Permanent Fire Mill Tax Approved by Baton Rouge Voters

May 13, 2010 – A proposition to create a permanent renewal of a 6-mill tax benefiting the Baton Rouge Fire Department in Louisiana has passed with 89 percent of the vote.

“Given the current state of the economy, we were surprised that we were able to secure such an overwhelming majority of the vote,” says Baton Rouge Local 557 President Curtis Monte. “I contribute our success to our comprehensive campaign and our great relationship with the citizens of Baton Rouge.”

The tax was passed for the first time in 2000 and was not up for renewal until 2010. For the May 2010 ballot, fire fighters endorsed a proposition to make the tax -- which generates $9.9 million annually -- permanent.

Funds generated from the tax equates to 25 percent of fire fighters’ salaries. The rest of the department’s budget is funded through the East Baton Rouge Parish general fund.

For the campaign, fire fighters held campaign signs on street corners, met with community organizations, produced commercials and put up yard signs.