For Release Wednesday, September 20, 2006

 

St. Tammany Parish & City of Slidell Partner for Future
25-Year Sales Tax Sharing Agreement Reached

 

Work groups from the City of Slidell and St. Tammany Parish have reached a proposed agreement regarding the sharing of sales tax revenues for the next 25 years.  The proposed agreement, announced jointly late Wednesday in Slidell by Parish President Kevin Davis and Mayor Ben Morris, now goes to the city and parish councils for consideration. 

The revenue-sharing agreement affects all areas of Sales Tax District #3, generally unincorporated St. Tammany Parish, that have been annexed by the City of Slidell.  The agreement generally extends the terms negotiated by the Parish and City in 1986.  This agreement prevents double taxation of businesses and residents who have annexed into the City of Slidell. 

            “We are one parish, with one goal:  to rebuild together.  This sales tax agreement is another concrete example of cooperation in the overall best interests of all the citizens of St. Tammany,” said Parish President Kevin Davis.  “We are stronger together.  As we continue to rebuild and strengthen St. Tammany, it is important to keep a clear vision where we want St. Tammany to be in 10 years.  Cooperation is essential to keep us on track in these difficult times.” 

            Mayor Ben Morris agreed.  “This is the product of a lot of hard work by a lot of people over the past two years in an effort to end the political dispute over this issue and to bring about an equitable agreement that will benefit both governments and all of their constituents,” he  said. 

            “Some details still must be ironed out, especially over the next year, and few of us are ever able to get everything we want,” Morris continued. “But we need to work together, especially in this difficult and challenging post-Katrina era, to assure the quality of life that all of our citizens need and deserve.” 

            “We had very productive discussions,” said Parish Council Chairman Steve Stefancik.  “I especially want to thank Councilpersons Jerry Binder, Patricia Brister and Barry Bagert, who served on our work group.  I hope this is the beginning of a very cooperative working relationship between the city and parish.” 

            The proposed agreement includes a one-year timetable to develop a growth management and land use plan between St. Tammany Parish and the City of Slidell.  Growth management plans are already in place between the Parish and the cities of Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Pearl River and Folsom. 

“Responsible growth is only possible if we work together,” said Davis.  “The best interests of our citizens will be served by a growth management and land use plan.  This agreement will be a boon to all citizens by allowing for the best use of tax dollars in creating infrastructure improvements.  Better roads, drainage and quality of life are the result of good planning.”

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