LAPLACE — Tammy Houston sees it as a clear vote of confidence.

The St. John Parish assistant library director was excited this week following Saturday’s successful renewal of a 9.94 mills tax geared to maintaining, constructing and operating public libraries in the parish.

“I’m delighted the voters decided to give us another 10 years of serving them, which is always our pleasure,” Houston said. “I wasn’t surprised that the library tax was renewed. Our libraries are heavily used.

“We have a very good relationship with our public, and it is our honor and it’s a privilege to serve them.”

By a margin of 1,884 for (65 percent) and 1,018 against (35 percent), voters overwhelmingly supported the measure that is expected to generate $4,484,200 annually.

The total vote count of 2,902 represents a 9.83 voter turnout percentage.

The renewal is for 10 years and begins in 2018.

St. John Parish operates four public libraries in LaPlace, Edgard, Reserve and Garyville.

With all the talk of taxes, statewide, Parish President Natalie Robottom said she was a little nervous about how residents would vote last weekend.

“I’m always worried, only because of the condition of the state and some of the recent legislation to increase taxes,” Robottom said.

“We have a working community with working families. We know how important it is to try and remain in their ability to pay, but this was critical. It was something that will be very important to the future of our community.”

Library Board President Vergie Johnson said she was never worried the renewal would pass.

“We’ve been providing services to the parish for the last 50 years,” Johnson said. “This vote of approval just puts the stamp on it, saying (voters) are very satisfied with the services they are receiving.”

Along with receiving the good news about the renewal, Johnson said more good news is yet to come.

The board hopes to name a new library director in May.

“We have some things that we have to address in our policy and procedure manual that we have,” Johnson said, adding, at this time, interviews have not yet begun for the position.

“We are checking references and everything else right now,” she said.

“We had six applicants, and it takes awhile to hear back from their references. The process has begun. Once we finish up with everything we will hold interviews.”