Voters in Calcasieu, Jeff Davis and Vernon parishes head to the polls today to decide on a number of local issues, including property taxes for school, fire and waterworks improvements.

Voters in some parts of Jennings will also cast ballots in a runoff election for the District D council seat.

Polls will be open 7 a.m-8 p.m.

Voters should bring a driver’s license, a Louisiana special ID or some other generally recognized picture ID and their voter registration card.

Here is a list of ballot items in Southwest Louisiana:

Calcasieu

• Voters in central and south Lake Charles will decide on a 5-mill property tax for technology upgrades, school security, traffic control, playground equipment, roofing and air conditioning and other amenities at Barbe High; S.J. Welsh Middle; and Barbe, College Oaks, Dolby, Nelson, Prien Lake and St. John elementary schools. The 10-year tax is expected to raise about $1.57 million annually.

• Sulphur voters will determine whether School District 30 can issue $8 million worth of 20-year bonds to fund improvement to the Sulphur High School athletic facilities. The bonds would be paid with a 1.87-mill property tax.

• Fire Protection District 1 of Ward 5 is asking voters to renew a 6-mill property tax for maintaining and improving facilities, equipment and training for firefighters. The 10-year tax is expected to generate about $170,000 annually.

• Voters in Waterworks District 7 of Wards 4 and 6 are being asked to renew a 6-mill, 10-year tax for maintaining and operating waterworks facilities. The tax is expected to garner about $316,000 annually.

Jeff Davis Parish

• Voters in Jennings City Council District D will decide a runoff election between incumbent Councilman Anthony “Coach” Leblanc and Janet M. Jones.

Vernon Parish

• Voters across Vernon Parish will be asked to renew a property tax that is being raised 0.95 mills to 8.12 mills. The 10-year tax, which is expected to raise $1.08 million annually, pays for operating and maintaining the 20 public schools in the parish.

• Voters in the Hornbeck school district will be asked to renew a 10-year property tax for maintaining and operating schools. The 13.83-mill, 10-year tax would be a 0.51-mill increase over a tax that passed in 2005. The tax is expected to generate about $41,000 annually.

• Voters in the Orange School District are being asked to renew a 13.24-mill, 10-year tax that is expected to raise about $91,000 annually. The money will be used for operating and maintaining schools in the district.

• Ward 1 voters will decide on renewal of a 13.03-mill, 10-year tax for operating and maintaining district schools. The tax generates about $788,000 annually.

(American Press Archives)