Saint Charles Parish President Jewell rolls back millages for taxpayers

The St. Charles Parish Council convened on August 18, 2025, to discuss key financial updates and community services, focusing on the recent decision to roll back millage rates for the parish's 14 taxing districts. The meeting highlighted a slight increase in the assessed value of the parish by approximately 0.7% from the previous year, prompting Parish President Matthew Jewell to announce a reduction in millage rates, resulting in a total of 0.51 mills.

President Jewell expressed gratitude towards various taxing entities, including the Sheriff's Office and the school system, for their cooperation in rolling back their millages as well. He noted that since he took office in 2020, the total millage has decreased from around 119 mills to just over 100 mills, emphasizing the administration's commitment to reducing the financial burden on residents while maintaining high-quality services.

During the public hearing segment, Councilman Fisher inquired about the financial implications of the millage reduction, confirming that the rollback would save taxpayers approximately $1 million. Jewell added that when considering contributions from the Sheriff's Office and the school system, the total savings for residents could reach around $4 million, with a cumulative reduction of nearly $50 million over the years.

Council members acknowledged the positive trend in fiscal management, with a total rollback of 4.17 mills over the past three years. However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of a dedicated millage for drainage projects, which Councilman Pillea highlighted as a critical need for the parish. He urged the council to consider establishing a more stable funding source for drainage initiatives, especially in light of potential economic downturns that could affect sales tax revenues.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of continued fiscal responsibility and the need for future discussions on funding for essential services, particularly drainage, as the parish navigates its financial landscape.