Voters Reject CATS Tax

East Baton Rouge Parish Voters Rejected Saturday is a 3.5-mill property tax to Support the parish's public transit system by a vote of 53 opposed and 47 Percent Percent in Favor, But According to complete unofficial Returns from the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office.

The vote was 35.586 against the tax millage and 31.484 in favor.

Managers of the Capital Area Transit System HAD pitched the Tax, Which Would have generated about $ 11.5 Million a year, as a Way to expand the system and make it more rider friendly.

"We are all greatly disappointed," said CATS Chief Executive Officer Brian Marshall. "Maybe it was just an anti-tax push, But we feel like the people Did not vote in Their Best Interests."

They said the agency will have to find Ways to PARE costs Thurs keep the budget balanced while seeking Other Potential Funding Sources.

CATS operates buses and provides door-to-door transportation services for the disabled. It is funded through federal grants, passenger fares and Other Revenue Sources, Including a Subsidy from the city-parish General Fund.

CATS Officials have long said the system needs a dedicated source of revenue, Such as the just defeated tax, to Support ITS Operations.

And, They Said, CATS HAS HAD Thurs leave the federal transportation dollars on the table Because They LACK required local matching funds.

The tax Nearly Would have doubled the $ 12.5 Million Budget for CATS.

Marshall said the tax, if it had occurred Been Approved, Would Have Been Used To Extend bus routes and Reduce the Amount of riders spend time waiting for buses.