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Council sitting as board of review denies three assessment appeals; assessor explains valuation differences
Summary
During a board-of-review session the council denied appeals from Robert Theriault, Deepwater Supply Inc., and Transocean Offshore Ventures; the assessor explained valuation bases and noted an appraisal timing and useful-life discrepancy in one case.
LAFOURCHE PARISH, La. — The Lafourche Parish Council, sitting as a board of review on Sept. 9, denied three written assessment appeals after hearing statements from appellants and the parish assessor.
Robert Theriault spoke to preserve his right to record and said he would appeal to district court if necessary. Assessor Wendy Thibodeau told the council Theriault’s value had been reduced to $150,800 total market value and recommended upholding that figure. Councilman Perk moved to deny the appeal; the motion passed 8 yays, 0 nays, 1 absence.
Representatives for Deepwater Supply Inc. and Transocean Offshore Ventures said appraisals had been ordered and would be submitted when complete. For Deepwater, Thibodeau reported a 2024 fair market value of $37,000,519 and a 2025 figure of $37,359,267 and told the council the company had not yet provided a numeric requested value on its appeal form. Council voted to deny the Deepwater appeal after hearing the assessor’s explanation.
On Transocean’s appeal, Thibodeau said the change in values appeared in part because the LAP (Louisiana apportionment/assessment) forms used by their preparer used an eight-year useful life for equipment depreciation, while the Louisiana Tax Commission tables require a 10-year useful life. Transocean’s representative said they had ordered an appraisal to address the discrepancy. The council moved to deny the Transocean appeal; the motion passed 8 yays, 0 nays, 1 absence.
All denials were made by motions from Councilman Perk and carried by unanimous recorded votes among present members. The assessor indicated she would consider submitted appraisals and adjust as appropriate through proper administrative channels, and appellants retained the right to pursue judicial review.
