An improving local economy has given Calcasieu Parish enough revenue to provide public services, which are expected to increase
over time, said Parish Administrator Bryan Beam.
“It’s good for the residents (and) the companies, and it has helped our revenue trends start to tick upward,” he said of the
economic boost. “We are able to provide a high level of service without having to increase tax rates.”
Beam spoke with the American Press this week about the parish’s financial outlook for 2013. The proposed budget is $145.3 million — about $3 million more than
the $142.3 million allocated in its current budget.
Operating expenses are expected to go
from $64.6 million this year to $67.5 million next year — a 4.5 percent
increase. That
is partially because of a 2.25 percent adjustment for employee
salaries and a 1 percent increase in the parish’s contribution
for retirement plans that the Parochial Employee Retirement System
requires.
Capital expenses are expected to go up from $45.8 million this year to $47 million next year — an increase of nearly 3 percent.
The grant money for 2013 is projected to be $25.1 million, down from $25.8 million this year.
Sales and property taxes — the parish’s main revenue sources — are improving, Beam said. According to the budget report, next
year’s property tax revenue is expected to “rise by 5.9 percent” over this year.
Beam said the parish is “conservatively budgeting” the revenue they expect to get from sales taxes for the rest of this year
because they tend to be more volatile.
Beam said the parish has budgeted about the same amount of gambling revenue for next year as it did this year.
Beam said most of next year’s capital money will pay for maintaining 1,200-plus miles of roads and bridges in the unincorporated
areas.
One particular project is the extension of Corbina Road from La. 14 north to East Prien Lake Road. Beam said the improvements
could open vacant property up for future economic growth.
The East McNeese Street extension was finished last month and was a joint venture between the parish and the city of Lake
Charles. It connects La. 14 and La 397 and includes a roundabout at Corbina Road.
Beam said the flat roofs on the
Calcasieu Courthouse will be replaced, and the Calcasieu Sheriff’s
Office administrative building
will get a new roof.
The Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Center, or SEED, should be finished by March. Located on
Ryan Street across from McNeese State University, it will serve as an economic development hub for the five-parish area.
Beam said work should begin next year on the first phase of River Bluff Park, located near the old U.S. 171 boat launch in
Moss Bluff. Crews will renovate the boat launch and build a paved parking lot.
Renovation work continues at the Burton Coliseum complex, including a new roof, restroom upgrades, and making the facility
comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Beam said the work should finish by the end of 2013.
“We’re turning it into a building we can be proud of,” he said.
Beam said Calcasieu Point Landing will undergo several improvements, including an amphitheater, open air pavilion and deck.
The park — located at Henry Pugh Boulevard — was closed in October and will not reopen until December next year.
Beam said several drainage projects
will begin next year, including Choupique and Boys Village roads, Ellis
and Linda drives
and the Mossville area. The projects are paid with Community
Development Block Grants and Road and Drainage Trust Fund money.