Council sets public meeting notice to preserve option for November sales tax election

The St. Tammany Parish Council issued a public meeting notice on July 10 to preserve the option of calling a sales and use tax election in November if the council and administration determine it is necessary to address budget shortfalls tied to criminal‑justice and other mandated costs.

Speakers at the meeting questioned whether this was the same proposal voters rejected in March. Jamie Segura said voters had said no previously and asked the council to require any agency that needs new funds to come before voters directly. Council and administration members clarified that the notice is a procedural placeholder to preserve the ability to have an election in November while the council continues budget deliberations. “This at least gives us the option… it would require a vote of the people,” Councilmember Chris Corbin said, explaining the notice does not itself place a measure on the ballot.

Council members said they are still exploring funding options for mandated costs in public safety and administration and that the notice buys time while they continue to work through budget alternatives.