Take advantage of early voting this week

Early voting for the May 4, election began Saturday, April 20, and will continue Monday, April 22, through Saturday, April 27, at the Registrar of Voters Office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Early voting is not being conducted today.

The small ballot consists of three tax renewals.

The first is a parish-wide property tax renewal of 1.02 mills for a period of 10 years, beginning in 2015. Expected revenue from this tax renewal is $237,899.14 per year. This tax provides funds for services for the elderly, including the establishment and maintenance of centers for senior citizens.

The second is a property tax renewal for School District Seven of the second and seventh police jury wards. It is to renew a 2 mill property tax (an estimated $74,000 per year) for 10 years beginning in 2014. Its purpose is the operating, maintaining and improving of public school facilities in the district, specifically the Basile High School athletic department for coaches’ salaries, equipment, transportation and any other legitimate purchase of that department.

The third tax renewal is for the City of Ville Platte and it is a 4 mill tax (estimated at $142,276.29 per year) for 10 years beginning in 2014. This tax is used for the mainteance and operation of the city’s police department and fire department, including equipment, salaries, benefits and related expenses.

Take advantage of the opportunity to vote early this week.