Last April voters rejected a $400 million request to continue for 20 years two sales tax levies for construction of the justice center and jail. Having failed last year, Parish Government proposes to continue those same sales taxes that will expire and go to zero unless renewed. Their materials promoting a “yes” vote on April 29th are misleading. They call the change from 20 to 10 years a 50% tax “reduction” and the change 0.25% to 0.20% as 20% tax cut. While both sales taxes go to zero with a “No” vote, the parish flyer baldly suggests a Yes vote would reduce taxes.
A “Yes” vote is tied to support for justice and law enforcement. Those are critical government functions that deserve adequate funding and routine review for cost-effective management. However, we fund schools, fire departments, drainage, recreation, and libraries, with property taxes that are less burdensome to low, moderate, and fixed income citizens. Louisiana has the highest sales taxes in the nation and among the lowest property taxes. Last March an additional 1% in sales tax was imposed by the state legislature. Last October, a 0.75% sales tax increase was imposed by parish government at major I-12 interchanges using procedures manipulated to avoid requirements for voter approval. Property owners — including developers, commercial entities, and homeowners benefit from pubic security. They can provide one source of revenue. If parish government really needs $16 million annually for the justice center and jail, an 8 mill (about 5%) parish wide property tax levy would generate that amount. Property owners would pay more according to property values. Sales taxes would be reduced. Consumers would pay less. Retailers and restaurants might see more business.
The existing sales tax funding for justice and jails does not end until next year. There is time to define a better approach. The April 29th vote provides an opportunity for ordinary voters to indicate preference between sales taxes or property taxes. At its October meeting, parish Councilman Binder told this writer that he “would never approve property tax increase”.
The normally low-turnout election provides voters one way to indicate whether elected officials should prioritize the interests of broad range of the people they represent, or the developers and higher income property interests that typically fund their political campaigns.
Letter written by Jim Harlan, Business and Property Owner, Lacombe, Louisiana
Covington Weekly encourages open discussion with regard to proposals put forward by the City of Covington and St. Tammany Parish Government. Any suggestions, letters or other feedback may be emailed to: covweekly@gmail.com.
