What Are We Voting For On Saturday?

Voting on the bond issue will take place this Saturday, November 14. No matter which side you take on this issue, be sure to go out and vote Saturday and exercise your right to have a voice in the government. The following points are details of what is planned if the bond issue passes on Saturday:

There will be a 1/2 cent sales tax and a 9.9-mil property tax added to help pay for these projects. The taxes will be collected by the parish and used solely for the improvements listed in this proposal and the maintenance on those projects. Taxing will begin on January 1, 2010 and will continue until December 31, 2039.

The proposed projects are as follows, with a total budget of $901 million:

A new Parish Prison will replace the existing one by the Baton Rouge airport for safety, space, and efficiency issues. Budget: $135,367,254

A new Juvenile Services Facility will be built to house juvenile courts, probation and detention services, foster care services, and housing. Budget: $44,004,293

A new Public Safety Complex will be built at the current EBR Parish Public Safety Campus on Harding Blvd. It will house Baton Rouge Police Headquarters, EBR Sheriff Headquarters, and a training facility and parking lot. Budget: $92,521,148

The current city hall will be renovated and remodeled to hold several City-Parish Departments that are currently located throughout the city. Budget: $38,788,281

About 120 Signaled Intersections in the parish will be replaced and improved. This will include things like video detection, LED bulbs, and GPS time clocks. About 140 other signals will also be updated. Budget: $45,744,106

Drainage Improvements will be made around the parish, including channel clearing and flood drainage improvements. It is anticipated that the Army Corps of Engineering will also help financially with this aspect of the project. Budget: $178,290,771

Baton Rouge River Center Phase 2 and 3 Completion will continue to improve and expand the facilities. Phase 2 Budget: $31,968,077; Phase 3 Budget: $40,467,279

River Center Parking Garages will be expanded and rebuilt, as an existing garage will be demolished to make room for expansion of the River Center. Budget: $68,824,512

The “Alive” River Front Development will be an educational and recreational park on the Mississippi River. It will have both paid and free aspects for visitors. It is hoped that the proceeds from this park will go to help pay off the proposed projects. Budget: $225,000,000

TOTAL: $900,975,722

After bond proceeds, cost of issuance, and interest, the eventual cost of the entire project will be about $1.46 billion.

If you want to know more about the bond, read the FULL BOND PROPOSAL . Please show up to vote Saturday to ensure that the City of Central is fully represented in this vote.