City of Broussard hears budget presentation showing near‑term deficits, capital projects funded in part by grants and bonds

City of Broussard finance staff presented the proposed fiscal‑year budget and a multi‑year financial summary, showing $41.75 million in operating revenues for the current year and roughly $41.0 million projected for the next budget year.

The presentation outlined capital needs totaling about $32 million across multiple projects, with roughly $10.9 million funded by the city in the coming budget year and about $3.8 million coming from state grants. The utility fund was presented in detail: operating revenue is projected to rise to about $8.3 million next year after recent rate increases, and operating losses in that fund are shrinking toward breakeven.

The budget presenter said the city’s overall operating revenues were $31.3 million last year, $41.75 million this year (inflated by one‑time grant and bond proceeds), and forecast near $41.0 million next year. Intergovernmental revenues (grants and other government receipts) are expected to fall from an estimated $5.5 million this year to about $4.2 million next year, driving much of the variance between years.

Key budget and capital items detailed in the presentation included: a total capital outlay figure discussed at about $14.2 million for the summarized pages, with roughly $3.0 million funded by grants; a separate listing of capital projects aggregating to about $32 million, of which the city is expected to fund $10.9 million in the next budget year while approximately $3.8 million would come from state sources; utility‑fund capital projects of roughly $379,008.54 (including three generators and work on a lift station at Saint Nazir); and an $8.0 million bond currently set aside for a tennis and pickleball facility for the parks and recreation department.

On the utility fund, the presenter reviewed multi‑year per‑customer averages. Water revenues per customer have risen from roughly $30 per month in 2021 to a projected $50.55 in the budget year; sewer revenues have also risen but the sewer operation remains projected to lose per‑customer on an operating basis (the presenter said the sewer is still forecast to lose about $11.36 per customer per month in the budget year). When depreciation is added back for cash‑flow purposes, the presenter said the utility operations are expected to cash flow.

The presenter said the utility fund had audited operating expenses of about $8.087 million last year against audited revenues of about $6.824 million, producing a loss of approximately $1.262 million; after recent rate increases and expense control, the projected operating loss for the current year declines substantially and is forecast to be roughly $20,000 next year.

Debt service and financing were also discussed. The presentation noted recent bond proceeds (including roughly $8 million in street bonds and financing for an emergency ladder truck), principal and interest increases tied to the new debt, and net other financing sources that temporarily improved the city’s net change in fund balance. The presenter emphasized that, after removing one‑time bond and grant proceeds and adding back capital spending, the city’s operational position has been positive in recent years and is projected to be near a $4.9–$5.6 million operational surplus on the presenter’s adjusted basis.

Council discussion was limited. A council member addressed Burton — who the council thanked for assistance — to extend appreciation for work on the budget. The presenter closed by confirming the session was a report rather than an action item and the meeting proceeded to adjourn and reopen.

The presentation materials referenced multiple line‑item figures and multi‑year comparisons; staff invited council members to raise questions and noted the finance committee and staff had reviewed the draft budget in prior meetings.