SHREVEPORT, La. – Shreveport City Council Chairwoman Taylor said Monday that the council has not advocated for a 2% demolition fee on residents, clarifying remarks in response to a recent mayoral interview and press release.

“It is not within my purview to advocate for a 2% demolition fee on our citizens,” Taylor said. She added that many council members share this perspective and that implementing such a fee is not a priority.

Mayor Tom Arceneaux has proposed a temporary 2% surcharge on water and sewer bills for 18 months to fund the demolition of large, abandoned apartment complexes and commercial structures deemed unsafe and unsalvageable. The fee is part of Arceneaux’s proposed 2026 budget and would need council approval before taking effect.

Arceneaux said the surcharge is necessar

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