St. George Incorporation Raises Questions on Tax Refund and Education Concerns
In a recent development, the Baton Rouge chapter of the NAACP has expressed apprehensions regarding the incorporation of St. George, suggesting potential risks to Baton Rouge’s education system. In response, a representative clarified that the establishment of St. George as a city does not equate to the creation of a new school system. The two entities are distinct, with separate budgets and governance models, and any confusion between them is deemed misleading.
Amidst this backdrop, House Bill 6 has come under scrutiny for its proposal to simplify the formation of new school districts without the input of Baton Rouge voters. The representative from St. George distanced themselves from the bill, indicating that their current priority is the construction of the city rather than legislative processes.
The conversation also turned towards the topic of tax back. A point of contention is whether St. George residents should receive a tax refund for contributions made to East Baton Rouge Parish since 2019. The representative suggested that all options are being considered, with negotiations set to address a wide range of issues, including the potential for a tax claim.
While the exact amount of money that might be subject to a refund is uncertain, references were made to previous agreements that could serve as a starting point for discussions. The lack of clear financial records from Baton Rouge and East Baton Rouge Parish was highlighted as a complicating factor in determining the sum of potential refunds.
When asked about the possibility of legal action should negotiations reach an impasse, it was stated that any decision to pursue a lawsuit would be made by the official governing bodies of St. George, not by organizers, with the primary goal being to serve the interests of St. George citizens.
The unfolding situation in St. George continues to be closely watched by residents and officials alike, as negotiations over tax back and other administrative matters proceed.
