Bogalusa Mayor Wendy Perrette urged citizens to vote to approve a property tax renewal on the Oct. 24 ballot. The renewal will help fund the city employees’ retirement fund.

“The property tax renewal will not raise taxes and is a renewal for 10 years,” Perrette said. “It’s currently at $190,000 per year. City employees depend on this so show your support for them.

“It’s imperative that we renew it. Without it, that money will have to come from somewhere else and we don’t have it.”

The city of Bogalusa is currently battling a deficit of just over $1.3 million. City finances have improved somewhat after city officials have followed strict guidelines set forth in recent meetings by the Bond Commission.

“We don’t want to cut services in the city,” Perrette said. “Not only that, but these men and women deserve it. It’s imperative that we vote yes.”

She urged citizens to vote early, since the popular Washington Parish Free Fair is scheduled for Oct. 21-24 at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds in Franklinton. Early voting for the primary election is Oct. 10-17 at Northshore Technical Community College Vo-Tech.

“People should get out and vote before the fair if at all possible,” Perrette said. “Please don’t let the fair interrupt your voting. We don’t want this vote to be overlooked. It is truly important that the renewal passes.”