There is a funding crisis in St. Tammany Parish, and its justice system could take a big hit.
To fix this, St. Tammany Parish is asking residents to consider voting for a sales tax this December.
The tax would cost about a quarter of a penny, according to parish leaders. However, residents seem divided on the idea.
“It’s still too much,” said one resident who wished to remain anonymous. “People are already struggling to make it.”
“I mean, it doesn’t seem like a tremendous amount of money that can make a big difference in our government system. I think that’s a valid way to explain it to people,s so they are not so scared about,” Calah Kennedy said.
The Parish hired Sam Caruso’s company Campaign Depot to educate the community about the tax.
Sam is hosting several meetings over the next few weeks to break down how taxes are collected, how the money is spent, and why the parish is asking residents to consider this tax.
“Well over 70% of people who choose to get up and go to a community meeting like that are going to vote,” Caruso said. “When we have them in those rooms, we’re able to have a real dialog and actually have an honest conversation back and forth and answer their concerns. By and large, they walk out of those rooms very positive.”
The sales tax is expected to cost each resident around $60 per year, according to Caruso.
While St. Tammany collects nearly $316 million per year in sales tax, all of those monies are dedicated, which by law cannot be used for anything else.
“Nothing that is specifically for purpose ‘A’ can ever be used for purpose ‘B’ unless the public actually votes to make that happen,” Caruso said.
Local leaders claim that without adding the quarter-of-a-penny tax, there will not be enough money to keep the justice system afloat starting as early as next year.
This could mean cuts to the support staff in the district attorney’s office, courts, and jail, and no money for the DNA Lab at the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s office
“If we want to put criminals behind bars, these things need to be properly funded,” Kennedy said.
According to the parish government, they have made moves to offset this tax.
There is now $15.5 million less in property taxes from residents; this is due to decreased millages for the library, coroner, drainage and mosquito abatement.
Parish leaders say the justice system sales tax is expected to bring in $18.3 million annually.
They claim 20% of that, or approximately $3.6 million, will be paid by non-residents.
So, their goal is to have the revenue reduction equal to $14.7 million.
However, even with this news, some residents are not convinced.
“I still would not vote for it,” a resident said.
Now you can learn more about the sales tax ahead of the Dec. 12 election.
The parish is hosting additional forums where you can ask questions; the next meeting is Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Abita Springs Recreation District.
Future Meetings:
- Aug. 25 at 6 p.m., Folsom, Magnolia Park
- Aug. 26 at 6 p.m., Madisonville, Madisonville Library
- Aug. 27 at 6 p.m., Mandeville, Pelican Park
- Sept. 1 at 6 p.m., Bush, Recreation District
- Sept. 9 at 6 p.m., Mandeville, Koop Drive Council Chambers
- Sept. 24 at 6 p.m., Slidell, Levee Board Building
READ MORE:A sales tax vote in December could affect St. Tammany’s budget
