Goodness, when is the last time a small tax renewal dedicated to streets failed in Northwest Louisiana? Well...it's been a while to say the least.
But that is what happened in the March 29 vote in the Town of Benton.
A 10 year millage of 4.90 for streets lost by 3 votes. The "yes" voters were 101 and the "no" votes were 104. That's a swing of 2 voters who could have renewed the millage.
The actions/inaction of the mayor and the council resulted in the defeat:
1. The millage renewal could have been on the ballot for the presidential election.
2. There was no organized campaign to explain the need for the renewal which generates approximately $60,000 per year.
3. There were no mailers to voters encouraging the renewal.
4. There were no "Vote Yes on Renewal" billboards or yard signs.
5. There were no town hall meetings to educate voters.
Total ignorance of voter reality is inexcusable by a mayor who previously served on the council. But maybe his thinking was that the MAGA wave from last November would lift all tax boats, or something.
The Town of Benton has a large reserve that can be utilized to offset this loss of income, starting in 2026. In the alternative the normal street maintenance can be deleted.
It's probably a good thing that the mayor and council are not up for re-election this year or next. The loss of street maintenance money starts the new year unless subsidized by the operating reserves.