By BEN LUNDIN

Staff Reporter

ST. CHARLES PARISH – St. Charles Parish residents will become the deciding factor on whether the Public School System will retain 35.7% of its operating budget when two separate propositions come up for vote on March 31, 2007.

The propositions ask residents to vote on two millage tax renewals, which will provide an estimated $35.8 million per year for the school system and maintain the current property taxes on residents and businesses.

Proposition One will levy a special tax on all property subject to taxation within St. Charles Parish and will cost homeowners $2.50 for houses valued at $100,000 and $10 for residences valued at $175,000, and will be in place from 2008 to 2017.

The $32 million provided by this proposition will be used for maintenance of the educational system, the largest employer in St. Charles Parish, and will also pay teacher salaries and benefits.

Proposition Two is a special tax on all property subject to taxation within St. Charles Parish, will cost slightly more than 10% as much as Proposition One and will be in place from 2008 through 2017. The expected $3.8 million generated annually by this proposition will be used for schoolhouse construction and improvement.

&#8220It is important to understand that these millage renewals will not lead to higher taxes for the citizens of St. Charles Parish,” a representative of the school system said in a press release. &#8220We are presenting a renewal of existing mills, so there will be no increase in the rates being charged.”

St. Charles Parish residents voted in favor of the two propositions at the current rates 15 years ago, and renewed the propositions in 1997.

The millage tax these propositions provide is unlike sales tax because its amount does not fluctuate which allows the school system to balance a budget for the future using the expected income.

Absentee voting on the propositions will take place from March 19 through 24 in the Register of Voters Office at the Courthouse until 4:30 p.m. each day. The last day to register to vote for the election is March 28.

The general fund, which is the revenue created by Proposition One, is projected to bring in revenues of approximately $92 million for 2006-07, roughly 28% of which comes from the state.

&#8220The true costs depend on what we believe is important for our students,” Superintendent Rodney Lafon said. &#8220If we truly value education and are committed to creating a quality educational system not only for present students but for future generations, we must be willing to create learning environments which best accomplish this community goal.”

&#8220We’re really optimistic that the two issues will be renewed,” said Rochelle Cancienne, the St. Charles School Board Director of Public Information.

&#8220The true costs depend on what we believe is important for our students,” Superintendent Rodney Lafon said. &#8220If we truly value education and are committed to creating a quality educational system not only for present students but for future generations, we must be willing to create learning environments which best accomplish this community goal.”

&#8220We’re really optimistic that the two issues will be renewed,” said Rochelle Cancienne, the St. Charles School Board Director of Public Information.