§5903. Method of taxation; referendum to increase taxes beyond initial authorization

A. Each district hereby created shall levy a tax on the assessed valuation of all property appearing on the 1977 and subsequent tax rolls, without a vote of the people, in an amount that will produce for the district in the initial year the same revenue as that estimated to be produced by the sheriff's commission on ad valorem taxes for the fiscal year 1976-1977; however, the taxes generated by the millage levied shall be levied free of deductions for retirement systems, and the tax assessor's compensation, including the cost of reappraisal within the meaning of R.S. 47:1872. The amount of millage to be assessed shall be certified by the legislative auditor, and this millage adopted shall remain in effect in subsequent years unless changed as provided by law.

B. In addition to the taxes authorized herein the district or a subdistrict created by the district may impose additional millages in any district or subdistrict when approved by a majority of the electors voting thereon in an election held for that purpose, and any taxes generated by such additional millages shall be levied subject to deductions for retirement systems and the tax assessor's compensation, including the cost of reappraisal within the meaning of R.S. 47:1872; however, such deductions shall not be applicable to taxes generated from millages imposed prior to July 1, 1981 or to any renewal of said millages. This election may be called by the sheriff and ex officio executive officer of the district. The cost of the election shall be borne by the sheriff's general fund unless the election is concurrent with another election, in which event the district or subdistrict shall bear a proportionate share of the cost.

C. In addition to the taxes authorized by this Section, the district or subdistrict may levy and collect any other taxes authorized by the Constitution of Louisiana to political subdivisions, including a tax upon the sale at retail, the use, lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption of tangible personal property, and on sales of services as defined by law. The tax herein authorized shall be levied and collected only after the question of its imposition has been submitted to and approved by a majority of the qualified voters of the district voting in at a regularly scheduled primary or general election to be conducted in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code. This election may be called by the sheriff and ex officio executive officer of the district.

D. The district created to provide financing for the criminal sheriff in the parish of Orleans may levy and collect a tax of up to ten mills on the assessed valuation of all property within that district when approved by a majority of the electors voting thereon in an election held for that purpose. This election may be called by the criminal sheriff and ex officio executive officer of the district. The cost of the election shall be borne by the sheriff's general fund unless the election is concurrent with another election in which event the district shall bear a proportionate share of the cost. The avails of such tax shall be used by the criminal sheriff to fund the operations of his office or to fund the repayment of debt issued pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 13:5911.

Added by Acts 1976, No. 689, §1. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 411, §1, eff. April 30, 1977; Acts 1978, No. 339, §1, eff. June 30, 1978; Acts 1981, No. 369, §1; Acts 1982, No. 840, §1; Acts 1989, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 20, §1, eff. July 28, 1989; Acts 1992, No. 717, §1; Redesignated from R.S. 33:9003 pursuant to Acts 2011, No. 248, §3.