LIVINGSTON PARISH — Voters in parts of Livingston Parish delivered a clear message Saturday by rejecting both tax proposals on the ballot for fire protection funding.
In the Denham Springs area, voters turned down a proposal from Fire Protection District No. 5 to levy 5.0 mills over 20 years. The measure would have generated about $950,000 annually and was pitched as necessary for a new fire station, expanded equipment, and staffing.
In the French Settlement region, voters rejected the renewal of a 15-mill tax for Fire Protection District No. 8, a volunteer fire district. The tax renewal would have brought in approximately $299,000 per year.
According to unofficial but complete results:
For Fire Protection District No. 5 (Denham Springs region), the 5.0-mill tax proposal was rejected approximately 58% to 42%.
For Fire Protection District No. 8 (French Settlement area), the 15-mill renewal was defeated approximately 54% to 46%.
Voter turnout was low in both areas, with unofficial results showing 6.9% turnout in District 5 and 8.8% in District 8.
Fire officials in both districts cautioned that a rejection could affect fire-rating classifications, which in turn may raise homeowners’ insurance premiums. District 5 in particular cited growth pressures and the need for added infrastructure.
These results come amid increased scrutiny of local tax measures in Livingston Parish and across Louisiana, with many voters appearing wary of new or expanded tax levies.
