OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- The special election to decide the fate of a 1% sales tax that has been in place for over 50 years in Opelousas, has been a major topic of discussion throughout the year. Now, residents have the chance to let their opinions be heard as early voting has officially begun.

The 1% sales tax provides the city with just under $6 million a year and goes towards road work, infrastructure repair and also the salaries of city workers, including first responders.

City officials have warned residents that the loss of that revenue can result in many of these employees having to lose their jobs.

"If you vote, 'No', then you say, 'Lay off the officers. Lay off your firefighters. Lay off the ones that we just gave a raise to that work for the city every day.' That's what you're saying. That's what you're saying to the families that are living off of this income. 'Prepare yourself to be laid off,'" Alderman at Large Marvin Richard said.

With early voting beginning on August 2, registrar of voters Byron Stelly says 46 residents have shown up to vote in person and 164 residents have mailed in their ballots.

While many residents are yet to vote, members of the city council including councilman John Guilbeaux have voiced how important the sales tax is to the city.

Guilbeaux says, "This is detrimental to the city and the citizens of Opelousas. You take away $6 million from the city's operating functions. You think things are bad? It's going to be a lot worse," said Guilbeaux.

Early voting is currently taking place and the special election for the sales tax renewal is scheduled for August 16.

Latest news