Avoyelles jurors add animal-shelter language to health-unit tax proposition and call election

Avoyelles Parish jurors voted April 14 to call an election to renew a health unit ad valorem tax and to include specific language dedicating part of the funds to an animal shelter.

The motion grew from a committee recommendation and a broader discussion about how the parish’s surplus could be used. During debate jurors repeatedly referenced a surplus figure of $5.9 million and discussed whether adding animal-shelter wording would alter the proposition’s scope. One juror said the change would make the ballot read “health unit and animal shelter” so the public would clearly understand the intended use of the funds.

Supporters argued the addition makes the proposition’s purpose explicit and helps ensure voters know proceeds could support an animal shelter and health-unit services. A juror suggested coordinating the ballot language with local health partners and the attorney general’s office to ensure appropriate phrasing; Mr. Pierce volunteered to assist drafting a resubmitted letter to the attorney general requesting inclusion of the shelter justification.

Opponents and cautious jurors pressed for limits. Some expressed concern that repeatedly adding uses to a tax proposition could expand its scope over time; others said they wanted demolition work tied to health hazards listed explicitly and to preserve clarity about which funds are restricted by statute. Jurors agreed to keep the proposition’s millage level unchanged while adding clarified language about allowable uses.

The jury set timing for the election and instructed staff and counsel to prepare the revised proposition language and the public notice for the ballot. No formal recorded roll-call tally was read at the time of the motion; the meeting minutes record that the motion carried by voice vote.