By JIM BUTLER

The annual accounting summary of the Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority gets the most attention of a half dozen Rapides audit reports recently issued.

Auditors found no substantive issues in reports for GAEDA, Rapides Area Planning Commission, Red River Waterway Commission, Alexandria City Court, Rapides Parish Library and Cenla Community Action Committee.

GAEDA, ensnared in controversy since February, had revenues in 2023 of $898,000, essentially all from a hotel-motel occupancy tax.

Expenses totaled $957,000, leaving a net position of $1.27 million, all unrestricted in use.

Economic development grants took $484,000, payroll and benefits $297,000, legal and professional fees $82,000.

Executive Director Clifford Moller’s base pay was $157,015. Fringe costs raised the total to $187,000.

His sudden retirement due to health issues was the linchpin for the current agency imbroglio.

Other reports:

Rapides Area Planning Commission – fund balance $454,000, unrestricted $377,000, portion of reserves used to enhance services, executive director compensation $104,992;

Alexandria City Court – net position $1.23 million, General Fund unrestricted $881,000, non-fiduciary revenue $455,000, expense $491,000, Judge Richard Starling base pay $171,684;

Rapides Parish Library – net position $20.8 million, unrestricted $12.7 million, revenues $7.9 million (7.5 from tax), expenses $6.4 million, head librarian base pay $70,438;

Cenla Community Action – net assets $274,000, revenues all programs $3.35 million, CEO base pay $78,853;

Red River Waterway Commission – net position $118 million, unrestricted $31.6 million, total revenues $18 million, total expenses $15.1 million, executive director base pay $175,527.