Pineville reports modest sales-tax gains, honors officer for life-saving response; residents press city on abandoned hospital

Pineville's finance director reported modest revenue growth during the Sept. 10 council meeting and the council paused agenda business to recognize a police officer for lifesaving actions.

Finance director Mister Humphreys told the council that "Sales tax collections, August '24 totaled $1,442,250 compared to August '23 with $1,422,960, which is a $19,289 increase in tax collection, which is 1.36%." He also reported deposits, withdrawals and an ending balance for the city account and noted occupational license collections had increased compared with the prior year.

The council then recognized Pineville Police Officer Denzel Bradley for his life-saving actions on Aug. 12; the mayor presented an award and the chief and family members were acknowledged. The recognition cited Bradley's training and commitment as the reason the department could present the award.

In public comment, resident Deborah Gunter thanked the council and Public Works Director James Robertson for removing a clogged culvert on Shadwell Drive that had been a recurring neighborhood issue; she said Robertson "yanked that thing out first thing in the morning" and praised the prompt response. Another resident, Rena Araby, described ongoing safety and trespass problems at an abandoned hospital property she said is owned by LSU Shreveport, saying she "stays up all night because of the crackheads" and asking the city to take stronger action to secure or clean the site.

City staff said the hospital property remains state-owned (LSU Shreveport) and that the city is exploring a $100,000 opportunity study and efforts to secure the surrounding land; officials said they would follow up with the police chief and public works director to address immediate neighborhood concerns.

The council accepted the financial report by voice vote and carried the recognitions and agenda business forward.