A financial crisis in St. Tammany Parish looms, and leaders race to figure out how to get funding for its criminal justice system.
The budget for 2027 is projected to take an additional 30% cut, on top of the 30% it saw this year. Parish leaders say, this cut will have a direct impact on its district attorney’s office, courts, and jails.
“People will get terminated.” District Attorney Collin Sims said.
“The sheriff’s office will continue to arrest, but we will not have the court system to prosecute,” Parish President Mike Cooper said.
Sims said not only does this increase the risk of more criminals on the streets, but it also could jeopardize everyday services at the justice center, like applying for a marriage license or purchasing real estate.
Leaders are now trying for the 12th time to get voters on board with a dedicated tax for the justice system.
“I do not think they are ready and prepared to vote yes,” Cooper said concerning the residents.
The proposed 0.3% sales tax is expected to bring in 22 million dollars, but the odds are not looking good for the parish.
According to a state audit report since 2016, the leaders tried to get the community on board 11 times to dedicate a tax toward the justice system; however, voters rejected it each time.
The report also shows they voted to renew other taxes for fire protection and drainage multiple times.
According to a recent poll, some are okay with the idea of a new sales tax.
“Obviously, if I’m going to feel that if I have to pay over 3 cents more to drink a Coke and keep criminals off the street, that’s not going to change my ability to drink the Coke.”
However, 77 percent of St. Tammany voters are against this new sales tax.
Thousands took to social media, calling on the parish to take a hard look at its finances.
“They can figure it out, they have more brains up there, they can figure it out,” one resident said. “And see where their money went and what they already collected and what they spent it on, and maybe then we won’t need more.”
The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s report revealed that while the parish collects over $400 million in taxes annually, its tax structure, established decades ago, is imbalanced.
From 2024 to 2026, the parish has budgeted $22 million for state-mandated funds, but financial challenges remain.
A comparison of St. Tammany Parish with five other parishes highlights the issue.
St. Tammany has 13 dedicated taxes, but none allocated for the justice system. Additionally, the parish will soon be required to fund the coroner’s office.
“So when people say we pay enough, you are correct,” Sims said. “But it would be illegal to move any of that money for any other purpose than what it has been voted for.”
According to an independent financial advisor, out of the $407 million in tax revenue, only $16 million goes to the general fund, with nearly half of that allocated to the justice system.
St. Tammany Parish Council Chair Cheryl Tanner said efforts are underway to reduce the financial burden on residents.
“As we go along, we are looking and asking these entities, trying to work with them and say, ‘Hey, can you reduce your millage?'” Tanner said.
Tanner noted that the mosquito abatement millage could drop from 4.2 to 2.95 if voters approve the change in June. The parish is also working with the sheriff’s office to lower its millage.
If voters reject the tax proposal, Cooper says there isn’t a backup plan.
“There is no plan B,” said Cooper.
The parish council will vote on the sales tax to go on the November ballot on June 4. Then it has six months until the election to convince voters to approve the tax.
READ MORE:How St. Tammany leaders plan to tackle its financial crisis, and what it means for taxpayers
