The Downtown Development District Commission has gone on record in unanimously endorsing the bond proposal at it's October 8, 2009 Special board meeting.
As you carefully consider all of the issues on the November 14th ballot, the DDD is committed to providing information on those issues that affect downtown. The parishwide proposition includes:
1.The expansion of the River Center to meet convention center market demands
2. New parking garages.
3. Consolidation of City Government into a true City Hall
4.The Alive project on the Mississippi River. For a complete list of the bond issue projects, please click on the Capital Improvements Plan Election Summary under "additional information" on the right side of your screen.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On November 14, 2009, the citizens in the special taxing district of East Baton Rouge Parish will vote on a capital improvements plan to address infrastructure needs for public safety and the protection of property, drainage improvement, and economic development and job creation. The capital improvements will be financed through a series of bond issues supported by a One-half of One Percent (1/2%) Sales & Use Tax and a 9.9-mill property tax authorized to be levied and collected, subject to voter approval, by the Parish of East Baton Rouge Capital Improvements District, a parishwide taxing district. The tax proceeds will be dedicated solely to the capital improvements contained within this booklet, and are proposed for a 30-year term. Proceeds may be used as needed for operation or maintenance of said projects. The sales tax component would exclude taxation of food for home consumption and prescription drugs. The property tax component will be subject to the homestead exemption. The projects total approximately $901 million. After all projects are completed, the tax proceeds over and above the then existing debt service, and over and above any funds used for operation or maintenance of the projects, shall be used exclusively for early retirement of the bonded indebtedness.
