Shreveport Times
January 16, 2026
CADDO-BOSSIER PARISHES PORT COMMISSION
Regular Board Meeting
Regional Commerce Center, 3rd Floor Board Room
6000 Doug Attaway Blvd., Shreveport, LA 71115
December 8, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER / OPENING REMARKS: Commission President Joshua K. Williams called the meeting to order at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Board Room of the Regional Commerce Center, 6000 Doug Attaway Blvd., Shreveport, Louisiana, and welcomed everyone.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commission Vice President Stephen V. Callaway led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL: The roll was called by Executive Port Director Eric England. Commissioners in attendance included: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Erica R. Bryant, and Roy Griggs. Absent: Brian Crawford, Sam N. Gregorio, and Rick Prescott. A quorum was present. Commissioner Gregorio joined the meeting at 4:36 p.m. after the roll was called.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS: Commissioner Williams asked for any public comments on agenda items. Hearing none, Commissioner Williams moved on to the next agenda item.
5. PUBLIC HEARING: 2026 GENERAL FUND AND CAPITAL OPERATIONS BUDGETS OF THE CADDO-BOSSIER PARISHES PORT COMMISSION: Commissioner Williams opened the public hearing pursuant to La. R.S. 39:1307 of the Louisiana Local Government Budget Act. He asked for any public comments regarding the 2026 General Fund and Capital Operations Budgets of the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission. Hearing none, Commissioner Williams closed the Public Hearing.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
6. SPECIAL BOARD MEETING-BUDGET MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 10, 2025: Commissioner Hall presented the minutes of the Special Board Meeting-Budget of November 10, 2025. Motion by Commissioner Hall, seconded by Commissioner Callaway, to approve the minutes of the Special Board Meeting-Budget of November 10, 2025, as presented. Hearing no questions or comments, the motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Commissioners: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Erica R. Bryant, and Roy Griggs. NAYS: 0. ABSENT: Brian Crawford, Sam N. Gregorio, and Rick Prescott. ABSTENTIONS: 0. (Published in its entirety in The Times on December 11, 2025.)
7. REGULAR BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 10, 2025: Commissioner Hall presented the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of November 10, 2025. Motion by Commissioner Hall, seconded by Commissioner Callaway, to approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of November 10, 2025, as presented. Hearing no questions or comments, the motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Commissioners: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Erica R. Bryant, and Roy Griggs. NAYS: 0. ABSENT: Brian Crawford, Sam N. Gregorio, and Rick Prescott. ABSTENTIONS: 0. (Published in its entirety in The Times on December 11, 2025.)
8. OCTOBER 2025 FINANCIALS: Commissioner Hall presented the financial report for October 2025. Motion by Commissioner Hall, seconded by Commissioner Griggs to approve the October 2025 Financial Report, as submitted. Hearing no questions, the motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Commissioners: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Erica R. Bryant, and Roy Griggs. NAYS: 0. ABSENT: Brian Crawford, Sam N. Gregorio, and Rick Prescott. ABSTENTIONS: 0.
NEW BUSINESS:
9. NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Commissioner Williams stated, In accordance with the By-Laws of the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission, the Nominating Committee, composed of three commissioners, shall be appointed with the approval of the Commission during the regular meeting held in December each year. Commissioner Walt Bigby, Commissioner Roy Griggs, and Commissioner Rick Prescott were appointed as the 2026 Nominating Committee with Commissioner Walt Bigby serving as the Chairman. Commissioner Williams requested the Committee report back to the Board to present its slate of officers at the January 12, 2026 Regular Board meeting. Hearing no discussion, he requested a motion to approve the 2026 Nominating Committee. Motion by Commissioner Hall, seconded by Commissioner Callaway to approve the Nominating Committee as submitted. Hearing no questions, the motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Commissioners: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Erica R. Bryant, and Roy Griggs. NAYS: 0. ABSENT: Brian Crawford, Sam N. Gregorio, and Rick Prescott. ABSTENTIONS: 0.
10. 2026 CALENDAR OF THE CADDO-BOSSIER PARISHES PORT COMMISSION MEETINGS: Mr. England stated in accordance with the Ports enabling legislation, the 2026 meeting schedule has been prepared. It is recommended for adoption at this time. Motion by Commissioner Griggs, seconded by Commissioner Callaway to approve the 2026 Meeting Calendar as submitted. Hearing no questions, the motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Commissioners: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Erica R. Bryant, and Roy Griggs. NAYS: 0. ABSENT: Brian Crawford, Sam N. Gregorio, and Rick Prescott. ABSTENTIONS: 0. (Published in its entirety in The Times on December 11, 2025.)
11. ORDINANCE NO. 4 OF 2025: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BUDGET OF ESTIMATED REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE GENERAL FUND FOR THE YEAR 2026, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO. (Published in its entirety in The Times on December 12, 2025.)
Mr. England noted in accordance with the Local Government Budget Act, Ordinance No. 4 has been prepared following the budget discussions. Several items have been adjusted based on the interactions with the Commission. Salaries were prepared in accordance with the discussions with the Executive Committee. The fund balance will increase over $3 million through the course of 2026. This ordinance is recommended for adoption as presented. Motion by Commissioner Hall, seconded by Commissioner Callaway to approve Ordinance No. 4 of 2025, as submitted with the stipulation discussed. Hearing no questions, the motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Commissioners: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Erica R. Bryant, and Roy Griggs. NAYS: 0. ABSENT: Brian Crawford, Sam N. Gregorio, and Rick Prescott. ABSTENTIONS: 0.
Commissioner Bryant thanked Mr. England and the Port Staff for presenting a budget with a projected fund balance that is 5 times the expenditures, which is a very healthy fund balance. It shows the Port is in great financial condition. Commissioner Bryant stated the same was for Ordinance No. 5, which also has a healthy fund balance for 2026. She commended the staff on their hard work and diligence put into the 2026 budgets. These budget ordinances have her full support.
12. ORDINANCE NO. 5 OF 2025: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BUDGET OF ESTIMATED REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE CAPITAL OPERATIONS FUND FOR THE YEAR 2026, AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THEREO. (Published in its entirety in The Times on December 12, 2025.)
Mr. England noted at last months budget meeting, there was a line item regarding the purchase of a fire truck for Fire District No. 5. There was much feedback from the Commission and the contribution was increased to $1.089 million for the entire purchase price of the fire truck. Mr. England wanted to call attention to this amendment since it was previously presented. Should this ordinance be adopted, Fire District No. 5 will be notified. Also, at the budget meeting, questions arose as to the Fire District 5 operations. The Port has a mutual aid response where if a 911 call occurs, there is a coordinated response between Fire District No. 5 and the Shreveport Fire Department as to the dispatch of first responders based on availability. Also, a large number of the employees of Fire District No. 5 are also SFD personnel, working their off days at the District. Finally, during the Pratt incident, Fire District No. 5 was paramount in its response refilling oxygen tanks as the closest facility available to do so. Mr. England thanked Commissioner Bryant for her comments regarding the budget and he commended Director of Finance, Gloria Washington and staff for an excellent job on the budget and professionalism. Ordinance No. 5 is recommended for adoption with the change previously noted for the fire truck purchase in the amount of $1.089 million. Commissioner Williams thanked Mr. England for amending the budget based on the desires of the Commission for the purchase of the fire truck. Commissioner Bryant asked if the budget was published with or without the amendment. Mr. England stated the budget was published with the original amount of $500,000 towards the fire truck purchase, but this current Ordinance shows the full amount. Commissioner Bryant noted the motion needed to be amended to include this change in the ordinance, so it is clear what is being approved. Motion by Commissioner Callaway, seconded by Commissioner Griggs to amend and adopt Ordinance No. 5 of 2025, as submitted with the amendment discussed. Hearing no questions, the motion was approved by the following votes: AYES: Commissioners: Joshua K. Williams, Judge Stephen V. Callaway (Ret.), James D. Hall, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Erica R. Bryant, Sam N. Gregorio, and Roy Griggs. NAYS: 0. ABSENT: Brian Crawford and Rick Prescott. ABSTENTIONS: 0.
13. PORT DIRECTORS REPORT: Mr. England provided an update on various activities and projects, including the 2026 Port Night, Act 418 which appointed Mr. England to serve on a Board as a representative from the Port for the area, Fire Station 20, promotion of now Sergeant Jared Marshall, and approval of the Red River Waterway Commission for the purchase of a front-end loader.
14. ADJOURN: Hearing no other comments or questions to come from the Board, Commissioner Williams adjourned the meeting at approximately 4:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ James D. Hall
James D. Hall
Secretary-Treasurer
January 16,2026 12001135
Miscellaneous Notices