Nola Defender reports that the Audobon Nature Institute is requesting 4.2 mills for the next 50 years beginning in 2015. "For the next 50 years?"......exactly the sentiments of many.
Do you think this a move to tighten and solidify the grip on a percent on your property tax or clearly in the best interest of the city's economic benefits on tourism?
You decide. Your vote on March 15, 2014 may guarantee or forstall this move.
The Audubon Nature Institute’s millage is up for renewal this year. The final voting day is March 15. Per the request of the Audubon Nature Institute, the New Orleans City Council unanimously decided in December 2013 to place the millage renewal on the ballot.
For those unfamiliar, a millage is a levy on property tax. One "mill" is one-tenth of one percent. For example, owners of a $180,000 home pay a $3.68 millage.
“The plan also has the support of Mayor Mitch Landrieu,” said Frank Donze, Communications Director at the Audubon Institute.
Donze said, “Millages are paid by all property owners in Orleans Parish. The state’s homestead exemption waives taxes on the first $75,000 in assessed value on every owner-occupied home.”
This millage is not a new tax for Audubon or Orleans Parish homeowners. This proposal is a renewal of two existing millages, one established in the 70's and another in the 80's.
Audubon has used millage funding, which generates $9 million a year, to build projects and has plans for future endeavors. The millage revenue will support repairs and new exhibitions and park amenities. An extensive list of Audubon’s future projects can be found here.
However, many citizens oppose the millage renewals. WWL TV put out a call to citizens on their Facebook page, asking whether or not taxypayers supported the tax. Keith Hardie wrote, "Against. This is a 50 year tax, and we don't know what it the money will be spent on! I'm opposed to giving Ron Forman a blank check. Vote against this and let Audubon go back to the drawing board and come back with a shorter, more economical, and more specific proposition."
Voters approved the existing millages in 1972, with .40 mills for the zoo. In 1986, 3.8 mills for the aquarium and Woldenberg Park were approved. The new ballot will review the 4.2 mills for 50 years beginning in 2015.
Donze said, “Audubon matches millage funding with private, state and federal dollars to create and maintain family attractions.”
Since 1977, this type of funding has invested more than $300 million into the economy while also growing the workforce to 750 employees, said Donze.
“Audubon also has solidified its role as a leader in attracting family tourism to the city, helping fuel a vital economic engine and providing natural places where visitors and locals alike can relax and learn an appreciation for life through nature,” Donze stated.
If the millage is not renewed, the Zoo and Aquarium will suffer an estimated $9 million annual loss beginning in 2015. This will significantly diminish Audubon’s financial role in the city by reducing economic impact, creating job loss, and causing free and reduced admissions programs to be cut.
The Audubon Commission was established in 1914 in order to maintain and develop Audubon Park. While the park suffered financial setbacks and community interest waned, a comeback was made in the 1970's with the help of volunteers, the Audubon Commission and New Orleanians' overwhelming approval to millage funding.
Early voters can hit the polls on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at these locations: City Hall (1300 Perdido St.), The Algiers Courthouse (225 Morgan St.), Voting Machine Warehouse (8870 Chef Menteur Hwy.), and Regional Transit Management Center (10 Veterans Blvd.). The next opportunity to vote will be March 15.
Source: Nola Defender
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