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Opelousas aldermen canvass special-election returns, introduce 1% sales-tax ordinance
Summary
The Board of Aldermen unanimously adopted a resolution certifying the Aug. 16 special-election results that authorized a 1% sales tax and introduced an ordinance to implement the tax; a public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 9.
The Board of Aldermen of the City of Opelousas unanimously adopted a resolution canvassing the returns of the Aug. 16 special election that authorized a 1% sales tax and introduced an ordinance to levy the tax.
The resolution formally confirming the election results was approved as Resolution No. 12 of 2025 after a motion by Alderman Sherrell Roberts and a second by Alderman Charles Cummings. The roll call recorded five votes in favor and none opposed.
Bond attorney Eric LaFleur told the board that canvassing the returns is the standard legal step after an election. LaFleur also noted a procedural limit: the city cannot impose the tax until 30 days after the canvass publication required by law. Alderman Charles Cummings introduced the ordinance to levy a 1% sales tax for up to 50 years; the council set a public hearing on the ordinance for the regular council meeting on Sept. 9, 2025.
The board also approved — by unanimous vote — agenda changes made at the start of the special meeting, including adding a discussion of brown water (added as new-business item 2B) and postponing several budget-related items.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution No. 12 of 2025: Motion to adopt the resolution canvassing the Aug. 16, 2025 special-election returns. Mover: Alderman Sherrell Roberts. Second: Alderman Charles Cummings. Vote: Marvin Richard — yes; John Gilbo — yes; Charles Cummings — yes; Sherrell Roberts — yes; Chastity Warren — yes. Outcome: approved.
- Introduction of ordinance to levy 1% sales tax: Introduced by Alderman Charles Cummings; public hearing set for Sept. 9, 2025. No final adoption at this meeting; publication delay of 30 days after canvass noted by the bond attorney.
Context and next steps
City officials said the canvass and ordinance introduction follow the special election voters held Aug. 16. LaFleur advised the council that state publication rules require a 30-day period after the canvass before the tax may be imposed, which could delay when the city begins collecting revenue. The council did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting; the matter will return at the Sept. 9 public hearing.
The council adopted the revised agenda, which included postponing items 3–8 (budget amendments and adoptions) to a later special meeting and adding the brown-water discussion under new business. The board recorded the agenda-adoption votes as unanimous (5–0).
Ending
The board’s next regular meeting remains the Sept. 9 council meeting, where the public hearing on the introduced sales-tax ordinance will be held. The resolution canvassing the election was entered into the record as Resolution No. 12 of 2025.
