Opelousas aldermen vote to put 1% sales-tax renewal on Aug. 16 ballot

The City of Opelousas Board of Aldermen voted 5-1 on May 22 to adopt a resolution calling a special election on Aug. 16, 2025, to ask voters to renew a 1% local sales tax that the resolution estimates would generate $5,961,000 annually and that the board directed would begin collection Oct. 1, 2025, and expire Sept. 30, 2075.

The measure matters because the resolution ties the proposed revenue to city needs including streets, sidewalks, bridges and sewer works; construction and maintenance of waterworks facilities; police and fire stations and equipment; and “other lawful general or corporate purposes.” Mayor Allison Durham and several aldermen said losing the tax would force deep cuts to city services and payroll.

Mayor Allison Durham opened the meeting with the goal of adopting the resolution so the city “can move forward for the better good of the city of Opelousas and the people that we represent,” and told the audience, “If this tax don't pass, that's $6,000,000 permanently.” The resolution, which the board labeled Resolution No. 10 of 2025, sets the special election for Aug. 16, 2025, with polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and directs the mayor and clerk to publish notice and submit the necessary filings to the State Bond Commission and other state officials.

The council discussion and public comment largely centered on two themes: the potential fiscal impact of losing the revenue and residents' demand for clarity and accountability on how tax proceeds would be spent. Sona Anderson, a resident, asked the council to explain “What benefit or advantage would it bring to the city? Can somebody give me those answers?” Pastor Joe Alonco of Hope Presbyterian Church urged officials to prioritize replacing failing water lines, saying, “The people of Opelousas, they deserve clean water. We need to make this a top priority of the city.”

Multiple speakers, including Alderman John Gilbo and business owners in the audience, argued the tax supports roughly 25% of the city's operating budget and would be difficult to replace. Business owner Tommy Dejean told aldermen that municipal sales-tax levels in surrounding towns are higher and that removing the 1% would severely constrain operations. Former city employee Paul Genuso and Donald Bruce, who identified himself with community organizing and local education efforts, urged passage and warned of broader economic consequences if the revenue stream was cut.

Several speakers also raised questions about the city's spending and project delivery. A public commenter said a public-records response listed $211,599 as spent on a library renovation, and the clerk and mayor clarified that the funds had been allocated but the work had not yet started; the mayor said state grant paperwork remains to be finalized for some projects. Another commenter asked about a reported $300,000 of COVID-19 relief funding tied to stadium work; the mayor said he would look that item up and respond.

At the meeting's close Alderman Charles Cummings moved to adopt the resolution “with the collection start date of 10/01/2025 and expiration date of 09/30/2075.” The roll call, read in the order listed on the official resolution, recorded Alderwoman Dalita Broussard as the sole “no” vote; Aldermen Charles Cummings, John Gilbo, Marvin Rishard, Sherrell Roberts and Chastity Warren voted “yes.” The clerk recorded the vote as five ayes and one nay and declared the resolution adopted.

The resolution directs publication of notice in the Opelousas Daily World for four consecutive weeks, designates polling places in the city, requires certified copies be sent to state officials, and authorizes bond counsel (LaFleur & LaBeouf) to apply to the State Bond Commission as required. The board set a canvass date of Aug. 19, 2025, to examine returns and declare the results.

Public commenters requested additional details the council did not provide in the meeting transcript: a line‑item spending plan for the proposed tax revenues and timing for specific infrastructure projects such as water‑meter replacement. Council members and several audience speakers repeatedly urged residents to decide at the ballot box next August and said voters dissatisfied with city leadership may change it in future elections rather than withhold support for the tax now.

The resolution and the public discussion set the next steps: required publication and filings with state agencies, preparation of ballot language, and the special election on Aug. 16, 2025. The transcript shows extensive public engagement and competing demands for both renewed revenue and greater transparency in how those funds will be spent.