City Keeps Millage Rate Same as Prior Year

Ruston’s Board of Aldermen last night approved an ordinance levying property taxes for tax year 2021 that is at the same rate as tax year 2020.

A 5.19 mil tax is dedicated to general operating needs, and a 2.89 mil tax is dedicated to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

City Clerk Julie Speir said that the general operating tax brings in about $1 million/year, while the RPAR tax takes in about $560 thousand.

Said Speir, “Without rolling either millage forward, we anticipate modest growth, based on new properties coming on to the tax rolls.

The council also introduced an ordinance amending the criminal code relating to the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Recent legislation signed into law by Gov. Bel Edwards and effective 8/1/2021 makes possession of less than 14 grams of cannabis is punishable by a $100 fine and no threat of jail time for the first and every subsequent offense. Possession of more than 14 grams still carries harsh penalties.

Mayor Ronny Walker said that the proposed amendment will align city ordinances with the new state law.

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