Looks Like a Private Company Will Continue to Run Bossier’s Water Department
The Bossier City Council takes the first step to extend the contract with Manchac Consulting to run the city's water department. The new deal is a 3 year extension of the current contract which expires at the end of this month.
Mayor-Elect Tommy Chandler urged the council to extend the deal for only one year rather than tie his hands with a 3 year deal. That's something Councilman Jeff Darby agrees with. He encouraged the council to do a 1 year deal and putting the contract out for RFP's (request for proposals) to see if any other companies would be interested in a similar deal.
Council Chairman David Montgomery says this management arrangement with Manchac says the city about $3 million dollars a year and is a very unique arrangement that is working. Montgomery says prior to bringing in Manchac, the city was facing a $2 million dollar deficit and rate increases were the only option for Bossier City water customers.
Councilman Tim Larkin also says this deal has been good for the city and he urged the panel to support the three year extension. The measure has to layover for 2 weeks before a final vote.