Commission ignores Katrina- effect on home property values

Dear Taxpayer:

The Louisiana Tax Commission (LTC) ordered a reassessessment of St. Charles Parish for 2007 because our ratio study was 8.9 percent. A passing grade is 9 percent.

The Assessors for St. Charles, St. James, and St. John parishes (all failed the ratio study), appeared before the LTC a few months ago to explain the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Increased gasoline prices, insurance premiums and property taxes could severely hurt all homeowners. We showed the LTC that in some cases there were panic sales, but to no avail.

Some of you have called to inquire about the reassessment and the millage rate for 2007.

With the recent articles regarding millage rates, I thought I would give you a simple example to help you understand how the system works.

If all taxing districts in St. Charles Parish were to reduce the accumulative millage rate by 10 mills, the result would be:

$400,000 Home - w/homestead exemption = $3,944 a (savings of $325)

$200,000 Home -w/homestead exemption = $1,344 (savings of $125)

$100,000-w/homestead exemption = $268 ( savings of $25)

Remember, the books are open for public inspection from August 16 through 30. However, you may review your assessment at any time. If you have any questions, please call my office at 985-783-6281.

Clyde “Rock” Gisclair

St. Charles Parish Assessor