Shreveport City Councilman Grayson Boucher is exploring a creative idea to support local law enforcement, one that doesn’t require a tax hike or a citywide vote. He’s calling it a voluntary fee, and it would allow residents to opt in to contribute directly to the Shreveport Police Department through their water bill.
A Voluntary Way to Back the Blue
Boucher explained that he’s long considered the idea of a small monthly fee to boost funding for police and fire services, but he’s been careful to oppose anything mandatory. “When you put fees on water bills without people being able to vote, it’s taxation without representation,” he said. “That’s not something I can support.”
Instead, his proposal would be completely optional, something residents could choose to add to their water bill in increments such as $10, $15, or $20 a month. With roughly 60,000 water customers in Shreveport, even a fraction participating could make a big difference. “If half of them joined in, that’s over $3 million a year,” Boucher said.
How the Money Would Be Used
Boucher envisions the funds going toward one-time or incentive-based projects rather than recurring expenses. “This isn’t about hiring new officers, it’s about supporting the ones we have,” he explained. Potential uses include attendance stipends, fitness bonuses, improved uniforms, or even funding for take-home vehicles.
Currently, officers receive just $400 annually for uniforms, barely enough to cover a single pair of boots. “You could use these funds to ease that burden,” Boucher noted. He also suggested stipends for officers with perfect attendance or those meeting physical fitness benchmarks, calling it a practical way to show appreciation and boost morale.
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A Contrast to Past Proposals
Earlier this year, Mayor Tom Arceneaux faced backlash over a proposed 2% mandatory water bill fee to address blight. The idea was eventually withdrawn, but Boucher says his plan is fundamentally different. “That one wasn’t voluntary,” he said. “Mine is.”…