ALEXANDRIA, La. (2/26/2025) – The Alexandria City Council property tax renewal failed at Tuesday’s meeting, sparking frustration and renewed demands for transparency. The proposal sought to extend an 11.51-mill tax generating $5.4 million annually for years, but it lacked enough support.
Councilmembers Chuck Fowler, Jim Villard, and Lizzie Felter voted in favor. Jules Green opposed the renewal. Malcom Larvadain, Cynthia Perry, and Gary Johnson abstained, drawing heavy criticism.
Many residents questioned why three council members refused to take a stance. “How can they sit there and not vote on something this important?” one citizen asked. Others accused them of avoiding backlash from Mayor Jacques Roy. “They didn’t want to vote yes and have to explain it, but they were too afraid to vote no,” another resident said.
The failure of the tax renewal reflects growing public dissatisfaction with city spending. Some residents argue that while the tax was labeled for infrastructure, it lacked clear commitments to pressing issues like economic development, crime, and job creation.
“The city keeps collecting money, but where is it going?” one person asked. Another pointed out that Alexandria is already facing high utility costs. “People are struggling, and instead of addressing that, they want to lock in another tax for 20 years.”
Councilman Green, the only “No” vote, stated. “I questioned people from all over the city, since I’m councilman at-large just not 1, 2, 3, but 4 and 5.”
An informal UrbanCast poll showed nearly unanimous opposition to the tax renewal. Many comments highlighted concerns that the city prioritizes long-term taxation over immediate financial relief for residents.
Public frustration is growing, with many calling for more accountability. “If your council member abstained or voted yes, ask them why,” one attendee urged. “This city deserves leadership that listens.”
UrbanCast will continue following this issue and providing updates as residents push for transparency in Alexandria’s financial decisions.
Related Alexandria: Alexandria Residents Question City Council’s Push for Tax Renewal
