25-01-06 Long Range Planning Meeting

The Caddo Parish Commission's Long Range Planning and Special Projects Committee met on March 25, 2025, to discuss key procurement and fiscal matters related to economic development projects within the parish. A primary focus was the recommendation to establish a 2% sales tax within the I-49 North Corridor Economic Development District to reimburse Edgmont Holdings for infrastructure costs associated with the Travel Center development at the Hosston interchange. The committee reviewed the pilot agreement terms, which allow reimbursement either through property tax adjustments or the proposed sales tax, with a preference expressed for earlier reimbursement via sales tax. The sales tax would apply only to the developer's property and would increase the local sales tax rate to approximately 11%. The committee voted 3-1 in favor of recommending the sales tax establishment process to the full commission, with one commissioner opposing due to concerns about imposing a sales tax in an area with limited commercial development. Additionally, the committee discussed potential amendments to the Red River Expressway Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, specifically regarding the assignment of the agreement to a different entity and changes to road maintenance responsibilities. Concerns were raised about the availability of legal documents for public review prior to the meeting, highlighting issues with transparency and due process. No final votes were taken on the expressway agreement amendments, with a recommendation to defer action until further review and public input.