Council clears way for Recreation District No. 6 10-mill ballot measure after presenters request 15-year term

The Livingston Parish Council voted Jan. 8 to allow Recreation District No. 6 to seek voter approval for a 10-mill property tax on June 27, 2026 to fund construction, operation and maintenance of new recreational facilities.

WC Needham, chairman of Recreation District No. 6, told the council the 15-year request is designed to generate sufficient revenue to build a “plex with a gymnasium, football/soccer fields and a track.” Needham said the district had calculated projected revenue and selected 15 years to ensure enough time to complete construction rather than a shorter authorization.

Councilmembers pressed the district to provide voters with concrete plans. Councilman Shavers asked that the district present a five-year plan to show taxpayers what the funds would buy; Needham agreed to try to provide the plan at the council’s first meeting in February. Councilman Goff asked whether the district would bond against the revenue; Needham said the district expected to bond for construction once revenue projections were confirmed.

After discussion about term length and outreach, the council voted to place the measure on the ballot. The council recorded no opposition to putting the question before voters; the district was asked to return with a written plan prior to the June election so the council and voters can review proposed uses of the funds.