(The Center Square) — Two votes separated a renewal of a property tax millage that supported the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office this week.
The property tax renewal drew 25,000 voters on Saturday and a slight margin will keep the tax on the books for the next decade.
According to unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of State, the difference in votes had 12,715 voting for the renewal and 12,713 against.
The parishwide property tax renewal will generate almost $14 million annually to provide upkeep and additional funding for jails, facilities, and the parish sheriff’s office.
“Today, the people of Orleans Parish made an important decision to continue investing in public safety, accountability, and progress. I want to thank every voter, supporter, and advocate who took the time to learn the facts and understand what the Safe and Strong Communities Millage means for our community,” said Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson in a statement.
The millage renewed for another 10 years, beginning in 2026 and lasting through 2035.
Despite the close vote for the property tax in Orleans Parish, Lake Vista voters passed a crime prevention proposition, with 80% of people voting in favor. The prop authorized the city of New Orleans to levy a flat rate on each parcel in the Lake Vista Crime Prevention District. The proposition will last four years, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and will generate $165,000 to fund crime prevention and enhanced security.
Not far from Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish residents passed all three millages on their ballot over the weekend. Each millage received over 60% of votes in support and between 33% to 38% opposed.
A Jefferson parishwide library millage renewal will generate $29.5 million annually for 10 years to fund and support public libraries. The millage passed with 22,429 supporting votes. A drainage millage expected to generate $26.8 million annually passed with 23,804 votes.
The parish also passed a recreation and community center millage renewal to fund and support recreation facilities. This millage will generate an estimated $35 million annually.
Apart from tax renewals, Jefferson Parish voted for Timothy Kerner, Jr. to represent Council District 1. Kerner received 56% of the votes, beating Andrea Manuel.
