APRIL 9 ELECTION
Believe it or not, voters in Caddo and Bossier parishes face another election day April 9. It is one of those elections which often draws the ire of government watchers who believe tax propositions should be placed on the ballot when a larger turnout of voters is expected. On the other hand, the entities asking for property tax renewals prefer the election date where turnout is usually low, hoping that their supporters will carry the day.
Nevertheless, there are some big ticket items on the ballot April 9 that voters should be concerned about enough to prompt them to stop by their polling place. After all, these propositions do affect your pocket book if you are a property owner. And that’s another rub government-watchers rail about. Non-property owners get to vote on these propositions which do not affect them monetarily. However, there is the trickle down affect when it come to Caddo schools because non-property owners have kids who attend them.
These days, government entities get a little nervous when asking for a property tax renewals. It is not a slam dunk anymore as more and more voters are discontented with how these entities spend their tax dollars. So let’s take a look at what will be on the ballot April 9.
Caddo School District Propositions Proposition No. 1 – Salaries – This is the renewal of a 20.18 mills property tax for a period of 10 years, beginning in 2017. It is expected to bring in $34.314 million annually. The purpose is for paying salaries and benefits for teachers and other personnel employed by the district.
Proposition No. 2 – School Improvements – This is the renewal of a 5.15 mills property tax for a period of 10 years, beginning in 2017. It is expected to bring in $8.757 million annually. The purpose is for paying the costs of renovation, repair and improvement of existing public school buildings and facilities in the district.
Proposition No. 3 – Technology – This is the renewal of a 1.25 mills property tax for 10 years, beginning in 2017. It is estimated to bring in $2,125,500 annually. The purpose is for paying the costs of constructing, acquiring, renovating, improving, maintaining, and/or operating computers, software, and peripheral equipment, facilities, and technological programs at public schools in Caddo Parish.
Only registered voters in Caddo Parish will vote on these propositions. However, there are other tax renewal propositions on the ballot that will be voted upon by registered voters in Caddo and Bossier parishes. Port Commission Proposition The Caddo-Bossier Port Commission is seeking the renewal of a 2.5 mills property tax on all property subject to taxation in Caddo and Bossier parishes. The renewal would be for 25 years, beginning in 2018 and is estimated to bring in $6.8 million annually. The purpose: Site acquisition and for constructing, acquiring, improving, and equipping docks and wharves, transfer and storage facilities and improvements within the Port area. It is also used for paying the Commission’s expenses of administering, maintaining, operating and marketing its facilities. Caddo Fire District No. 4 Proposition The proposition is a service charge renewal of $150 per year on each residential dwelling and commercial structure subject to taxation in the District. The renewal is for 10 years. It is estimated to bring in $543,000 a year. The purpose is for acquiring, constructing, maintaining, and operating fire protection facilities and equipment, emergency medical and rescue equipment. The funds will also be used for paying the cost of fire hydrant rentals and salaries of firemen. Only registered voters who live within the boundaries of Fire District No. 4 will be allowed to vote on this proposition. Benton Fire District No. 4 Proposition In Bossier Parish, the Benton Fire District No. 4 is seeking the renewal of a 20 mills property tax within its district for 10 years, beginning in 2018. It is estimated to bring in $2.949 million annually to provide for capital improvements, equipment purchases, and operation and maintenance of fire protection facilities. Only registered voters who live within this Fire District will be allowed to vote on this proposition.
You still have time to vote early on these proposition, which runs through April 2. You can do so by going to the office of your parish Registrar of Voters between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Be sure to bring a photo ID or proof of residence.
How much do these elections cost taxpayers? Louisiana has reduced the yearly number of standing elections from six to four in recent years. Special elections are called to fill legislative seats. Still, over the past five years, the state has had more than 70 elections, while other states like Georgia has had 38 and Florida 31. A statewide race costs the taxpayers about $6 million. For a parish election, the costs run about $1,200 per precinct. Caddo has 151 ($181,200) and Bossier 81 precincts ($61,200). The Secretary of States pays for the elections, but the entities, such as the Caddo School District and Port Commission, are assessed a percentage of the costs.
Just for fun, I always like to get Caddo Registrar Ernie Roberson’s take on elections. He predicts the turnout for the April 9 election, as important as it may be, will likely be less than 10 percent. He adds that he always hopes he’s wrong and that the turnout will be more than that.
Lou Gehrig Burnett, an award-winning journalist, has been involved with politics for 44 years and was a congressional aide in Washington, D.C., for 27 years. He also served as executive assistant to former Shreveport Mayor Bo Williams. Burnett is the publisher of the weekly “FaxNet Update” and can be reached at 861-0552 or louburnett@comcast.net.
