[StBernard] Hospital tax passes in St. Bernard Parish

[Westley Annis]

Hospital tax passes in St. Bernard Parish
Published: Tuesday, November 02, 2010, 9:32 PM     
Updated: Tuesday, November 02, 2010, 9:39 PM
 Bob Warren, The Times-Picayune 

St. Bernard Parish voters approved an 8-mill property to pay for the startup
operating costs of a new public hospital in Chalmette that will be built
using state and federal dollars.

Complete but unofficial returns show 4,220 "yes'' votes, or 53 percent, to
3,686 "no'' votes, or 47 percent.

The 40-bed hospital will be operated by Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady
Health System. The $69 million project also includes a medical office
building.

For homeowners, the 8-mill tax will equate to $20 per year for a house
assessed at $100,000 and $100 per year for a house assessed at $200,000. The
amounts are likely to go up in the next two years when the parish reassesses
property.

The 10-year tax will be bonded out to provide $16 million in startup money,
officials said.
Supporters said the tax was needed to provide operating money until the
hospital starts generating revenue.

Opponents, however, argued that 8 mills is too much to ask parish residents.