Metropolitan Council approves 1¢ sales tax for LSU Economic Development District after heated public debate

The Metropolitan Council of the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge voted to approve a 1% sales-and-use tax for the LSU Economic Development District (EDD), authorizing the parish to levy the tax and begin collections as provided by the enabling state statute.

The council approved the item on a motion by Councilwoman Carolyn Coleman, seconded by Councilman Justin Hudson; the motion carried with no recorded roll-call objections. The ordinance authorizes the levy and assessment pursuant to the statute cited during the meeting (referenced as Louisiana Revised Statutes 33.938.76(e)(2)(b) in the agenda text) and implements the district boundaries established by the state legislation that created college economic development districts.

Supporters said the tax will let the district collect locally generated receipts and reinvest them in the district. Charles Landry, speaking as a volunteer with interest in LSU’s neighborhood, told the council the EDD “started over 8 years ago” and urged approval so the district can pursue projects the university and adjacent commercial areas need. John Enquist, who…