LAFAYETTE PARISH
Several property taxes were up for renewal in Lafayette Parish.
Voters rejected the renewal of the tax that funds operations of the parish libraries, 52 percent to 48 percent. Voters apparently believed misleading campaigns that implied the funds raised by a separate tax, which is dedicated to construction of buildings only, could be used for library operations. The campaign was run by a dark money group that won’t reveal its funding.
The 1.61-mill tax raises about $3.6 million annually and is dedicated to operate, maintain and improve the parish libraries.
Another, a 1.71-mill tax which raises about $2.6 million annually, is used to operate and maintain the juvenile detention and rehabilitation centers in the parish passed. The tax that funds incarceration of child offenders passed, 57 percent to 42 percent.
In the City of Lafayette, voters approved two renewals.
One is a 1.92-mill property tax that raises about $3 million annually and is dedicated to playgrounds, recreation centers and other recreation activities in the city. That tax passed, 68 percent to 32 percent.
The other is a 1.29-mill property tax that raises about $2 million annually and is dedicated to street maintenance in Lafayette. That tax passed, 63 percent to 37 percent.
Both renewals are for 10 years.
In the City of Youngsville, voters approved two renewals.
The first, a 1.86-mill property tax that raises about $264,000 annually, is dedicated to construction, improvement, maintenance and operation of fire stations in the city. It passed, 58 percent to 42 percent.
The second, a 6-mill property tax that raises about $852,000 annually, is dedicated to fire stations as well, but also allows spending on fire trucks and fire protection equipment. It passed, 60 percent to 40 percent.
Both renewals are for 10 years.
