When the value of property goes down, so should the property taxes. That is what the people are paying for – the right to own property at their respective values.
Here in St. Charles Parish, we have had an odd situation in which the insurance cost of property might drastically increase in areas that have not had serious flooding in the past, but which FEMA claims, thanks to their brilliance, will have flood problems in the future. And that projection, right or not, is devaluing many homes in the area.
As a result, Assessor Tab Troxler redefined property tax rates that somewhat match actual property value. And since the value obviously is going down with the insurance cost of owning it, that devaluation is very appropriate.
Of course, the reduction in property taxes will not match the increase in insurance cost. But it is a necessary action to help our people continue to maintain the cost of their homes.
St. Charles Parish has had few floodings in populated areas in the past. Suddenly, FEMA comes up with the claim that we are at great danger of floods. All of our homeowners cannot bear the cost of the high insurance rates that result from that proclamation.
Perhaps they should look at the past and realize that it has not been a great risk to own a home in St. Charles Parish. We have lived through many hurricanes, and a few high waters, but none of them have been overly destructive to our wonderful living habitat.
Hopefully, Assessor Troxler’s efforts to keep property taxes down for the time being will be effective until we can help convince FEMA and the U.S. government that St. Charles Parish is not such a dangerous place in which to live.
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