Alexandria, LA (8/15/2024) – The Alexandria City Council is set to make waves with two crucial sessions on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in the City Council Chambers. At 5:00 P.M., the Council will hold a public hearing to discuss increasing millage rates—without voter approval.
This proposal aims to adopt adjusted millage rates and roll them forward to the previous year’s maximum. The potential revenue from this increase is estimated at $11,509,466.92, with $398,657.17 directly tied to the proposed hike. But the question on many minds is: Is this taxation without the people’s approval?
Many residents are voicing concerns, questioning whether the Council is overstepping its authority. The tax increase proposal comes after voters previously rejected a similar measure. Could this be seen as an attempt to override the democratic process? Critics argue that it might be an abuse of the power granted to the Council by the people. This sentiment is growing among those who believe that their voices are being ignored.
5:05 Meeting
The 5:05 P.M. session brings even more controversial items to the table. Ordinance #9 proposes adopting the adjusted millage rates, while Ordinance #10 seeks to set and roll forward to the maximum authorized rate. These moves have left citizens asking: Is the Council trying to bypass the will of the voters? The concern is that these ordinances are a deliberate effort to implement a tax that the public already turned down.
In addition to these hotly debated topics, the Council will address other significant issues. One ordinance allows the mayor to enter a Professional Services Agreement for grant writing services for the Alexandria Police Department. Another proposes rezoning properties for commercial expansion. These additional actions only add to the anxiety that the Council may be putting its agenda above the community’s wishes.
As these meetings approach, the public is encouraged to engage and question these actions. Is this really what the people want? Or is the Alexandria City Council pushing its own agenda at the expense of the democratic process?
For more details, here are the agendas and link to supporting documentation.
Link to Supporting Documentation on Agenda Items.
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