New Tax That Might Be Implemented Could Save LPD Money

A new tax for the Lafayette area is now being prospected to pay for the enhanced patrols downtown during heavy party hours and end up saving money for the Lafayette Police Department.

The downtown representative, City-Parish Councilman Brandon Shelvin, says that a possible property tax is being explored in order to fund a new police precinct.

The tax could replace the controversial downtown security fee, that downtown bars have been fighting for years now, to help fund police patrols during the weekend.

The Lafayette Police Department spends about $500,000 a year on overtime for the police who work downtown on the weekends.

A new precinct will offer better security for the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods, according to Shelvin.