St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announced the creation of a task force to review the parish’s tax structure amid a financial crisis.
Cooper launched the “RESET St. Tammany Task Force” to address a major financial crisis and explore ways to generate more revenue.
The task force, which includes leaders, business owners, and residents from across the parish, will spend the next year developing long-term solutions.
These efforts will focus on consolidating services, cutting expenses, and reforming the parish’s tax structure to free up funds.
“This is going to be an opportunity for us to address a tax structure that is antiquated and needs reform. And, we’re committed in the next year to have answers in getting legislative assistance to make the necessary changes,” Parish President Mike Cooper said.
Leaders are also counting on a sales tax proposal that will be up for a vote in December. Public meetings will be held to educate residents about the proposal and its implications.
“This year, with the budget the way it stands, there are $0 that are available to transfer from parish government to the sheriff’s office to reimburse for the keeping of prisoners, for transportation, for housing,” said Interim Sheriff Bret Ibert.
The sheriff’s office is facing additional challenges, with only partial funding available for medical needs. The department has allocated $14 million from its general fund to cover the anticipated shortfall for the jail, but Ibert said this approach is not sustainable moving forward.
READ MORE:St. Tammany Parish forms task force to tackle financial crisis
