Tangipahoa    Public Safety       Sales Tax

‍What is on the March 29 ballot?

·      Voters will be asked to eliminate a 10 mill ad valorem property tax and replace it with a ¾cent sales tax

·      If approved, the property tax reduction would be immediate and it would provide TPSO with an additional $5 million in funding to increase deputy pay to more than$20 an hour, hire more deputies, and properly equip all TPSO deputies.

       o  $3.5 million to give raises, hire additional deputies and equipment

       o  $1.5 million for technology and equipment to bring the agency up to an operational level required for more effectiveness

What will the sales tax for public safety be used for?

The proposed sales tax is a vital step in ensuring the continued operation and effectiveness of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. Over recent years, the cost of running law enforcement operations has risen, yet the office’s budget has remained static, making it increasingly difficult to meet the rising demand for services. This sales tax will directly address these financial challenges by funding key areas such as:

·      Proactive Law Enforcement: It will enable the Sheriff’s Office to increase efforts to combat the growing threats of drug trafficking, violent crime, and other criminal activities that have become more prevalent in our community. With additional deputies, law enforcement will be able to respond faster, investigate more cases, and implement effective prevention strategies.

·      School Safety: A portion of the funds will go toward increasing security in schools across the parish. This includes funding additional school resource officers and crossing guards, enhancing surveillance systems, and providing training to ensure that both students and faculty are protected.

·      Deputy Salaries and Recruitment: Our deputies put their lives on the line to protect this community, and they deserve to be paid a living wage. Currently, our deputies are some of the lowest paid in the state at an average of $16 an hour which is up from an average of $13 an hour when Sheriff Sticker took office in July 2024. This tax will allow us to increase salaries to an average of at least $20 an hour, attract new recruits, and keep the experienced deputies we have. A motivated, well-compensated force is key to good law enforcement.

 By approving this tax, Tangipahoa Parish will be better equipped to protect the community, prevent crime, and ensure the safety of our citizens.

Will some taxes be reduced?

Yes, property owners in Tangipahoa Parish will benefit from a reduction in their tax burden. Specifically, the proposal calls for the repeal of the existing 10 mill ad valorem property tax.

On average, these savings can range from 10-15%per property, effective immediately.

Who will pay the sales tax?

The sales tax will be applied to all sales transactions within Tangipahoa Parish, regardless of the buyer’s location. This means that both residents of the parish AND those traveling into or through the area will contribute to the funding of public safety services. Visitors and non-residents who shop in the parish will also help support law enforcement, ensuring that the financial responsibility doesn’t fall solely on local residents.

Why are we asking for the sales tax election now?

The timing of this request is crucial. Tangipahoa Parish has experienced significant growth in both population and development over recent years. As more people move into the area, the demand for law enforcement services has increased, putting additional pressure on the Sheriff’s Office. To maintain public safety, the Sheriff’s Office must expand its capacity to handle a growing number of calls, investigations, and community outreach programs.

By addressing this need proactively, we can ensure that law enforcement remains effective and responsive as the parish continues to grow. This sales tax will allow the Sheriff’s Office to modernize, increase staffing, and provide the level of service the community deserves. Rather than waiting until resources get beyond the current status, which are already stretched too thin, now is the time to secure the necessary funding to sustain and improve public safety efforts in the years ahead.

What happens if the sales tax fails?

If the sales tax proposal does not pass, the Sheriff’s Office will be forced to make difficult budgetary decisions that will have a direct impact on public safety. These decisions could include:

• Staffing Cuts: To make up for the lack of funding, the Sheriff’s Office would have to reduce the number of deputies and other personnel. This would result in longer response times to emergencies, fewer patrols in neighborhoods, and reduced community outreach efforts.
• Decreased Effectiveness: With fewer resources, the office’s ability to proactively address issues like drug crimes, property crimes, and violent offenses would be compromised. The department would have to shift toward more reactive policing, which often leads to slower response times and missed opportunities to prevent crime before it happens.
• Impact on Community Trust: The Sheriff’s Office could also struggle to maintain a strong presence in schools and the community, which is vital for building trust and cooperation between law enforcement and residents. A reduction in resources could erode this relationship and create a perception of reduced safety.
• Potential for Increased Crime: Without sufficient funding, the Sheriff’s Office may not have the tools or personnel needed to combat rising crime rates, which could lead to an increase in incidents of theft, violence, and drug-related offenses.

In short, without this sales tax, Tangipahoa Parish could face significant setbacks in maintaining public safety and responding to community needs. This would be a setback for everyone who calls this parish home.