OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) — Robert Lafleur is a senior staff accountant who also served 10 years with the Opelousas Fire Department.

“There’s no good way that this is going to end if that tax doesn’t pass,” Lafleur said.

Given his knowledge of both fields, Lafleur has gone through the publicly released audit information for the city and recognizes the importance of the $6 million in annual revenue from the 1% sales tax in question.

Along with this knowledge, Lafleur explains the impact losing this tax would have on the Fire Department, who would see a significant cut in funding without the sales tax revenue.

“I know they’re already very, very skeleton crew,” Lafleur said. “Two personnel just quit last month. They’re already struggling to hire people if they lose any more. I don’t see how they keep all four stations open, keep their class two rating with the property insurance. It’s going to be a domino effect that’s just going to land everybody in a worse situation.”

Along with the cuts to first responders who only just received competitive pay raises last year, Lafleur adds that the valid concerns of water issues and poor road conditions will only get worse without that revenue.

In an open letter to the citizens and leaders of the city, Lafleur says he hopes people in the city know elections will be held next year for council members and the mayor, and it’s a more effective time to let your voice be heard.

“If that’s what the citizens feel is the problem, replace all of them next year. But the sales tax is not going to fix that problem. The sales tax is a third of the city’s entire revenue, at least based on the 24 numbers. But it’s going to be catastrophic if they don’t renew that sales tax,” he said.

Lafleur’s full letter can be found here:

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