St. John the Baptist Parish voters said “yes” to renewing existing taxes Saturday, but “no” to a School Board request for increased sales tax revenue.

• St. John Public Schools leaders praised the District’s performance — a key selling point in advance of Saturday’s election, when St. John voters were asked to approve a new .25 percent sales tax to benefit the School District.

Ultimately, voters decided against the measure, voting 1,501 (52 percent) against and 1,372 (48 percent) in favor of it.

The St. John Parish School Board was asking voters to approve a .25 percent sales tax (25 cents for every $100 spent).

If passed, the tax was expected to generate $2.4 million a year for school security, alternative programs, guidance work at the elementary schools, extra transportation and salaries and benefits.

School Board members have suggested staff and program cutbacks were possible should the tax vote fail.

• St. John the Baptist Parish voters approved the renewal of a 9.94 mills tax for the public library system – 1,884 votes (65 percent) for and 1,018 (35 percent) against.

The renewal is for 10 years and begins in 2018. Money generated from the tax is earmarked to maintain, construct and operate the public library branches. Information from the Assessor’s office indicates for a millage of 9.94 mills on a $150,000 home, the owner would pay $74.55 annually. For a $300,000 home, the tax would be $211.50.

• Voters also approved renewing a millage that helps fund the St. John Parish Health Unit to the tune of more than $430,000 a year, parish officials said.

The renewal passed with 62 percent (1,811 votes) of the turnout in favor and 38 percent (1,098 votes) against.

The proposition calls for the continuance of a .96 mills tax for 10 years, beginning in 2018, which generates $434,790 annually, according to Parish President Natalie Robottom.

Information provided by the Assessor’s office indicated a millage of .96 on a $150,000 home would cause the owner to pay $7.20 annually. For a home valued at $300,000, the .96 millage would generate $21.60 in taxes.

Robottom said revenue from the millage goes towards paying two employees the Parish funds, as well as maintenance, utilities, supplies and equipment.