Morgan City voters consider tax

Along with the Louisiana Amendment 1 proposition that if failed would open property owners to a state imposed real estate tax, voters in Morgan City will cast ballots regarding a proposed three-tenths of a cent sales tax increase.

If adopted, the added sales tax in Morgan City would be applied to cover expenses associated with the costs of constructing, improving, resurfacing, maintaining and providing street drainage for public streets, alleys, sidewalks and public wharves. Revenue generated from this tax would also pay for equipment associated with these projects, and would offer payment to bonds and other financial obligations associated with the measure.

The Louisiana Amendment 1 deal was pushed by the state’s Realtors, with the unanimous backing by lawmakers.

If approved, the constitutional amendment would prevent the state, parishes or cities from putting a tax on the sale or transfer of homes and property. Realtors argued such a move could price some potential buyers out of the housing market, making home ownership unaffordable.

The measure has received backing from a number of local agencies and organizations, including the Bayou Board of Realtors and Tri-parish area chambers of commerce.

Polls in St. Mary Parish will open at 6 a.m. and remain open until 8 p.m.