[StBernard] Hospital tax passes in St. Bernard Parish

[Westley Annis]

First, I don't understand why only St. Bernard Parish should be taxed for
the hospital since people from other Parishes will be able to use it.
Second, I don't understand why this tax would be only on homeowners & not on
renters as well.
Third, I don't understand why businesses aren't being taxed for the new
hospital since their employees will have use of the hospital especially if
they are hurt on the job.
  
Terry



-----Original Message-----

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.