Plain Dealing schedules Sept. 16 public hearing and special meeting on proposed millage increase

Mayor James Cook read a public notice at the Sept. 9 Town Council meeting announcing a public hearing on Sept. 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to consider levying additional millage rates following reassessment and to consider rolling forward to rates not to exceed the prior year's maximum.

The notice, read under the authority stated in Article 7, Section 23(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B), estimated the tax revenue to be collected in the coming year from the proposed increase at $44,877.65, and said the amount of the increase in taxes attributable to the millage increase would be $5,374.05.

Mayor Cook told the council the Town of Plain Dealing will hold a special meeting immediately after the public hearing on Sept. 16 to consider adopting any millage rates discussed at the hearing. The notice and scheduling were made available to the public at the council's regularly scheduled Sept. 9 meeting.

Why it matters: a change in the town's millage rate would alter property tax bills for affected taxpayers in Plain Dealing and directly affects the town's projected operating revenue. The hearing provides a formal opportunity for residents to comment before the council considers adopting a rate.

What happens next: the hearing will be held at the town hall meeting room at 205 West Palmetto Avenue on Sept. 16 at 6:00 p.m., followed immediately by a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen to consider adoption. The council's staff did not provide further details at the Sept. 9 session about which funds or line items the additional revenue would be allocated to; that information may be presented at the Sept. 16 hearing.