COVINGTON, LA (AP) — Covington city leaders may ask voters to redirect proceeds from a 1-cent sales tax now restricted primarily to capital improvements to recreation, infrastructure, downtown development and police.
The Times-Picayune/Nola.com’ Kim Chatelain reports Mayor Mike Cooper wants the city to have more flexibility to spend the tax money.
The city council meets Sept. 15. If the city council agrees to call an election, voters could decide the issue in the Nov. 21 general election.
Voters first imposed the 1-cent sales tax in 1982. It was renewed in 1998 and 2001 with spending restrictions retained.
The tax is not set to expire until 2027.
Cooper is recommending it should also be extended through 2045, which would allow the city to fund long-term projects through the sale of bonds.
