New Orleans voters will be heading to the polls tomorrow to decide what the city drainage system will look like, how firefighters are paid and the direction of the Criminal District Court.
New Orleans voters are being asked to help finance some big tickets items. Proposition 1 involves the drainage system, which shows its problems in plain view after a heavy rain. City officials say the existing drainage millage generates about $15 million a year for maintenance and operations. Voters are being asked to renew the millage, which officials say will not raise taxes. The secured funding could lower flood insurance rates citywide.
And – with Proposition 2 -- voters are deciding on establishing a 12-year tax dedicated to the fire department. Funds would settle a dispute that’s gone on for decades over back pay. Officials say it’ll cost the average homeowner about $50 a year. The non-profit Bureau of Governmental Research is recommending both propositions be approved.
And in the Criminal District Court, Appeals Court Judge Paul Bonin faces prosecutor Kevin Guillory. The winner will replace Judge Frank Marullo in Section D.