fgazette.com Community news site for Union Parish Louisiana
STAFF REPORT editor@fgazette.com
FARMERVILLE — Multiple posts featuring Union Parish police jurors advocating passage of the proposed road tax on the Police Jury’s official website raise questions about the use of taxpayer-supported resources for election advocacy.
Louisiana law permits public bodies to explain tax propositions to voters. However, Article XI, Section 4 of the Louisiana Constitution and Louisiana Revised Statutes 18:1465 prohibit using public funds to urge voters to support or oppose a ballot proposition.
The distinction is between providing factual information and promoting an election outcome.
Government agencies may explain a proposed tax’s rate, duration, anticipated revenue and intended uses. Appeals asking voters to approve the tax raise a different legal issue.