STATE BOND COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:

The Staff finds no technical problem with the proposition and on that basis recommends the proposition be presented to the voters. The proposition is considered a renewal tax.

L16-239 – Natchitoches Parish Council, Sales Tax District No. 1 – ½ percent sales tax, 10 years, beginning April 1, 2017, constructing, improving and maintaining public infrastructure, with one- half of the tax revenues collected in the City of Natchitoches being expended within the City for constructing, improving, and maintain roads, bridges and drainage systems and the remainder of proceeds for construction, improving and maintaining of roads and bridges in the District.

This ½ percent sales tax is expected to yield approximately $3.2 million annually. The proposed proposition has never been presented to the voters. The proposition is considered a new tax.

Pursuant to R.S. 47:338.54 Parishes and School Boards are authorized to levy 5 percent within the jurisdiction. The combined rate levied within the Parish, excluding the Law Enforcement District and municipality is currently 2.00 percent, which does not include the proposed tax. The proposed tax would result in a rate 2.50 percent.

Total sales tax within this jurisdiction is:
Law Enforcement District                           0.50%
School Board                                                          2%
Parish Council, Sales Tax District No. 1   0.50% (lncludes Proposed)
City of Natchitoches                                      2.50%
Total                                                                    5.50%

STATE BOND COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:

The Staff finds no technical problem with the proposition and on that basis recommends the proposition be presented to the voters.

L16-241 – Natchitoches Parish Council, Sales Tax District No. 2 – ¾ percent sales tax, 10 years, beginning April 1, 2017, constructing, improving and maintaining public roads and bridges.

This ¾ percent sales tax is expected to yield approximately $1.5 million annually. The proposed proposition has never been presented to the voters. The proposition is considered a new tax.

Pursuant to R.S. 47:338.54 Parishes and School Boards are authorized to levy 5 percent within the jurisdiction. The combined rate levied within the Parish, excluding the Law Enforcement District and municipality is currently 3 percent, which does not include the proposed tax. The proposed tax would result in a rate 3.75 percent.

Total sales tax within this jurisdiction is:
Law Enforcement District          0.50%
School Board                                         2%
Parish Governemnt                              1%
Parish Sales Tax District No. 2    0.75% (Includes Proposed)
City of Clarence                                     1%
Total                                                     5.25%