OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) — A special meeting held at City Hall in Opelousas today gave the council members and Mayor Julius Alsandor a chance to let all residents in Opelousas know that the importance of this sales tax renewal.

The sales tax being proposed for renewal is a 1% sales tax used for the purposes of maintaining waterworks, sewer, facilities, and the salaries of city workers.

“It’s going to be a local tax, only for the people of the city of Opelousas within the corporate limits. And when that date is confirmed by the secretary of state, everyone in Opelousas will be aware.” Mayor Julius Alsandor said.

While the meeting was open for public comment, those in attendance had many questions regarding the potential election as well as questions about the current use of the sales tax funds on city infrastructure.

With the questions being asked, the city council put out a public notice that a follow up meeting has been scheduled for May 22 to address the publics questions and approve the proposal for the sales tax to be voted on by residents in Opelousas.

The sales tax, which has been in place for decades, provides the city with $6 million dollars a year to go towards these expenses.

“$500,000 a month is a lot of money.” Alsandor said. “This one cent will allow us to show those potential economic bombers, who want to become part of our businesses, that we invested in our own future. I’m pleading now, don’t listen to the naysayers. Come find out for yourself. Ask the questions on the 22nd. You can ask these questions.”

A public meeting to discuss the approval of the sales tax renewal proposition is scheduled to take place at City Hall on May 22nd and could lead to a municipal election in August.

Latest news