Sheriff Hutson urges voters to renew millage amid opposition

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson held a press conference flanked by supporters to urge New Orleans voters to approve a proposed millage renewal, even as signs positioned around the city suggest opposition.

No one has stepped forward to take responsibility for the “No New Taxes” signs, but others are openly opposing the proposed renewal.

The proposition that would benefit the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office is on the May 3 ballot.

“Why is this millage necessary? Because public safety is necessary. this millage is all about safe and strong community,” Hutson said.

Voters will decide whether to renew the property tax at its existing rate of 2.46 mills.

Some standing with Hutson at the press event were church leaders.

“A millage that will continue to enhance the lives of individuals who times do not have a voice for themselves,” said Bishop Darryl Brister of Beacon Light International Baptist Cathedral.

The tax generates $13 million annually. Hutson said there could be furloughs, layoffs and cuts to programs that help prepare inmates for reentry into society if it is not renewed.

And the layoffs could include deputies.

“Absolutely,” said Hutson.

The Bureau of Governmental Research supports the millage renewal, but signs that read “No New Taxes” are posted across the city.

“It is lie. this is a renewal and it is critical to public safety,” Hutson said, standing next to one of the signs.

The Inter-denominational Ministerial Alliance, made up of local church pastors, is openly opposing the proposed renewal. But its president, the Rev. Willie Gable, said they are not responsible for the signs.

However, he did address Hutson’s comments about how public safety might be impacted if the tax is not renewed.

“That’s the fear factor,” said Gable. “You’re not responsible for the safety of the city. you’re the responsible for the safety of the inmates, their health and well-being. the police department is responsible for the safety of the citizenry.”

He said the group backed the millage when it was first proposed years ago.

“We supported it 10 years ago with the understanding that these funds were for the purpose of building a new facility,” said Gable.

A spokesperson for the jail confirmed it is paid for but said construction of Phase 3 of the jail continues. That phase will house the mental health wing.

“So, are these facilities that you are currently building that you are trying to budget for? Because I do see the cranes still there,” Gable asked. “Just be honest with us on this, I mean, everybody wants you to succeed.”

“Citizens can only spend so much and remember poor people have to pay this because if they’re renting, the rents will go up. That’s all we’re saying. Let’s have a fair assessment of your financials,” Gable stated.

The jail remains under a federal consent decree.

“If this money does not come in, it’s just not there and i cannot make up $13.9 million dollars,” said Hutson.

Gable said, “Citizens can only spend so much and remember poor people have to pay this because if they’re renting, the rents will go up. That’s all we’re saying.”

Critics say many positions at the jail remain unfilled.

“Now, when we say, wait a minute, let’s take a pause on this renewal. We hear we may have to cut staff when you’ve got 28% of the people that you haven’t even hired yet. So, why are we talking about cutting staff?” Gable said.

The sheriff’s office spokeswoman said once those positions are filled, the city provides the funding for them.