As the leading voice of business in St. Tammany Parish, representing 1,100 area businesses and their 37,000 employees, St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce consistently stays informed about issues that are being discussed at the state and local governing bodies. The Chamber’s Board of Directors, after a recommendation from the Advocacy and Public Policy Committee, recently voted to support the 3-mill property tax for Florida Parishes Juvenile Justice District that is up for renewal on the April 27 ballot.

Florida Parishes Juvenile Justice District, which serves a five-parish area including St. Tammany, Washington, Tangipahoa, Livingston and St. Helena, provides a safe and controlled environment for juvenile offenders. The 133-bed, high-security facility provides crucial programming for at-risk youth, including psychiatric and healthcare services, substance abuse and trauma counseling, vocational and educational training. It was nationally recognized with a 2023 Award of Excellence from the Center for Improving Youth Justice.

The 3-mill property tax, which is a renewal and not a new tax, is the primary funding source for the facility. It equates to $16.30 for the average homeowner. Without it, the young individuals charged with crimes would be released back into society, posing a potential risk to public safety.

“Our Chamber board is confident that the renewal of this millage will ensure that the Florida Parishes Juvenile Justice District will continue to address the needs of at-risk youth,” stated Chris Abadie, 2024 Chamber Board Chair “This facility is crucial for the rehabilitation and the teaching of positive social behaviors for those youth who have entered the juvenile justice system. We strongly encourage the voters of St. Tammany Parish to support this millage renewal on Saturday, April 27.”

As always, the Chamber urges residents to exercise their right to vote in all elections. “Recent voter turnout has been on the decline and important issues like this millage renewal are critical to maintaining the quality of life that we enjoy in this parish,” said Chamber President and CEO Lacey Osborne.

Click here to read the resolution.

Click here to read more information about the millage renewal.