Lafayette voters to decide on fire and road tax renewals again
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Lafayette Parish Council is seeking a second vote on two property tax renewals, previously rejected by citizens.
Back in March, Lafayette Parish citizens voted not to renew two property taxes. However, the parish council remains hopeful.
The council voted to put the two mileages before voters once more. The two property tax renewals are for services that include parish road maintenance, mosquito control, and parish-wide fire protection.
Scott Deputy Fire Chief Chris Domingue reinforces that money from the millage helps them run their department. Domingue said there are trucks dedicated to the parish and trucks for the city.
"If you look at a community like Judice or Milton, they're not incorporated. As much as you can get from the millage helps them run their department. The cost of insurance, maintenance, and fuel all help," Domingue said.
Fundraisers have been considered to amend finances, however, Domingue explained that's not enough.
"We see temperatures right at a hundred degrees, and they were out there a few weeks ago. They're raising money to protect our community, and this is where the funding really helps," Domingue stated.
He said all the fire stations rely on the money from the millage.
"People don't understand, just like fire gear. You see a firefighter wearing that nice coat, pants, boots, and helmet that's probably around $3,000 or $3,500 just to suit him up. That doesn't include his $7,000 air package on his back," Domingue explained.