After the passage of a resolution on Aug. 13 made it official, a proposal for a one-cent sales tax increase within city limits will go before voters here on Nov. 16.
The issue received unanimous support of council members at last week’s council meeting. If approved by voters, it will be the first increase to the city’s existing one-cent sales tax in 46 years. Mayor Ricky Calais said he regards the increase as a necessary step in keeping the progress of the city on track.
Calais said preparation for continued commercial development along the I-10 corridor, as well as Rees Street will be impossible without additional revenue. Also, he said, growth will be limited without access to the prime northeast commercial development area through the extension of East Mills Avenue to Doyle Melancon Extension, and accompanying infrastructure extensions there.
Similarly, a westward extension of Latiolais Drive is needed to provide additional development space in the southwest quadrant of the I-10/Rees Street interchange area, he said. And continuing improvements to city parks, improved youth programs and needed equipment purchases will all be difficult without the extra income generated by the additional tax.
A 2 percent tax rate would still leave Breaux Bridge among the lowest-taxed cities in the area, Calais pointed out.
Power Out Safety
Police Chief Rollie Cantu reported that during the power outages from Hurricane Barry, some drivers created hazardous conditions by failing to observe intersection rules. When traffic lights are out, he reminded drivers, all intersections are considered as four-way stops.
Cantu explained that Rees Street has been a particular problem. Because Rees is the busier street, motorists on that street incorrectly think they have the right-of-way. “When a light is not working, it’s a four-way stop, regardless,” he said.
“Please be patient,” he said, adding that power-out emergencies are a hectic time for police. While all department employees are subject to being sent out to intersections to direct traffic in those situations, on-duty patrol officers are still needed because “The crooks come out then, too.”
In other business, the council:
•Approved Calais’ request to reject all bids received for the proposed sewer extension project north of I-10 because prices were all above estimates. Bids will be re-advertised for the project.
•Accepted the Armentine Cove and Rue La Belle Road reconstruction projects, as well as the water line relocation along Berard Street.
