Council agrees to put Mosquito Abatement millage renewal on June ballot after board request and public pushback

The council voted unanimously (with two members absent) to approve a resolution authorizing a June 27, 2026 election to renew the Mosquito Abatement District special tax at the district’s request.

Several speakers urged caution and a delay pending the outcome of state legislation (SB 286) and asked the council not to move the renewal while questions remain about the district’s status. "This millage does not expire until 2027," one speaker said, urging the council to earn residents’ trust before asking for a renewal.

Todd Klotzbach, a commissioner recently appointed to the Mosquito Abatement District by Parish President Cooper, said the board has been reviewing finances and recommended lowering the millage to 2.95 mills — down from 4.2 mills approved by voters in 2016 — citing efficiency gains. "This represents a decrease...that will save taxpayers approximately $4,000,000 a year," Klotzbach said, adding the board did not expect any reduction in service levels under the proposed lower millage.

Councilmembers noted that the board had requested the election and that, procedurally, placing the item on the ballot would not expend any funds until the prior millage expires. After a motion from Chairwoman Tanner and a second, the council approved the resolution and authorized staff to place the renewal on the June ballot.