The proposed 2015 budget for the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury is $175.7 million — 18 percent more than the $148.8 million in the current budget.

While some may consider this increase to be excessive, parish officials say it’s necessary to invest over the long term and prepare for the anticipated growth over the next several years. Part of that investment includes capital projects like road and bridge improvements and maintaining other parish facilities.

In fact, $20.2 million of the $26.7 million increase from this year’s budget is because of spending on capital projects. Parish Administrator Bryan Beam said the proposed budget was set up as a way of “looking at and preparing for the growth we’re already experiencing.”

When it comes to figuring out how to spend its money, Calcasieu Parish officials are doing the right thing by being proactive instead of reactive. The Southwest Louisiana Regional Impact Study confirms that planning ahead is a must for government entities, including cities and parishes.

The study says that the five-parish region could see 22,000 new residents over five years, and that most of the growth is expected in Calcasieu Parish. The unincorporated areas of Calcasieu could see plenty of growth, and that means increased strain on services that may already be overused.

The 2015 budget includes spending just over $38 million to maintain roads and bridges, with 11 scheduled bridge replacement projects. Another $24 million would be spent on the parish courthouse complex and correctional center, along with planning and design for the Family and Juvenile Court facility.

Operating expenses would increase from $76.4 million in this year’s budget, to $82.6 million in next year’s budget. That increase includes a 3 percent wage adjustment for employees to accommodate for inflation.

The parish is also looking to add 15 full-time workers and seven part-time employees, mostly in public works. It’s important that the departments have enough employees to handle the growth that is expected in the region.

On the revenue side, sales taxes have gone up and are expected to rise by 10 percent next year. Property taxes could go up by 5.5 percent in 2015 over this year.

Gambling revenue is also expected to see a boost next year with the Golden Nugget Casino scheduled to open next month. That could lead to gambling revenue increasing by nearly 15 percent “for all public agencies combined,” according to the budget report.

Residents are encouraged to read the budget report and give feedback over the next few weeks. The full Police Jury is expected to take final action on the proposed budget Dec. 18.

The Calcasieu Police Jury’s proposed budget for next year is larger than the current one, but officials are taking in the fact that our area is already growing and will continue to do so. It’s good to know that local government is planning ahead instead of waiting years down the road after the 20,000-plus new residents have already moved here.(MGNonline)