(The Center Square) — East Baton Rouge voters spoke loudly at the ballot box by voting down several property tax propositions in Saturday’s election.
More than 30,000 people cast ballots against a parishwide property tax increase proposed by the district attorney of four mills for 20 years on taxable property in the parish.
Voters in East Baton Rouge Parish also voted against a newly proposed property tax and a Central Community School Board $35 million bond. Both ballot measures received over 50% of voters’ opposition, while others ran a bit closer in voting numbers.
According to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s unofficial results, the parishwide proposition by the DA failed to pass, with 60% or 30,491 people voting no. The four mill proposition would’ve generated around $24 million annually for 20 years to fund the District Attorney’s Office in East Baton Rouge Parish. In total, 51,123 people voted on the prop on Saturday.
The Central Community School Board’s $35 million bond also failed to pass, with 58% or 3,085 people voting no. While over 50% opposed the measure, 42% of people supported it with 2,226 voting yes for the proposition.
While these two ballot measures did not pass, over 40,000 people voted on five school millage renewals. Each passed with over 50% of the vote. However, the vote was close as 46% to 49% of people opposed the tax renewals to fund things like public school employee salaries and benefits, drug abuse prevention programs, and operating and maintaining public schools.
Apart from tax-related propositions, residents voted for representatives and council members as well. Terry Landry, Jr. won a seat in the state House of Representatives with 52% of the vote. Jim Talbot received 59% of the vote against Shaunn Wyche for St. George councilmember at large seat. Patricia Cook will also be joining the St. George City Council, representing District 4 with 53% of the vote.
