Today the Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) releases On the Ballot: French Quarter Sales Tax, April 24, 2021. The report is intended to help French Quarter voters make an informed decision on a proposition to authorize a new 0.2495% sales tax to pay for supplemental police patrols and other public safety services. If approved by voters, the new tax would take effect July 1 and remain in place for five years. It would generate an estimated $2 million to $2.5 million in the first 12 months. On December 5, French Quarter voters rejected the renewal of a similar sales tax for enhanced public safety, and it expired at the end of 2020.
BGR’s report analyzes the tax renewal proposition based on a series of questions that address the efficient and effective use of public resources. Click here to access the full report or a two-page summary and understand BGR’s position against the proposition.