The luncheon, attended by more than 45 community stakeholders, provided a forum for open discussion about the measure's implications for St. Tammany Parish's infrastructure and public safety funding.
Understanding the Sales Tax District 3 Extension
The proposed measure would extend the existing 2% sales tax in Sales Tax District 3 for an additional 25 years. While the tax has traditionally funded roads, bridges, and drainage projects, the rededication would allow up to 17% of the revenue to be allocated to the criminal division of the District Attorney’s office, the judiciary, and maintenance of the parish justice center.
District Attorney Colin Sims emphasized that this is not a tax increase but rather a reallocation of existing funds. “We’re not asking for another penny,” Sims stated. “We’re asking parish government to use your money smarter.”
Key Officials in Attendance
The gathering brought together a diverse group of parish leaders, including:
- Ron Blitch, NBC President
- Mike Cooper, Parish President
- Joe Impastato, Vice Chairman, District 7 City Council Member
- Jeff Corbin, City Council District 13
- Judge Alan A. Zaunbrecher, Division H
- Judge Vincent J. Lobello, Division F
- Colin Sims, District Attorney
The Current Funding Situation
According to Sims, the District Attorney’s office was facing a potential 55% budget cut, which would significantly impact public safety services in the parish.
The DA’s office currently employs approximately 140 employees, with 127-130 dedicated to criminal matters. Sims expressed concern that without stable funding, the office would struggle to retain talented staff when neighboring parishes like Jefferson and Orleans have secure funding.
“We built out an unbelievable trials department. We built out an opioid investigation department going after major traffickers,” Sims explained. “Our specialty court system has reduced re-offense rates from 50% to just 11%.”
Budget Perspective
Sims provided context by comparing budgets across parishes:
- St. Tammany Parish currently provides $6.2 million to the DA’s office
- Jefferson Parish provides $15 million to their DA’s office
- Orleans Parish has over $20 million in total revenue streams for their DA’s office
Despite having a population only 15% smaller than Orleans, St. Tammany operates with less than half the funding.
Infrastructure and Public Safety Balance
The proposed rededication ensures that 83% of the tax revenue would continue to fund traditional infrastructure projects, while allowing up to 17% to support critical public safety functions.
Parish leaders noted that the fund has tripled in value over the past decade, suggesting there should be sufficient revenue to address both infrastructure and public safety needs without raising taxes.
Fiscal Structure Challenges
A recurring theme during the discussion was St. Tammany’s rigid financial structure, with numerous dedicated funds that cannot be reallocated based on changing priorities.
Sims announced that the DA’s office has hired a forensic accountant with FBI experience to conduct a comprehensive review of parish finances and help identify opportunities for more efficient resource allocation.
Next Steps for Voters
The Sales Tax District 3 Extension and Rededication vote will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Early voting runs from March 15-22, 2025 (closed Sunday).
Regardless of the vote outcome, the current tax will remain in place for the next five years. However, a “yes” vote would extend the tax and allow for the partial rededication to public safety, while a “no” vote would maintain the status quo without addressing the funding challenges faced by the parish’s judicial system.
