NEW ORLEANS – Mayor Landrieu will join French Quarter residents and business owners and hospitality and tourism officials to discuss a measure on the Saturday, October 24, 2015, ballot that will provide long-term funding for State Police and other public safety services in the French Quarter, today, Thursday, October 22, 2015, outside of NOPD’S 8th District Station, 334 Royal St., at 2:00 p.m.
On Saturday, October 24, French Quarter area residents will have the opportunity to vote on a proposed Economic Development District (EDD) to enhance public safety for the area.
Should voters approve the measure, the sales tax on goods and services (excluding hotel stays) sold in the proposed district will increase 0.2495%, which equates to an additional quarter for every $100. The sales tax is expected to generate approximately $2 million annually and would help fund Louisiana State Police troopers and other public safety measures throughout the French Quarter. These funds would be generated overwhelmingly by tourists. There would be a five-year sunset provision on the tax, with the option for renewal pending voter approval at expiration.
Those expected to attend today’s conference include:
• Mayor Mitch Landrieu
• Superintendent Michael Harrison, NOPD
• Colonel Mike Edmonson, Louisiana State Police
• Council member Nadine Ramsey, District C
• French Quarter resident and business leaders
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