Plaquemines Council defers proposal to split 1% fire sales tax after heated public debate

Plaquemines Parish Council on May 28 deferred a proposed ballot measure that would split the parish’s dedicated 1% fire sales tax so that half would fund emergency medical services and half would continue to support the fire department.

Council member Lefrance introduced the resolution to place the rededication before voters. "The people voted for that 1 cent tax for the fire department," one resident warned during public comment, while other speakers and EMS backers argued the ambulance service lacks stable funding.

Jonathan Butcher, identified in the record as the fire superintendent, told the council that cutting the current dedicated funding could force "reality, layoffs, station closures." He urged caution, saying the department operates at near-minimum staffing and that any reduction would affect response capacity.

Council members pressed administration staff for numbers. Councilman Schultz said the ordinance’s $15 million annual estimate appeared high; extrapolating March–May receipts he cited produced roughly $9.1 million for the year, and he said EMS’s current operating budget is about $4.3 million with fee revenue near $1.8 million. "Throwing money at them isn't going to fix it if we don't have a plan," Schultz said, urging a study to identify how many additional units and staff would be required before redirecting revenue.

Reverend Edwards and Councilman LeFrance stressed southern-end ambulance gaps and urged voters to decide. "It takes us out of our hands and gives it to the voters," LeFrance said, arguing voters should have the final say.

After extended comment and debate about revenue projections and service impacts, Lefrance said he would defer the resolution to the next meeting so staff can provide detailed financial analysis and stakeholders can develop a joint plan. No vote on the rededication measure was taken.

Next steps: the item was deferred to allow the administration and council to produce clearer revenue estimates and operational plans for EMS and fire service before asking voters to act.