Editorial: Vote yes on Orleans Parish Sheriff millage renewal

By Staff Editorial

Source: The Times-Picayune | Nola.com

April 23, 2025

Voters in New Orleans are being asked on the May 3 ballot to extend a millage collected by the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office for 10 years. We recommend a “yes” vote.

The millage is a renewal, so unlike the controversial proposal Sheriff Susan Hutson pushed in 2023, which voters rejected 91%-9%, it would not increase tax bills. What it would do is keep in place a crucial source of funding for an office that struggles to keep its overcrowded jail staffed and maintained and provide services required by a federal civil rights consent decree. The millage currently provides $13.1 million annually, or roughly 20% of the sheriff’s operating budget.

It’s worth noting, with a contested election this fall, that whoever the voters choose as sheriff will need this revenue stream. Three of Hutson’s declared opponents join her in backing the millage renewal, as does the Bureau of Governmental Research. We add our support to theirs.

Early voting began Saturday and runs through Saturday, April 26. The election is May 3.

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