Robottom: New tax funds needed protection
Published 12:02 am Saturday, March 18, 2017
A special election is scheduled for Saturday, April 29 when residents will vote on a 7-mil property tax dedicated to flood protection.
The tax will fund the parish’s portion of a Hurricane/Flood Protection Levee, which extends 18 miles and includes earthen levees, flood walls and pump stations. The projected cost of the levee is $718 million with St. John’s cost-share of $50 million, with annual maintenance costs of $5 million.
Hurricanes Isaac, Gustav and Ike fully exposed our vulnerability to flooding and tidal surges and the Great Flood of 2016 threatened the homes and businesses of our residents.
Most of us readily remember the fear and devastation caused by the rising waters of Hurricane Isaac in 2012. As a result, approximately 7,190 homes were damaged, 12,664 residents registered for FEMA assistance, 131,400 volunteers assisted with our recovery and 5,351 volunteer days were spent rebuilding immediately following the event.
Almost five years later, we are STILL feeling the effects of Hurricane Isaac and repairing homes and businesses with no guarantee that this will not happen again.
Each year, without levee protection we remain vulnerable to hurricanes and flood events with the possibility of other “Hurricane Isaacs.”
The sustainability of our parish will continue to be threatened by severe weather events.
If LaPlace, which is the business center for St. John the Baptist Parish floods, the entire parish will be impacted.
The inability to operate businesses, collect sales taxes and collect ad valorem taxes on devalued property will cripple government services, fire protection, education and police protection for all residents.
An additional 7 mils will cost St. John property owners only $1.50 to $13.12 more per month for homes valued from $100,000 to $300,000 and only $18.95 to $53.95 per month for homes valued more than $300,000 to $1,000,000.
Residences valued under $75,000 are homestead exempt and will pay no additional tax, while seniors and veterans with their taxes frozen will be unaffected.
For the majority of residents, these monthly values are less than a tank of gas for peace of mind and the safety of their families. The levee project will not only protect property, assets and ensure the economic stability of the area, but could save money through a decrease in flood insurance rates.
It is vital that you cast your vote on this tax, which is necessary to fund levee construction and maintenance. Election day is Saturday, April 29. Early voting will take place April 15-22 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Registrar of Voters Offices.
For more information, please visit sjbparish.com or call our office at 652-9569.
Natalie Robottom is St. John the Baptist Parish President. She can be reached at communications@stjohn-la.gov.