Marcus Keller discusses new public safety sales tax for Iron County

During the recent Morgan County Commission meeting on May 6, 2025, discussions centered on a proposed public safety sales tax that could significantly impact local funding for safety services. Marcus Keller from Cruz and Associates presented the details of this new tax, which aims to address public safety needs across the county.

The proposed sales tax, which could be set at up to 0.30%, would apply to all areas of Morgan County, including municipalities like Morgan City. This initiative stems from a successful legislative effort to amend existing tax laws, allowing counties of certain classifications to implement this sales tax to fund public safety projects. Keller emphasized that the tax would not apply to grocery sales, a decision made to alleviate the financial burden on lower-income residents.

Keller shared insights from Iron County, which faced challenges in financing a new jail through traditional methods like general obligation bonds and property taxes. The community expressed a desire for visitors to contribute to public safety funding, leading to the exploration of a sales tax. This approach has gained traction, with Iron County successfully implementing a similar tax to support their public safety infrastructure.

The Morgan County Commission is now considering whether to adopt a resolution to implement this sales tax, which could take effect as early as January 1, 2024. The discussions highlighted the importance of public safety funding and the potential for this tax to provide necessary resources for local law enforcement and emergency services.

As the commission weighs this decision, the community is encouraged to engage in the conversation about how best to support public safety initiatives that directly affect their daily lives. The outcome of this proposal could shape the future of public safety funding in Morgan County, ensuring that both residents and visitors contribute to the safety and well-being of the community.