The gist: There are two tax renewals on the May 4 ballot — one that supports pumping fresh water into the Vermilion River and the other pays one-third of the sheriff’s budget. May the fourth be with you.
Please, for the love of the force, go vote.
Both taxes are renewals, NOT increases. Below is the gist of what they fund. You can find out how much taxes will cost you using The Current’s Civi Millage Calculators embedded below. You’ll need to know the market value of your property, which you can find here.
Visit the Secretary of State’s website to see your ballot and find out where to vote. A sample of the ballot you’ll see in the booth is available there, too. Follow this link.
Teche Vermilion Fresh Water District renewal
This is an obscure but important agency that serves the parishes in the Teche-Vermilion watershed. The district operates pumps that move fresh water from the Atchafalaya River into otherwise stagnant waterways like the Vermilion River. Flood controls built after the catastrophic floods of 1927 blocked the natural flow of the Vermilion. Without the pumped water the Vermilion River gets polluted. The district was established in 1983. In the 1970s, the Vermilion River was one of the most polluted rivers in the nation.
Your Annual Cost:
Your Annual Cost:
LPSO Law Enforcement District renewal
This tax funds about one-third of LPSO’s annual budget. It goes to salaries, equipment, officer training and operations. The sheriff is also supported by a 1-cent sales tax that generates roughly $4 million each year. Operations and maintenance of the parish jail are funded by other dedicated property taxes.
Your Annual Cost:
Your Annual Cost:
News + Notes
City Council passes Guillory investigation to legislative auditor
The council’s contracted auditor turned over its findings, which will remain confidential until and unless the LLA decides to release them.
Registration requirements likely for Lafayette short-term rentals
Requiring short-term rentals to register with the city is a likely compromise, but operators and opponents remain divided on restrictions like conditional permitting.
Conversation: Is Lafayette affordable?
Studies suggest Lafayette isn’t so cheap. Is Lafayette an affordable place for you?