The Chamber SWLA is endorsing taxes up for renewal: The Calcasieu Parish Public Library Tax Renewal and the Courthouse and Jail Maintenance Tax Renewal. 

“These are not new, additional taxes. They are renewals of existing taxes which have been existence for 10 years. Renewing these taxes is vital to the vitality of our region. The Library is a quality of life touchstone for our communities and provides resources for a large number of people. Our Calcasieu Parish Public Library has been on the cutting edge of programs and services for our community and it was would be detrimental to our community if this tax renewal did not pass,” said George Swift, President/CEO of the Chamber SWLA. “The Courthouse and Correctional Center are necessary parts of a growing community which is why they are state mandated. For the safety and well-being of our community, we must have a correctional center and courthouse.” 

These two renewals will be on your ballot like this:

• PW Prop. (Library) - 5.99 Mills Renewal - PJ - 10 Yrs.
• PW Prop. (Courthouse & Correctional Center) - 3.27 Mills Renewal - PJ - 10 Yrs. 

The Library Tax Renewal provides funding for our regional library system which provides for the:

• 1,700 daily visitors to the branches  
• 10,000 attendees of library programs, monthly
• 14,600 patrons who use public computers, monthly
• 66,370 library card holders who access the library both in person and online (24/7). 

The library millage pays for the operation and maintenance expenses which include new books and other materials, online resources, public computers, internet, services and programs, staffing, utilities, and building maintenance and improvement. For a $100,000 home, this works out to 1.25 a month.

The Courthouse and Jail Maintenance (a.k.a. Correctional Center) Tax Renewal pays for the state-required operation of the Courthouse complex and Correctional Center (Jail). This millage covers courthouse complex costs such as maintenance, equipment, insurance, utilities, custodial services, supplies, and prisoner care. For a $100,000 home, this works out to .68 a month.

Early Voting starts October 23^rd. Visit Geauxvote.org for sample ballots and voting locations.

The Chamber SWLA is part of the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance and represents the five-parish region of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis.