Editor's note: The Lafayette Parish School Board will not bring the property tax renewal before voters in December, according to a district spokesperson.
Lafayette voters are expected to be asked in December to renew a property tax that provides nearly $20 million for public schools.
The Lafayette Parish School System will request voters renew the millage at the current rate - 7.79 mills. It's the same rate that's existed for at least 30 years, said LPSS Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Matthew Dugas said.
It's "very important" the renewal passes, he said, especially when the district is facing a tightening budget as more students choose charter and private schools, the state reduced per pupil funding and unfunded mandates are passed down from the state legislature.
"You want to try to cut almost $19.5 million from the budget?" Dugas said. "It would be dramatic."
The money generated by the property tax supplies the district's general fund, about 80% of which pays for salaries and wages. That fund also covers utilities, insurance and other operational items. It does not fund construction projects. The property tax also creates money for charter schools.
The 10-year property tax expires in 2027, but the issue can be brought to voters for renewal early, allowing the district to be able to budget better, Dugas said.
The district's budget will likely become a more contentious topic because of declining enrollment, an end of federal COVID-19 relief funding and increase in specialized staffing needs and increase in insurance costs.
The Lafayette Parish board passed a balanced 2024-2025 budget but had to make cuts and use one-time funds to offset a potential deficit. Dugas warned LPSS staff and board members that strategic cuts, consolidations and other decisions would need to be made during the next budget planning cycle.
A public meeting about the tax will be held Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. in the school board room at 202 Rue Iberville. The decision is expected to appear on voters' Dec. 7 ballot alongside U.S. Congressional candidates and any runoffs from the November primary.
To learn more about voting and check registration status, visit geauxvote.com.