AG’s opinion on CATS tax raises constitutionality issue, Walker says

In an opinion issued Wednesday by Attorney General Buddy Caldwell that says the state’s homestead exemption should be applied to the 10.6-mill property tax OK’d by voters in Baton Rouge and Baker last month, Metro Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Mike Walker says he found one of Caldwell’s comments particularly interesting. “A ‘municipality’ means an incorporated city, town or village. Since CATS is not a city, town or village, it is the opinion of this office that any special ad valorem tax levied by it is subject to the homestead exemption,” Caldwell was quoted as saying about his opinion. “So,” Walker says, “now I’m wondering if we shouldn’t turn around and ask the AG for another opinion on whether or not the entire tax was really legal.” He added: “Because if the AG doesn’t consider this gerrymandered district to be a municipality, then I don’t know how they can legally hold a tax election.” Many who opposed the CATS tax raised similar questions on the constitutionality of the taxing district prior to the vote, while CATS officials and tax supporters have maintained it is constitutional. The Hayride reports Caldwell’s opinion “cast severe doubt on the constitutionality” of the CATS tax. You can check out that article here. —Steve Sanoski