Save money in the parish this weekend

There’s money in the bank for anyone who wants to shop in St. Charles Parish this week. It’s a sales tax holiday and we are the only parish in the state that will suspend all sales taxes on most retail purchases.

The holiday is intended to encourage residents to get ready for school and the rest of hurricane season by buying the supplies they need. But it must be done in St. Charles or the discounts may not apply.

Even furniture, appliances and other luxury items are included and that could make a big dent in one’s necessary expenses for the year. So get out your pencil and pad, consult the students in your household and list their needs. Then add whatever might save us from the tragedies of Katrina and Betsy.

Both our School Board and Parish Council have voted to suspend their taxes starting Friday at 12:01 a.m. and ending at midnight Saturday. And their ordinances follow the state statute that exempts you from state sales taxes also for a total of nine cents on the dollar. Meals at restaurants and taxable services such as laundry are not included.

So you should make Friday and Saturday your big shopping days for the year. You can help your kids get by this coming school year, protect your home and livelihood and save a bundle in the process.

But remember to stay in St. Charles when you do it.