SWLA Voters Choose Tax Fates on May 16

Overview of Election Results in Southwest Louisiana

In a recent election held on Saturday, voters in several parishes across Southwest Louisiana made decisions on various tax and bond proposals. These decisions included the approval or rejection of school improvement bonds, road tax renewals, and other local initiatives. The results reflect the community's priorities and concerns regarding public infrastructure and services.

Calcasieu Parish

Calcasieu Parish saw significant voter participation in several key proposals:

School District No. 25 - $20M Bond

Voters approved a $20-million bond with a narrow margin of 50% (710 votes) for "YES" and 50% (708 votes) for "NO." The funds will be used to build and improve school facilities in Iowa and LeBleu Settlement.

School District No. 34 - $88M Bond

This proposal received a majority vote with 54% (3,740 votes) in favor and 46% (3,221 votes) against. The bond is intended for building and improving school facilities in southwest Lake Charles.

City of Lake Charles Prop. No. 1 - 2.31 Mills Renewal

Voters rejected this proposal, with 47% (5,377 votes) supporting and 53% (5,987 votes) opposing. The renewal aimed to fund public buildings, streets, and bridges.

City of Lake Charles Prop. No. 2 - 1.70 Mills Renewal

The proposal was also rejected, with 48% (5,420 votes) in favor and 52% (5,932 votes) against. This tax would have supported maintaining playgrounds and recreation centers.

City of Lake Charles Prop. No. 3 - 5.27 Mills Renewal

Another rejection occurred, with 48% (5,842 votes) for "YES" and 52% (5,885 votes) for "NO." This renewal was for employee salaries, including police, fire, and public works.

Town of Iowa - 1% S&U Tax Renewal

Voters approved this proposal, with 62% (278 votes) in favor and 38% (174 votes) against. The tax will support maintenance of streets, sidewalks, street lighting, and sewage facilities, generating over $1.2 million annually starting in 2027.

Waterworks Dist. No. 14 of Wd. 5 - 15.98 Mills Renewal

This proposal passed with 77% (202 votes) in favor and 23% (62 votes) against. The tax is expected to collect over $700,000 annually for 10 years, starting in 2027.

Allen Parish

Allen Parish also had several proposals on the ballot:

School District No. 1 - 23.11 Mills Renewal

Voters approved this renewal with 69% (54 votes) for "YES" and 31% (24 votes) for "NO." The tax, which is a .24-mill decrease from the previous tax, is expected to collect $73,437 annually for 10 years, starting in 2027.

School District No. 25 - 7.57 Mills Renewal

This proposal passed with 51% (348 votes) in favor and 49% (328 votes) against. The tax, which is a .19-mill increase, is expected to generate $238,982 annually for 10 years, starting in 2027.

Recreation District No. 6 - 5 Mills In-Lieu

Voters rejected this proposal, with 36% (95 votes) for "YES" and 64% (168 votes) against. It aimed to replace a 3-mill tax approved in 2017.

Beauregard Parish

Beauregard Parish had one notable proposal:

Road District Number Two - 6.13 Mills Continuation

Voters approved this continuation with 58% (307 votes) in favor and 42% (222 votes) against. The tax, which was previously rejected in November, is expected to collect $614,200 between 2026 and 2035.

Cameron Parish

Cameron Parish saw several approvals:

Parishwide School Board Proposition No. 1 - 10.50 Mills Renewal

Voters approved this proposal with 62% (545 votes) for "YES" and 38% (338 votes) against. The tax is expected to collect $5.4 million annually between 2027 and 2036.

Parishwide School Board Proposition No. 2 -- 10.50 Mills Renewal

This proposal also passed with 61% (536 votes) in favor and 39% (342 votes) against. The tax is expected to collect $5.4 million annually between 2027 and 2036.

Ambulance Service Dist. No. 2 - 14.00 Mills Renewal

Voters approved this renewal with 76% (564 votes) for "YES" and 24% (179 votes) against. The tax is expected to collect nearly $6 million annually between 2027 and 2036.

Jeff Davis Parish

Jeff Davis Parish had two proposals that were rejected:

City of Jennings Prop. No. 1 - 4.01 Mills Cont.

Voters rejected this proposal, with 43% (578 votes) for "YES" and 57% (776 votes) against. The tax aimed to fund the Carnegie Public Library.

City of Jennings Prop. No. 2 - 8.96 Mills Renewal

This proposal was also rejected, with 45% (608 votes) in favor and 55% (741 votes) against. The tax was intended for public streets, parks, and bridges.