(The Center Square) - Caddo Parish officials presented a proposed $149 million budget for 2027 Thursday, projecting higher tax revenues and $250 million in reserves despite rising jail costs.
Parish Administrator Erica Bryant presented the proposed operating and capital improvements budgets to the Caddo Commission, explaining how the parish plans to spend its money in 2027.
Bryant said the parish remains financially stable because of years of careful spending and planning.
"That is not something that happens by accident," Bryant said. "It is a result of years of sound fiscal management conservative budgeting, strategic investments, and a commitment to ensuring that we remain responsible stewards of the public's resources."
The proposed budget includes $119 million in revenue, a 3% increase from 2026, while expenditures are expected to rise 2% due to higher employee salaries and benefits.
Property tax revenue is expected to increase 5.2% while sales tax revenue is projected to rise 9%. Bryant said the increases are due to higher property values, more construction and data center development.
Property and sales taxes are expected to make up 69% of the parish's income in 2027.
Bryant said that despite the parish's financial standing, Caddo Correctional Center expenses will remain one of its biggest challenges.
The proposed budget projects operating deficits of $4.5 million in juvenile justice, $5.5 million in the general fund and $2.9 million in detention facilities, totaling $12.9 million.
Jail costs make up 25% of the parish's proposed spending, with many of those costs required by state law. The budget also projects $10.5 million in subsidies from a dedicated criminal justice fund to help cover expenses.
"If we continue to experience these operating deficits, at some point we will need to have additional revenues," Bryant said.
Bryant also stated Caddo Correctional Center is overcrowded, with the inmate total approaching 1,700.
"We used to say that 1,400 was too many," Bryant said. "1,500 was too many. 1,600 was too many, and now we're past 1,700. It's not sustainable."
The parish plans to add seven positions, including employees to help oversee Head Start, adult drug court, legal services and parks. Several positions would be paid for through grants.
Bryant said the parish also wants to hire another employee to handle increased road and permit requests related to data center development.
Funding from state and federal sources is expected to drop 8% because of federal COVID-19 relief money running out. Casino revenue is also expected to decline but Bryant said the parish does not rely on that money to cover daily operations.
The proposed budget does not include funding for the $60 million sports complex on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Bryant said if voters approve the proposal, officials will present the budget changes to commissioners on Dec. 1.
Commissioners received the proposed budget Thursday. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19, with a final vote expected Dec. 1.