Bossier City finance director reports May results: revenue above budget, net operating income down

Phyllis Williamson, Bossier City finance director, presented the financial statements for the month ended May 31, 2025, reporting mixed results: revenues were 17% over budget, while net operating income after debt service for May declined 69% compared with the same month in 2024.

Williamson told the council that revenue increases included higher sales tax distributions, which boosted the Fire Improvements Operation Fund, and a $196,000 payment from the state to the Parkway Capital Fund for street-lighting improvements in May 2025. She said Riverboat Capital Fund revenue rose due to increased gaming revenue from a new casino. Williamson summarized expenses were 5% under budget and pointed to higher Sewer Fund expenditures caused by transfers out for debt service, sewer maintenance, unplanned concrete repairs and increased lift-station electricity costs.

On personnel, Williamson reported full-time employees were five more than the prior month and 28 under budget; part-time employee counts were unchanged from the prior month. On utility operations she said net operating income for the current year-to-date had decreased 7% from the prior year but remained 28% over budget; on a 12-month basis net operating income was down 26%.

Councilman Hammonds asked about the timing of Sport Tran invoices; Williamson said the invoices covered January, February and March and were received in May. The council did not take any formal action on the financial report; the report was presented for council review.