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Public debate prompts removal of $32,500 Rugaroo appropriation from Caddo Parish agenda
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Summary
Public presenters questioned and defended a proposed $32,500 appropriation from the parish economic development fund to support the Louisiana Rugaroo; after public hearing and questions from citizens and commissioners, the commission voted to remove the ordinance from the agenda for further consideration.
The Caddo Parish Commission on April 9 heard public testimony and questions about a proposed $32,500 appropriation from the parish economic development fund to the Louisiana Rugaroo arena football organization before the body voted to remove the item from the agenda.
At the public hearing for ordinance 66‑12, Lyndon Johnson, who identified himself as representing the Louisiana Rugaroo, told commissioners the request is intended to provide Title I students access to games, support youth football camps and cover limited marketing to attract visitors. “All we asked for was 32,500,” Johnson said, describing the funding as targeted to community engagement rather than ongoing operations.
Several speakers, including resident John Glover, pressed for clarity about how the dollars would be used, whether the team truly needed the funds for operations and how the parish would ensure accountability. Glover said he had followed the item from introduction and asked commissioners to explain their positions when they vote so constituents understand the rationale.
After discussion and questions from commissioners and members of the public, a motion to remove ordinance 66‑12 from consideration carried unanimously, postponing any decision on the appropriation.
Commissioners and administration noted the economic development fund is supported by gaming revenues (video poker and riverboat), a point raised by the Rugaroo presenter during discussion, and said the committee process will continue to be used to evaluate requests. The economic development committee had earlier recommended that the administration pursue a feasibility study for film industry development and an eventual bond election; commissioners said they will return to funding requests once staff and committee reviews are complete.
No appropriation was approved at the April 9 meeting; the item’s removal means the commission will revisit the request at a later date or after additional information is provided.
