On Thursday, July 17, the Louisiana State Bond Commission approved election applications for the following parishes: DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Lincoln, and Orleans. The State Bond Commission approval, which is not an endorsement of any application, is required before the Secretary of State’s office can place certain propositions on the ballot.
At the meeting, the State Bond Commission also approved funding for various vital projects across the state.
Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, M.D., Chairman of the Louisiana State Bond Commission, said, “Our Treasury Department thoroughly examines every election application and every funding request to ensure it meets the technical requirements and safeguards taxpayer funds. I am proud of our department’s dedication and commitment to serving the people of Louisiana.”
Here are some of the individual projects approved by the State Bond Commission:
Louisiana Community Development Authority (City of Gretna, State of Louisiana – Public Improvement Project): $18,000,000 Revenue Bonds, for improvements to public utility infrastructure and equipping thereof, as well as other capital improvements.
Natchitoches Parish, Village of Robeline (DEQ Project): $990,000 Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds, for designing, constructing, and acquiring improvements, extensions, and replacements to the sewerage system, including equipment and fixtures.
Orleans Parish Law Enforcement District: $15,000,000 Limited Tax Bonds for capital expenses for the upkeep of jails and related facilities, including security and surveillance repairs and replacements.
Terrebonne Parish, Hospital Service District No. 1 (Terrebonne General Health System Project): $80,000,000 Hospital Revenue and Refunding Revenue Bonds, approximately $26,000, for refunding Hospital Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2013, 2017 and 2020, and Hospital Revenue Bonds, Series 2016, and approximately $54,000,000 for financing capital expenditures, including costs of constructing and equipping the Healthy Lifestyles Center and other capital expenditures.
Washington Parish, City of Bogalusa (DEQ Project) – $1,750,000 Taxable Sales Tax Bonds, for constructing and acquiring additions, extensions, and improvements to the sewage collection, treatment, and disposal system, including but not limited to the acquisition and installation of two replacement open screw pumps.
Webster Parish, City of Minden: $10,500,000 Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, for construction, rehabilitation, improvement, and equipping of a baseball and softball recreational complex.
The State Bond Commission receives applications from parishes, municipalities, special taxing districts, and other political subdivisions of the State requesting authority to incur debt or levy taxes. State Bond Commission approval is required before any public entity can borrow money or issue bonds. Money for projects is borrowed from banks or other investors and is paid back. These applications are reviewed for compliance with state constitutional and statutory requirements, as well as feasibility, including the ability to repay any indebtedness incurred.
For FY 2026, the State Bond Commission has approved 16 debt applications totaling $127.7 million, as well as six local government elections.
State Treasurer Fleming attributed these achievements to “our team of committed professionals who work tirelessly to serve the taxpayers of Louisiana.”