Mayor-President Josh Guillory To Push For Repeal Of Newly Formed Taxing Districts
Feb 18, 2020 01:28PM ● By News Desk
In a release from the Lafayette Consolidated Government on Tuesday, Mayor-President Josh Guillory will propose an ordinance to the Lafayette City and Parish Councils to repeal the Economic Development Districts, which were approved by the prior City-Parish Council in the final days of the previous Administration.
Guillory believes that introduction and consideration of the ordinance will provide an opportunity for further community discussion surrounding these controversial new entities with taxing powers.
Guillory believes that introduction and consideration of the ordinance will provide an opportunity for further community discussion surrounding these controversial new entities with taxing powers.
“Out of respect, I wanted to announce my intention to ask the Councils to reconsider these districts before their initial meetings tonight,” said Guillory. “I understand that there are differences of opinion on this issue, but I believe the matter is too important to just let it go unquestioned and unexamined. Implementing new taxes without a vote of the people, particularly in established shopping areas such as Downtown Lafayette, represents a fundamental breach of taxpayers’ trust, and we honestly don’t know what the ultimate impact on commerce will be. Regardless of the outcome, I believe our community would benefit from a renewed public discussion of this issue. I hope we can engage in this dialogue in an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared purpose,” Guillory concluded.
Guillory plans to introduce the ordinance at the Joint Council meeting on March 3 with the final vote expected on March 17.
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File Photo: Parish News
