Speakers urge transparency as parish faces multiple proposed millages and a library funding vote

Several residents used the public-comment period at the May 26 Lafourche Parish Council meeting to press the council for clearer information about upcoming millage votes and the parish’s library funding.

Elliot Day told the council that three millages — the public health unit, recreation and the public building tax — appear to have expired at the end of 2025, and he warned the public could lose more than $5 million from next year’s budget if renewals fail. “When I looked them up they actually all expired at the end of 2025. These don't no longer exist,” Day said, asking for transparency about ballot language and more time to educate voters.

Another commenter, Dylanio, submitted a handout of ideas other parishes have used to fund libraries and asked the council to consider options and review allocations before the next vote.

Parish President Mitch Oro responded to questions during the finance discussion, noting the budget is tight and that royalty revenue and other dedicated funds have been used to cover mandated expenses; he said the library funding timeline would be considered but did not provide a definitive dispute of Day’s expiration claim during the meeting.

Council members said the public should be made aware of ballot timing and potential budgetary consequences. No formal vote on the specific millages occurred at the May 26 meeting; multiple tax levy ordinances were introduced for future consideration and first readings.