Early voting begins Saturday for Morgan City public safety tax

Early voting begins Saturday on a proposed Morgan City half-cent sales tax to raise money for police and firefighter salaries and training.

Early voting runs through April 22, excluding Sunday. Registered Morgan City voters may vote early 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Parish Courthouse in Franklin or the Registrar of Voters Office at 301 Third St., Morgan City.

In-person election day is April 29.

The tax would raise an estimated $1.3 million a year. City officials say the money is needed because police and firefighter pay in Morgan City is below the regional average, leading to staffing shortages and unsustainable turnover. The money raised by the tax would put first-responder pay and training on a firm footing into the future, they say.

A .pdf version of the sample ballot can be downloaded through the link below.

On April 29, Morgan City voters will cast ballots 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at their designated precincts.

The Morgan City tax proposition is the only item on St. Mary's April 29 ballot.