division ∑ Drafted and obtained preliminary and permanent injunction from the also provides quality specialty signs for outside governmental agencies and District Court adopting new precinct boundaries and some non-profit organizations throughout Caddo Parish. polling places ∑ Drafted and finalized approximately fifty (50) ordinances and ∑ Replaced decals on all Parish vehicles resolutions; eighteen (18) Cooperative Endeavor Agreements; and ∑ Increased quality of Parish equipment approximately ninety (90) additional contracts, amendments to ∑ Secured Homeland Security Grants contracts, agreements, donations, leases and receipt and releases on behalf of the Parish of Caddo. In 2003, Fleet Services was successful in adding agencies like the Town of ∑ Reviewed, assisted and sponsored AI Shreveport, L.L.C. for an Mooringsport and several Caddo Parish Constables for services such as Economic Development Award Contract in the amount of vehicle maintenance, signage and gasoline purchases. $882,677.00 for the construction of a rail spur to serve the General Motors Assembly Plant. Approximately 147 new jobs were created In 2003, Fleet Services secured two (2) grants for Homeland Security and by the end of 2003 with an annual payroll of not less that Emergency Preparedness totaling approximately forty-five thousand $3,896,000. dollars. Homeland Security equipment totaled around $10,000 and Hazard ∑ Reviewed, assisted and sponsored Red River Pharma for an Economic Mitigation Plan ranged around $35,000. These grants will help in securing a Development Award Contract in the amount of $997,100.00 for safer environment for the citizens of Caddo Parish. the purchase and installation of pharmaceutical research, development and drug formulation equipment for the InterTech Science Park Wet Lab Incubator/Accelerator - BioSpace. Approximately 18 new jobs were created by the end of 2003 with a company annual payroll of not less that $1,010,000. ∑ Reviewed, assisted and sponsored Oakley Sub Assembly, Inc. for an Economic Development Award Contract in the amount of $242,511.50 for the construction of a public road to its facility that will be producing tire and wheel assemblies for the GM Assembly Plant. Approximately 51 jobs were created with an annual payroll of $1,252,000. ∑ Obtained favorable and prevailing decisions in various District Court and State appellate cases. ∑ Litigated Steve Prator Sheriff of Caddo Parish v. Caddo Parish Commission, Docket No. 467,106-A, First Judicial District Court, Caddo Parish, Louisiana. The matter is currently on appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeal. (Subsequently prevailed in this appeal in February, 2004 prior to publication of this report.)

Caddo Parish Fleet Services Department is responsible for the maintenance and fueling of equipment utilized for the daily operations for parish departments. Pictured above is Public Works equipment being utilized in bridge construction. A beautiful shot of the Red River which flows through downtown Shreveport. The river is a vital part of Caddo Parish history, and is featured on the crest and flag for Caddo Parish. Department of Human Resources Department of Finance Maria Eades, Director Erica R. Bryant, Director The Department of Human Resources provides comprehensive support The Department of Finance supports all Parish departments and certain services for approximately 302 employees of the Parish of Caddo and outside agencies by providing centralized financial and data processing additional benefit services for approximately 196 employees of various functions. The Department of Finance consists of three divisions: other agencies funded wholly or partly by the Parish. accounting, purchasing and information systems. All divisions work closely together to provide the Parish with effective and efficient financial and ∑ Distributed approved Personnel Policy Handbook to all employees technological services. ∑ Organized the Summer Youth Program sponsored by the Caddo Parish Commission that placed 12 students in various departments with ∑ Implemented GASB 34 the Parish to gain work experience ∑ Maintained Moody’s bond rating of AA3 ∑ Coordinated open enrollment for employees to participate in the ∑ Provided financial related services to the Parish including accounts Cafeteria Plan, various Supplemental Insurance Plans and payable, payroll, revenue collection, record-keeping and financial Medical/Dental insurance reporting. Approximately $44,000,000 in revenues is collected Implemented new group life insurance plan with Unum Life Insurance annually. ∑ Created a more uniform job description for all positions within ∑ Actively managed the Parish’s investment portfolio with interest the Parish earnings exceeding $1,000,000 ∑ Revised the Performance Evaluation Forms to ensure that employees ∑ Refinanced $2,000,000 in limited tax certificates of indebtedness are being rated on the essential tasks of their positions originally issued to purchase the 7th and 8th floor of Government ∑ Streamlined the entire Hiring Process to ensure quicker, consistent Plaza. placement of new employees into open positions ∑ Implemented internet pornography blocking software and e-mail ∑ Trained all Supervisors, Foremen, and Clerks on proper timekeeping profanity filters methods ∑ Implemented parish e-mail server with integrated Anti-Virus ∑ Implemented an Internship Program through area colleges that allowed ∑ Implemented network intrusion detections system students to earn valuable working experience as well as college ∑ Completed new Caddo Parish website credit for their time with the Parish ∑ Upgraded users to Windows XP operating system, Microsoft Office XP ∑ Saved money and time through a change in providers for and Windows 2000 Pre-Employment and DOT Physicals and Drug Tests ∑ Conducted Caddo Emergency Phone Program ∑ Implemented Release Order System for requirement contracts ∑ Sponsored Small Business Seminar ∑ Sponsored Public Bid Law Seminar

One of many beautiful roses grown on the courthouse grounds.

Thousands of cells phones were donated by citizens throughout the parish for use in the Caddo Emergency Cell Phone Program. Finance Department employee, Steven Walker, is pictured above helping citizens as they receive their 911 Emergency Cell Phone. REVENUES BY SOURCE How YourYear TaxEnded DecemberDollars 31, 2003 Are Spent

Interest Earned 2% Other 5% Gaming REVENUES BY SOURCE 5% YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 State of Louisiana 7% “WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM”

Sales Taxes 11%

Ad Valorem Taxes 70% EXPENDITURES BY MAJOR FUNCTION Year Ended December 31, 2003

General Government 10% Capital Outlay 17% Public Health 6%

Building Maintenance 5%

Juvenile Justice Criminal Justice EXPENDITURES BY 7% 16% MAJOR FUNCTION YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003

“WHERE THE MONEY GOES”

Public Works Shreve Library 11% 23% Debt Service 5% Combined Statement OF REVENUES, EXPENDITURES, AND CHANGES IN FUND BALANCE–GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS (UNAUDITED) Special Debt Capital General Revenue Service Project Permanent Total Revenues: Ad Valorem Taxes and Special Assessments $ 3,861,089 30,020,536 1,760,376 - - 35,642,001 Sales Taxes - 1,790,126 - 3,631,452 - 5,421,578 Franchise Tax 175,840 - - - - 175,840 Federal Grants - 824,275 - - - 824,275 State Revenue Sharing 187,290 3,119,264 - - - 3,306,554 Other State Revenue 1,086,465 772,748 - 1,306,986 - 3,166,199 Licenses and Permits 410,309 66,837 - - - 477,146 Fees and Charges for Services - 90,206 - - - 90,206 Gaming - 2,522,342 - - - 2,522,342 Fines and Forfeitures - 211,086 - - - 211,086 Interest Earned 39,134 401,764 559 451,391 18,098 910,946 Other Revenues 21,024 602,085 - 108,487 - 731,596 Total Revenues 5,781,151 40,421,269 1,760,935 5,498,316 18,098 53,479,769

Expenditures: Parish Commission 489,235 - - - - 489,235 District Court 832,639 40,000 - - - 872,639 District Attorney 2,736,850 - - 31,600 - 2,768,450 Coroner 210,483 - - 34,974 - 245,457 Administration, Legal and Finance 753,578 - - 135,875 - 889,453 Metropolitan Planning Commission 160,000 - - - - 160,000 Registrar of Voters and Election Costs 345,335 - - - - 345,335 Roads and Bridges - 4,420,410 - 4,678,255 - 9,098,665 Public Building Maintenance - 2,661,625 - 1,649,622 - 4,311,247 Caddo Correctional Center - 5,523,015 - 263,344 - 5,786,359 Parks and Recreation - 768,697 - 197,839 - 966,536 Solid Waste Disposal - 1,807,918 - 120,724 - 1,928,642 Drainage - 424,159 - 571,017 - 995,176 Juvenile Justice - 4,217,178 - 112,713 - 4,329,891 Health and Welfare - 1,571,697 - 201,977 - 1,773,674 Animal Shelter and Mosquito Control - 1,862,150 - - - 1,862,150 Shreve Memorial Library - 13,540,853 - - - 13,540,853 Economic Development - 2,085,200 - 1,588,933 - 3,674,133 Debt Service - 433,917 2,163,794 - - 2,597,711 Other Expenditures 369,259 449,379 - 13,578 - 832,216 Total Expenditures 5,897,379 39,806,198 2,163,794 9,600,451 - 57,467,822

Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues Over Expenditures (116,228) 615,071 (402,859) (4,102,135) 18,098 (3,988,053)

Other Financing Sources (Uses):

Operating and Equity Transfers In 450,000 8,999,046 - 7,495,822 - 16,944,868 Operating and Equity Transfers Out - (7,316,452) - (9,673,320) - (16,989,772) Proceeds from Certificates of Indebtedness - 11,870 - - - 11,870 Total Other Financing Sources (Uses) 450,000 1,694,464 - (2,177,498) - (33,034)

Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues Over Expenditures and Other Uses 333,772 2,309,535 (402,859) (6,279,633) 18,098 (4,021,087)

Fund Balance at Beginning of Year 3,790,645 33,250,173 2,174,597 31,110,277 1,157,888 71,483,580

Fund Balance at End of Year $ 4,124,417 35,559,708 1,771,738 24,830,644 1,175,986 67,462,493

Employee Council

One purpose of the Employee Council for the Parish of Caddo is to aid in solving the problems of our fellow employees. We are the voice of the employees to the administration, and we are the first to the table with concerns of the employees.

As a professional group, we act as the go between for employees, supervisors, department heads, and administration leaving no need for strangers to arbitrate for us as in unions. For employees who may not feel comfortable going directly to their department head or the administration, we are their voice.

We witness problems as they arise, and act as a sounding board for employees. We work hard to build the morale of our fellow employees, thus creating a better work place. As a result, the stress level is relieved by letting employees know that they are being heard. We help administration relay a helpful attitude and help find solutions to problems.

Each year, the Employee Council spearheads the Parish’s annual toy drive. Beginning in November, collection boxes are placed in various Parish office locations for all Parish employees to begin donating toys for needy children at Christmas. After several weeks of collecting generous donations from parish employees, the toys are delivered to a local radio station for the Toys for Tots Christmas Toy Drive. The toy drive is a great success each year and continues to grow.

The Employee Council would like to send a special thank you to all the employees of Caddo Parish for helping to make our toy drive so successful. In addition, we would like to thank the Caddo Parish Registrar of Voters Office for their contributions to the toy drive as well.

While the toy drive is an annual event sponsored by the Employee Council, EMPLOYEE COUNCIL MEMBERS past projects have included collecting food to donate to Providence House (STANDING) - TOM LIOI, LLOYD SAMUELS, DAVID BROWN, CHARLIE and a food, clothing, and toiletry drive for the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue ALDRIDGE, CHARLES WILLIAMSON (KNEELING) - MARGIE MAYWETHER, DANA Mission. DARNELL, JANET ROLLINS (NOT PICTURED - ALAN TOLIVER) It is a pleasure to serve as the President of the Employee Council of the Parish of Caddo.

EMPLOYEE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES FOR 2003-2005

Department Representative Engineering Dana Darnell Parks & Recreation David Brown Finance /H. Resources /Comm. Clerk/Admin./Legal Janet Rollins Public Works/North Camp Charlie Aldridge Public Works/South Camp Bridge Crew Alan Toliver Public Works/Solid Waste Charles Williamson Fleet Services/Sign Shop Tom Lioi Facilities & Maintenance Margie Maywether Animal Services & Mosquito Control Lloyd Samuels Employee Council members, Parish Administrator, and several parish department heads arrive at the Target Supercenter on Youree Drive one very cold morning in December to drop off toys donated by parish employees for the Toys for Tots Christmas Toy Drive for needy children. Dana Darnell President Your Parish Services

HEALTH CARE FACILITIES

The Commission provides facilities and appropriates funding for health units at Caddo- Shreveport Health Unit (1035 Creswell Street) and the North Caddo Parish Health Unit (101 Industrial, Vivian, LA). Other Caddo health care facilities include the Shreveport Regional Laboratory (533 Vine Street), the Caddo Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic (1031 Creswell) and the Environmental Health Services Center (1033 Creswell).

In 2003, officials in health care services completed the following activities:

Handled 42,460 requests for vital records. ∑ ∑ Provided 44,488 personal health patient services. ∑ ∑ Inspected 2,321 retail food establishments (restaurants, groceries, etc.). ∑ ∑ Inspected 386 institutional facilities (day cares, nursing homes, hospitals, etc.) ∑ Performed 12,546 environmental health field visits. ∑ ∑ Investigated over 135 citizen complaint calls. ∑ ∑ Collected 3,192 chemical and bacteriological drinking water samples. ∑ ∑ Inspected 1,447 new individual sewerage systems. ∑ Collected 165 dead birds for West Nile Virus testing ∑ Successfully completed a smallpox drill and an immunization blitz.

Pictured above: Caddo Parish Health Unit in Shreveport; North Caddo Health Unit in Vivian SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL

The parish operates a compactor site system to collect citizens’ household garbage and trash. Seventeen compactor sites are located strategically in areas throughout the parish. In 1992, parish voters approved a one half-cent sales tax to operate the trash compactor system. The following are locations for the compactor sites:

Mayo 124 Mayo Road Norris Ferry 10295 Norris Ferry Road Keithville West of Co-Op West Park 7294 West Park North Lakeshore 5581 North Lakeshore Blanchard 7045 Dixie Blanchard Hwy Longwood 9416 Blanchard Latex Road Mooringsport Hwy 169 @ Howard Oil City 106 Kerly Avenue Vivian 10302 Vivian Airport Road Rodessa 12690 Pitts Ida 6912 Cedar Lane Hosston 15104 Oak Street Gilliam 5473 Second Street Belcher 505 East Street Springridge 8270 Colquitt Road Shirley Francis 7095 Shirley Francis Road Your Parish Services

LSU EXTENSION SERVICE

The LSU Cooperative Extension Service is the educational branch of the LSU Agricultural Center and operates in cooperation with the Caddo Parish Commission, the Caddo Parish School Board and the City of Shreveport. The Caddo Parish Commission provides office space and associated equipment, plus some salary contributions to extension staff. The Caddo Extension Office, located at 2408 East 70th Street, is one of the more modern Extension facilities in the state. This is the result of cooperative efforts with the Caddo Parish Commission, the LSU Agriculture Center and private contributions.

The LSU Extension staff provides food and nutrition, horticulture, entomology and forestry information and/or programs for Caddo Parish citizens. County agents and economists work closely with students in 4-H clubs for both private and public schools in Caddo Parish. Agents also provide farmers with technology and environmental regulation information needed for agriculture and farming. Information on crops, animals, gardens and wildlife is also provided to farmers and citizens. The LSU Extension staff also works with homemaker clubs, families and community education clubs in Caddo Parish.

INDEPENDENT FIRE DISTRICTS

The Caddo Parish Commission creates and approves board members for nine Caddo Parish Fire Districts. The districts service mostly rural areas in the parish. Volunteers and full-time staff provide fire protection for citizens in the independent districts. Two Paramedic Fire Districts are included in the nine districts. The following are locations of the districts:

Grant funds received through the Louisiana Fire District No. 1 (Blanchard) 929-2345 Community Development Block Grant program allowed for construction of a new three-bay fire Fire District No. 2 (Lakeview) 425-2712 station for Caddo Parish Fire District No. 2. Fire District No. 3 (Greenwood) 938-5290 Fire District No. 4 (Springridge) 925-2200 Fire District No. 5 (Southwest Caddo) 797-4111 Fire District No. 6 (Keithville) 925-8791 Fire District No. 7 (Oil City, Belcher, Mooringsport, Gilliam) 995-7114 Fire District No. 8 (Vivian, Rodessa,Hosston, Ida) 375-3233 Fire District No. 9 (Dixie Garden) 865-0871 INDEPENDENT WATER, SEWER AND DRAINAGE DISTRICTS

The Caddo Parish Commission creates and approves board members for three waterworks districts; two Caddo Sewerage, Water and Gravity Drainage Districts; and two independent Shreveport Sewer Districts. Water and Gravity districts operate independently and create their own funding sources. The following are the water and sewerage districts:

Waterworks District No. 1 (Oil City) 925-7177 Waterworks District No. 7 (Keithville) 925-6880 Pinehill Waterworks District No. 8 425-7586 Sewer District No. 2 (Lakeview Area) 688-1316 Sewer District No. 7 (Blanchard) 227-0374 Your Parish Services SUMMARY OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGES 2003 Authorized Millage Gross Millage Purpose Through Rate Revenue General Fund: Shreveport/Vivian Continuous 3.70 2,577,510 Remainder of Parish Continuous 7.40 1,215,850

Public Works: Road and Bridge 2013 5.04 4,339,070 Solid Waste Disposal 2013 0.20 172,190 Drainage 2013 1.31 1,127,810 6.55 5,639,070

Public Facilities: Parks and Recreation 2008 0.95 817,880

Courthouse Maintenance 2011 3.08 2,651,660 Detention Facilities 2013 6.03 5,191,390 Juvenile Court 2011 2.23 1,919,870 Public Health: Original 2013 1.29 1,110,600 Supplemental 2010 1.00 860,930 2.29 1,971,530 Shreve Memorial Library: Original 2013 4.66 4,011,920 Supplemental 2013 5.26 4,528,480 9.92 8,540,400

Biomedical Center 2017 1.88 1,618,540 Criminal Justice System 2013 1.75 1,504,214 Criminal Justice System 2017 0.07 62,676 Debt Service Bond Term 1.95 1,678,810

Total Gross Revenue 35,389,400 Total Millage - Shreveport/Vivian 40.40 Total Millage - Remainder of Parish 44.10

CADDO PARISH POPULATION PROFILE

Population Total Black White Other Caddo Parish 254,216 113,380 134,481 6,355 Registered Voters 151,430 59,997 86,658 4,775

Gender Male Female Age Group Registered Voters 65,405 86,025 18 to 65+

Party Affiliation Total Black White Other Democrat 81,935 47,989 32,519 1,427 Republican 39,241 2,041 36,304 896 Other 30,254 9,967 17,835 2,452 Organization Chart CADDO PARISH TELEPHONE DIRECTORY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT PHONE NUMBER James H. “Jim” Morris District 1 995-0502 Rose Wilson McCulloch District 2 227-0803 Carl A. Pierson, Sr. District 3 638-6228 Gilford L. “Gif” Gillen District 4 222-0285 Joyce Bowman District 5 226-6596 Lindora Baker District 6 868-8340 Stephanie Lynch District 7 632-9694 Michael Long District 8 222-8700 Bob Brown District 9 797-1797 David Cox District 10 393-7660 Ron Webb District 11 688-6800 Clifford Collins District 12 635-1433 Jerry Spears Commission Clerk 226-6596

PARISH ADMINISTRATION CONTACT PERSON PHONE NUMBER Administrator W.T. Hanna, Jr. 226-6900 Animal Services and Mosquito Control Richard J. “Trey” McMillan III 226-6624 Finance Erica R. Bryant 226-6920 Purchasing John G. “Jack” Adger 226-6903 Fleet Services Todd Hopkins 226-6936 Human Resources Maria Eades 226-6906 Parish Attorney Charles Grubb 226-6947 Parks and Recreation Larry Raymond 929-2806 Public Works Jeron Rogers 226-6930 Facilities and Maintenance Woodrow Wilson 226-6899 North Maintenance Mike Harris 375-2464 South Maintenance James Hankins 925-9558 Solid Waste Michael Casey 226-6936

AGENCIES CONTACT PERSON PHONE NUMBER Caddo Council on Aging Mary Alice Rountree 632-2090 Clerk of Court Gary Loftin 226-6780 Coroner Dr. George McCormick 226-6881 District Attorney Paul Carmouche 226-6826 District Court Eugene Bryson 226-6821 Health Unit Jerre Perry 676-5222 Juvenile Court Homer T. “Ted” Cox 226-6758 LSU Extension Service Winzer Andrews, Sr. 226-6805 Registrar of Voters Ernie Roberson 226-6891 Sheriff Steve Prator 681-0687 Tax Assessor Charles Henington 226-6711 Caddo Community Action Agency Laurance Guidry 603-4371

PARISH OF CADDO • (318) 226-6900 505 TRAVIS STREET, SUITE 800 • SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA 71101