It’s not news that the pandemic has negatively impacted businesses in the Baton Rouge Area, but the impact on local municipalities may not yet be fully appreciated. A report released last week by the state Legislative Auditor reveals that over a five-year period, East Baton Rouge’s lost sales tax revenue is estimated to be $98 million, putting less revenue in the coffers for schools, roads and other essential governmental functions. Ascension is pegged to lose nearly $22 million in that timeframe. BRAC’s latest blog post takes a look at the report and the shortcomings of overreliance on sales taxes to fund local government.
