By Tiffany Flournoy
HOMER, La. — Voters in Claiborne Parish will head to the polls this fall to decide on a 1.375% sales tax aimed at funding local infrastructure and waste management.
During its regular monthly meeting on May 6, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury voted unanimously to call a special election for Tuesday, November 3, 2026. If approved, the tax is projected to generate approximately $1.08 million annually over a 10-year period, beginning January 1, 2027.
The proposed measure applies strictly to areas of Claiborne Parish outside the municipal limits of Homer and Haynesville. According to Resolution 2026-009, net revenues from the tax will be dedicated to two primary areas:
- Solid Waste Services: Providing for collection and disposal, including the acquisition, improvement, and maintenance of necessary land, facilities, and equipment.
- Road Maintenance: Purchasing materials required for surfacing and maintaining public roads within the district’s boundaries.
The resolution was introduced by Juror Gil Dowies and seconded by Malcolm Cooper before receiving full board approval.
The jury also unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 810. The ordinance creates “Sales Tax District No. 2 of the Parish of Claiborne,” a new political subdivision encompassing all unincorporated portions of the parish. Under Louisiana law, this designation grants the district the authority to levy taxes, incur debt, and issue bonds.
A public meeting is expected to be held later this month to consider a subsequent resolution formally ordering and calling the election. The official election returns are scheduled to be canvassed on December 9, 2026, at the Claiborne Parish Police Jury Complex in Homer.
In Other Business
- Opportunity Zone 2.0: The jury approved a recommendation selecting a census tract that includes the Town of Homer and nearby outlying areas for submission to the Governor’s Office under Louisiana Economic Development’s Opportunity Zone 2.0 initiative.
- Water Line Extension: Jurors greenlit a project to extend a water line on Ed White Road using grant funding. Officials noted that construction will proceed as far as available funds allow before the line is capped.
- Financial Report: Secretary-Treasurer Dwayne Woodard reported that March 2026 net sales tax collections totaled $66,995, representing a minor 0.62% increase compared to March 2025 ($66,579). The parish’s overall cash position stood at approximately $11.9 million as of April 30, 2026. While this reflects a month-over-month decrease of about $503,000, it marks a roughly identical increase when compared to April 2025 data.
The Police Jury’s next regular meeting is scheduled for June 17, at 10:00 a.m. at the Police Jury Complex, 507 West Main Street, Homer.