Calcasieu Parish police jurors learned Thursday that the parish’s financial outlook over the 2011 fiscal year was positive, with increased net assets over the 2010 fiscal year. (Michelle Higginbotham / Special to the American Press)
Calcasieu sees spike in revenue
Last Modified: Thursday, July 12, 2012 11:35 AM
By John Guidroz / American Press
Calcasieu Parish police jurors learned Thursday that the parish’s financial outlook over the 2011 fiscal year was positive, with increased net assets over the 2010 fiscal year.“It provides a good basis for the future activities and operations of the parish,” said Martin Chehotski, an accountant with McElroy, Quirk and Birch. The firm performs the parish government’s annual audit.
Chehotski reviewed the parish’s Comprehensive Financial Report, which showed $729.7 million in net assets at the end of the 2011 fiscal year. This was up from $708.2 million at the end of the 2010 fiscal year. He said roads, buildings and other infrastructure represent from about 65 percent to 70 percent of the 2011 asset total.
The parish’s revenue exceeded its expenses by $21.5 million last year — up from $10.5 million in 2010. The report indicates the difference exists because of an increase in revenue from property and sales taxes.
The parish received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers
Association of the United States and Canada for the report.
Other business
Parish Administrator Bryan Beam told the panel the board members of the Louisiana State High School and Junior High School Rodeo recently approved extending its contract with the parish to host its finals for five years, starting in 2014.
Jason Barnes, the parish’s special programs coordinator, said the parish hopes to grow the event over the next several years. The event was recently held in Burton Coliseum.
The panel also approved setting a special election Nov. 6 to renew a 10-year, 1.5-mill property tax to operate, maintain and improve the coliseum complex and pay for agricultural and community services. The tax is estimated to generate more than $2.34 million annually.
The panel approved a decision earlier in the day by the parish Budget Committee to use $700,000 to pay design and engineering costs for extending Lake Charles city sewer lines south to Lake Charles Regional Airport. The money was transferred from the existing wastewater reserve fund to the parishwide wastewater fund.
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