(The Center Square) — The upcoming election will determine a Lake Vista crime prevention proposition for Orleans Parish and three property tax renewals in Jefferson Parish.
Orleans Parish and Jefferson Parish residents have a few things to vote on Saturday. As the state gears up to face another election, a few things are on the ballot for each parish involving tax renewals, councilman elections, and crime propositions.
Two candidates are running for District 1’s council seat in Jefferson Parish. During the March municipal primary election, Democrat Andrea Manuel received 36% of the vote, and Republican Timothy Kerner Jr. received 35% of the vote, sending both candidates to a runoff election.
Kerner knocked current Councilman Ricky Templet out of the race. The vote will decide who will be the newest member of the council.
Jefferson Parish also has the opportunity to renew or reject three millage renewals on the ballot. The recreation millage seeks the renewal of 10 mills on taxable property in the district for 10 years beginning in 2027. The total collected from this millage is $35 million a year.
A parish-wide proposition concerns a library millage renewal of no more than six and a half mills on taxable property beginning in 2028 for 10 years. The millage will amount to $29.5 million annually and fund improving and maintaining public library facilities.
District 2 is seeking a renewal for its drainage millage of six mills on taxable property for 10 years. If passed, $26.8 million will be collected annually. The funds will be used for the improvement and maintenance of drainage works in the district.
Orleans Parish won’t see quite as many measures on the ballot, but the two listed concern crime and law enforcement.
Orleans Parish seeks permission to levy an annual flat fee on parcels within the Lake Vista Crime Prevention District. The amount is said not to exceed $220 per parcel. If passed, the prop would be from Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2029.
The $165,000 generated annually would only be used to aid crime prevention and enhance security for district residents. In addition to crime prevention, the prop also outlines that if funds are used for additional law enforcement and security personnel, these services are supplemental and not instead of personnel and services provided by the police department.
The Sheriff of Orleans Parish and Law Enforcement District is seeking a millage renewal as well. The renewal is for 2.46 mills and would generate $13.9 million annually for 10 years beginning 2026 through 2035. The funds will provide additional funding for the maintenance and operation of jails. One condition on the prop is that each year, the 2.46 mills would be reduced by however much is already being collected to pay off the district’s General Obligation Bond debt.
