Winn Parish voters went to the polls in 2015 and approved a half-cent sales tax to support road maintenance efforts by the Police Jury. The parish governing body is hopeful that voters will do the same on April 27 when it seeks a 10-year renewal of that tax which is set to expire June 30, 2025.
Ten years ago, that half cent generated $900,000 annually that allowed the jury to maintain, repair and improve public roads and bridges here. Included have been lease and purchase of equipment (plus its maintenance) and purchase of materials like fuel, gravel, dirt and asphalt, culverts and street signs.
Over the ensuing decade, sales tax annual revenues have grown to $1.3 million in 2023 “but costs have also risen sharply over the same time,” said Jury President Frank McLaren. “It’s been a blessing when we could use some of it to provide the 25% match for state Capital Outlay projects more costly than we could have afforded on our own.”
Of the 750 miles of parish roads in Winn, approximately one-third of them are blacktop. However, most of those were put in during the late 1960s and early 1970s and many are worn out. The Road Committee recently heard a presentation on a chip sealing process that could help stabilize that base while it is still there for about $100,000 per mile, compared to some $800,000 per mile for new asphalt.
Meanwhile the gravel roads require grading, rocks and ditching, all issues complicated by severe weather over the past few years including hurricanes, floods, ice storms and drought, said McLaren. Work is accomplished by a crew of 10, including the road superintendent. Supt. Perry Holmes says that thanks to the tax, the parish road system has seen improvements.
“Businesses that look at any community consider the quality of the roads,” observed McLaren. “The better our roads, the more they may want to come to our parish. There’s also the factor of wear and tear on vehicles of our own residents. When a vehicle may cost as much as $75,000 these days, we want to keep our roads up as best we can.”
The April 27 ballot will authorize the parish to collect a half-cent sales tax, renewed for 10 years beginning July 1, 2025. The proceeds of the tax (after a collection fee is paid) will be used to improve, maintain and repair public roads and bridges in Winn Parish.
