Parish council sets library tax discussion

It’s official. A coalition supporting creating a St. Landry Parish public library system has asked the parish council to call a special tax election.
The council voted at its January meeting to hold a special meeting on Feb. 5 to consider the proposal.
Opelousas lawyer Bruce Gaudin brought the coalition’s idea to the council -- a 5.5 mill property tax to fund a parish-wide library.
The proposition would be placed on the May 3 ballot is accepted by the council.
And that may be a big if.
Several council members have previously expressed doubt that a tax can pass. Others have questioned the need for such a tax in comparison to the need for other projects, such as drainage.
Under the proposal outlined by Gaudin, a five-to-seven member board of control appointed by the council would oversee the system.
Eunice officials have expressed reservations about the proposal, indicating a preference for the current Opelosuas-Eunice system.
Opelousas Mayor Donald Cravins, Sr. disagrees, saying there is a need for expanded service in speaking in support of Gaudin’s proposal.
School Board President Josie Frank said the absence of a library system puts parish residents behind the other parishes. St. Landry is alone in not having a public system.