Bossier City Considers Privatizing Water, Sewer

The Bossier City city council introduced a measure Tuesday to transfer operation of its water and sewer facilities to Manchac Consulting Group of Baton Rouge.

Backers say the move would save the city about $2 million in the first year, numbers they say are backed up by civil and environmental engineering studies.

Mayor Lo Walker said the city is in the process of identifying employees who could lose their jobs if the deal is done. As many as 40 city employees could lose their positions, though opponents say the number would be higher.

A handful of department employees, spouses and citizens raised concern not only about the proposed job losses but the motive behind the partnership at Tuesday's meeting.

City spokesman Mark Natale said the city's only alternative to raising rates is to transfer operations to a private entity. Under the proposed deal, the city would pay just over $1 million to Manchac in the first year.

The city council will hear final arguments at its June 21 meeting. If approved, Manchac would take over the departments before the end of summer.