The St Tammany Chamber’s Board of Directors, after a recommendation from the Advocacy and Public Policy Committee, recently voted to support the 3-mill property tax for Florida Parishes Juvenile Justice District that is up for renewal on the April 27 ballot.
Florida Parishes Juvenile Justice District, which serves a five-parish area including St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, Livingston and St. Helena, provides a safe and controlled environment for juvenile offenders.
The 133-bed, high-security facility provides crucial programming for at-risk youth, including psychiatric and healthcare services, substance abuse and trauma counseling, vocational and educational training. It was nationally recognized with a 2023 Award of Excellence from the Center for Improving Youth Justice.
The Chamber said the 3-mill property tax, which is a renewal and not a new tax, is the primary funding source for the facility. It equates to $16.30 for the average homeowner. Without it, the young individuals charged with crimes would be released back into society, posing a potential risk to public safety.
