DeQuincy Approves Safety Tax Renewal

DEQUINCY, La. (AP) — DeQuincy City Council members have approved an ordinance levying a half-cent public safety tax renewed by voters for 15 years in November.

The DeQuincy Police Department receives 58 percent of the revenue generated by the tax, which brings in just over $247,000 each year.

Council members voted unanimously to pass the measure Monday night.

Public safety officials told the American Press the tax is essential to helping keep DeQuincy residents safe.

Fire Chief Johnny Copeland said the tax goes toward equipment maintenance and firefighter training — which could help save residents money. Copeland said keeping equipment in working order and staying up to date on training is essential to keeping the city's fire rating low.