Parish council to discuss controversial millage rate increases

The Saint Tammany Parish Council has scheduled a public hearing for 6 PM on Thursday, September 5, 2024, to discuss potential adjustments to millage rates, as outlined in the Louisiana Constitution and revised statutes. The council will consider levying increased millage rates without requiring further voter approval, as well as adopting adjusted rates following property reassessments.

Council members clarified that these adjustments do not constitute new taxes and will remain within the limits of previously approved voter maximums. The proposed adjusted millage rates for 2024 include 2.67 for parish alimony, 1.33 for cities, 1.56 for drainage maintenance, 0.93 for animal services, 5.35 for library services, 1.69 for the council on aging, and 2.87 for the parish coroner. For homeowners with properties valued at $300,000, the estimated cost for parish alimony would be approximately $60.80.

Council member Miss O'Brien emphasized the need for better public education regarding these tax adjustments, noting that constituents have raised questions about taxation. She advocated for an information campaign to clarify how tax revenues are generated and allocated, aiming to enhance community understanding.

The council also reviewed several ordinances related to millage rates for various services, including alimony, drainage maintenance, and animal services, with some rates proposed to increase while others may decrease. The council plans to adopt these ordinances during the upcoming public hearing.