PJ President encourages support of solid waste tax

*Welcome to the APPJ Update: 11-6-2022. The last update was 10-30-2022. What a week it has been. With so much happening I will focus on the solid waste tax. There are two ideologies with both taxes, maybe even three. It all comes down to beliefs and facts. All in all, the jury did not lie to the public, did not steal or misappropriate funds, and presented the safe facts as they were projected a year ago. This is clear with all sides. The opposition side is looking at today's facts (collection of recent sales tax; negotiating upcoming solid waste contracts). The APPJ is looking at predictions (averages, suggestions, safe, future solid waste contract, future of the program).

*If you read these updates and would go back to February 20, 2022, I wrote the figures for the solid waste propositions. I stated, ”When putting the math to the numbers, figures might not calculate correctly due to approximations, high and low end figures, plus other factors. This is a breakdown of tax collection.” Over six months ago, the figures/estimates were formulated, recalculated, and organized for the solid waste tax powerpoint presentation. Months before, many meetings occurred, many erasers were applied, and many ideas were written down and tossed in the trash can. At one point, in May, even the original power point was changed right before the first presentation. Slight changes were even made after the first presentation.

The decision, the preparation, the presentations, and the heartburns actually started over a year ago with the total concept of not losing the solid waste program as it functions today. We (staff, committee, most jurors) all knew, the moment the words ``tax increase” were stated, many individuals would be against it. We all knew that the risk factor doubled with the introduction of two new taxes. We all knew about opposition and negative comments which would surface. We all knew, with very smart people (a complement) in Avoyelles we needed to have all our ducks in a row. We all knew it was necessary to move forward with both taxes in order to continue this great solid waste program in Avoyelles. And last, we all knew I, as President of the APPJ, had to promote for future needs.

Making preparations (meetings), presentations, taking questions, responding to “Alphonse Sez,” articles to the newspaper, APPJ Updates, advertisements, facing the public day by day, and hearing comments on FB (I do not read) has been extremely humbling and exhausting. Not just on myself, but the staff and jurors in the background. Up until a week ago, I really felt both taxes had a chance to pass.

Then the opposition asked for current numbers. Well, nothing is perfect. Global pandemics are real. Spending has currently increased, so revenues have increased, but so have prices. Sooner or later expenses will increase even more. And what about a possible recession?

Jurors and staff members are proud of what we presented and have worked with the predicted numbers from months ago. With two days to the election, it’s up to the voters. I have a special meeting set to discuss avenues the jury will take based on the election results. Personally, I would like to see both taxes pass. If one passes, with the surplus, we might be able to squeeze by for a couple of more years. Most of this depends on the solid waste contract the Parish will be faced with in the next two months. The APPJ is not gambling with the public’s money and we sure will not gamble with the solid waste contract. When it is all said and done, it will be what it is and decisions will need to be made. My main focus will be what is right for the Parish.

*I had an interview with Alena Noakes, KALB Channel 5. This is what I sent to Alena after the interview. It was cc'd to a couple of staff members and the APPJ Finance Committee/Solid Waste Committee. One item was added(*) to this update:

Attention: Alena Noakes, I'm planning on placing this in my Sunday Report.

After 20 minutes of speaking to Alena, on KALB, Channel 5, I figure 30 - 60 seconds of my remarks will be aired (Monday, November 7). Below are highlights (notes and remembrance) of my remarks which were emphasized:

-Avoyelles has a great solid waste program with more than just residential pickup. Named other programs;

-APPJ made a "safe projection" on suggestions offered;

-Residential pick up increase is due to inflation, CPI, and fuel;

-Increase tax collection is due to federal stimulus checks and internet sales tax collection;

-APPJ was looking out for the public for the next 5 to 10 years;

-We can not predict sales tax collections nor what the contractor will place in the contract;

-We might be able to continue with residential if only the sales tax passes with problems of

2.5%/year increases and if an emergency disaster occurs. Figures might not work out.

There will not be much of a cushion.

-Both taxes are dedicated (we don't steal money or misplace);

-I emphasized SAFE. Better too have too much than too little.

-Even with the increase of sale taxes, I will stick to my presentation figures; Suggestions from

tax collectors and auditors stated to keep it at the low end for revenues generated;

-Better to have more (surplus) than less (deficit);

-It’s a tax and there will be opposition;

-Fb remarks;

-Started planning last year with presentations starting in June with no major opposition until two

weeks before the election;

-My job, as president is to look out for both the jury and the Parish;

-On her last question, she stated, “could we survive with one or non

passing and continuing the program with the available surplus (cash on hand)?”

I stated, the jury has a special meeting set for after the election. I felt,

one passes, we might be able to squeeze by, on a

tight budget, If both fail, I feel residential will cease. I’m not sure

what the jury will decide, depending on the surplus and the contract.

What I did not state (in notes or forgot) and I should have, is if residential pick up would stop, private companies would move in and charge a monthly fee. I should have also stated that some jurors are of the belief, if both do not pass, residential will cease. Also, over the years, we have had one of the best audits in the state. Litter will increase. I'm sure there are other items I missed or should have stated.

(*added): I did not have an answer on the solid waste surplus.

I would like to close by stating Alena was very professional and extremely nice. Daryl’s name came up and I mentioned Daryl and I work very close together for improvements to Avoyelles. I mention he and I are friends and he is entitled to his opinions as I am. I have a great amount of respect for him and the work he does.

To close, there is opposition to anything and everything. There are always challenges to anything you try to do in life, politics, family, job, sports, etc. Some people will hide and others will rise to the challenges. I will make one promise to the public, no matter what the outcome will be on Tuesday, this jury will come together and work through the difficulties. Whatever the difficulties may be, I hope we can continue the great solid waste program for Avoyelles. Both taxes are in the hands of the Avoyelles population.

*Please pray for the Randy Ducote Family, Earnest Freeman Family, our Parish, and the USA. Please visit the APPJ website at avoypj.org.