Bunkie run-offs, Cottonport sales tax on ballot Saturday

There are two run-offs in municipal elections in Bunkie and a 1-cent sales tax proposal in Cottonport this Saturday (April 28). Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Incumbent Police Chief Bobby Corner faces political newcomer Scotty Ferguson in a citywide election. Ferguson finished first in the March 24 election with 515 votes (49 percent) compared to 220 votes (21 percent) for Corner. Zachariah Guice had 167 votes (16 percent) and Phillip Tagliarino had 141 votes (14 percent). Guice has endorsed Ferguson.

The second run-off is for District 2 alderman, where incumbent Lem Thomas faces Lucins Eggins Jr.

Thomas received 123 votes (50 percent) in the March 24 election and Eggins had 73 votes (29 percent). The third candidate, Leslie Mathews, received 52 votes (21 percent).

COTTONPORT SALES TAX

Cottonport voters will be asked to approve a 1-cent municipal sales tax.

Cottonport Mayor Scotty Scott said the current 1-percent sales tax generates about $136,000 a year. Doubling the municipal sales tax to two cents would give the town another $136,000 to pay for essential services.

With state, parish and town sales taxes, Cottonport has a 9.5 cent sales tax rate. The additional tax would raise that rate to 10.5 cents per dollar.