Calcasieu Parish officials are encouraging voters to renew the Burton Coliseum and Agricultural Services property tax on Saturday because it helps maintain several important and widely-used facilities.

The parishwide tax, if renewed, would remain at its existing rate of 1.5 mills and be in place for 10 years, starting Jan. 1, 2023. Voters initially approved the tax in 1993 and renewed it in 2003 and 2012. The 2012 renewal received a 68 percent approval.

The tax is expected to generate roughly $3.8 million annually, with $3.1 million dedicated to the parish-owned Burton Coliseum Complex. Burton hosts more than 300 events every year, including the McNeese State University rodeo program, Louisiana High School Athletic Association championships, high school graduations and various 4-H events.

Another $380,000 will go toward the West Cal Community Center Authority, which owns and maintains the West Cal Arena in Sulphur. More than 170 events are held every year at the arena, including western and equestrian events, rodeos and weddings.

The remaining $300,000 generated annually from the tax will go toward the LSU AgCenter.

Tom Hoefer, Calcasieu Parish director of communications and media, said in a statement that the Burton Complex continues to be a valuable asset for the parish beyond hosting events..

“During the pandemic, Burton was vital in providing space for COVID-19 testing and antibody treatments and was the staging area for the evacuation of many residents during the 2020 hurricanes,” he said. “We ask residents to consider these facts.”

Calcasieu is one of 26 parishes that has local propositions on Saturday’s ballot, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website.

For more on Saturday’s election, visit geauxvote.com.