On 10 December, Orleans Parish voters will be asked to decide on an important tax renewal regarding drainage. In Jefferson Parish, voters will also decide whether to renew existing millages for drainage projects. Additionally, Jefferson Parish voters will consider a sales tax extension for roadway and sewer projects.
New Orleans’ drainage system is the second largest in the world. The maintenance of pumping stations and canals is crucial in Orleans Parish, which is below sea level. This property tax renewal will not raise taxes. However, 97 percent of homeowners will see decreased flood insurance premiums.
Jefferson Parish voters will be asked to renew existing millages for drainage and recreation projects. Only voters in unincorporated Jefferson Parish and the Town of Jean Lafitte will vote on the recreation millage. Jefferson Parish will also be asked to vote in favor of extending a 1-cent sales tax of which 7/8 of the cent will be dedicated to roadway and sewer projects.
In the face of looming budget cuts in Louisiana, transportation and drainage projects are crucial to maintaining a high quality of life for Jefferson Parish residents and businesses. Included in the sales tax renewal are 65 roadway improvement projects and 67 sewer projects. These are not new taxes. The extension of the millages and sales tax would be a continuation of what is already being paid.
UNO | S&WB Educational Film
S&WB Drainage and Millage Educational Film
New Orleans Drainage Millage Commercial
Jefferson Parish Road and Sewer Projects
Details on millages, sales tax
Video on renewing the sales tax
Video on renewing the expiring millages