St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office funding renewal measures on upcoming ballot

St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office funding renewal measures on upcoming ballot

The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office has two funding renewal measures on the upcoming March 30 ballot: a ½ cent sales and use tax and a 5 mill property tax. Sheriff James Pohlmann said both of these measures are renewals and do not represent any new taxes upon the citizens of St. Bernard.

The tax renewals are expected to generate approximately $5.7 million annually.

“These funding sources represent a significant portion of our annual operating budget and are crucial to hiring and retaining the most qualified law enforcement officers, as well as purchasing and maintaining the necessary equipment required by the Sheriff’s Office,” the Sheriff said.

The monies generated directly fund salaries, training and operation of the sub-stations, as well as equipment, such as vehicles and rescue boats. Also funded are technical items such as computers, crime scene equipment and license plate readers.

“Many St. Bernard residents have become familiar with how important of a tool our license plate recognition system is, but it requires a significant amount of money to maintain and update as technology improves over time,” Sheriff Pohlmann said. “This funding source will allow us to remain current with new updates and help us in continuing to have the lowest crime rate in the metropolitan New Orleans area.”

Election day is March 30. Early voting will be held from March 16 through 23, with the exception of Sunday, March 17.

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