Caddo Parish Commission adopts 2026 operating and capital budget, approves $2.5M for sheriff office space

The Caddo Parish Commission voted on and adopted the 2026 operating and capital budgets in a special session, approving a series of ordinance amendments across multiple funds and recording final adoption of the package with 12 in support and none opposed.

Commissioners approved an amendment to Ordinance 6568 (Capital Outlay Fund) to appropriate $2.5 million to the sheriff for office space, a measure described in the chamber as required by law and recommended by the Long Range Planning Committee. Vice President Ken Epperson moved the rules and the capital amendment was adopted during the session.

The package included a $40,000 addition to the General Fund marketing line in Ordinance 6569 to promote relocation to Caddo Parish. "It's an allocation to advertise the livability and terrific qualities that Caddo Parish offers...to encourage [residents] to consider relocating here," Commissioner John Paul Young said during discussion of the marketing amendment.

A notable debate focused on funding for the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC). Commissioner Crackman proposed reducing the MPC allocation in Ordinance 6569 by $118,275…