School Board Could Raise Property Taxes $361,000

Public Hearing Set July 23 But 2/3rds Lacking

by Woody Jenkins, Editor

CENTRAL — The Central Community School Board will meet July 23 to consider rolling forward property tax millage rates, but that proposed $361,000 tax increase seems to have little chance of passage, according school board member Will Easley.

Under the Louisiana Constitution, all property is reappraised every four years, and 2012 is a reappraisal year.  After reappraisal, tax millage rates are automatically “rolled back” so as not to create a tax increase.  However, governmental bodies can, by a two-thirds’ vote, raise property tax millages up to their previous level, thereby raising the property taxes imposed on owners of homes and businesses.

This practice is controversial because it does not require a vote of the people.  The “roll forward” of property tax rates is one reason property owners are often shocked by increases in their property tax bills.  The tax rates go up, even though additional taxes haven’t been voted up on.

Four years ago, the Central Community School Board voted against rolling forward tax millage rates by a vote of 5-2.  That “roll forward” would have raised property taxes in the Central school district by $300,000.  The vote on the roll forward was hotly contested.  Board members Russell Starns and Marti Guilbeau were the only board members to support the higher taxes.  Two years later, neither sought reelection.

This week, board member Will Easley said it would be a violation of trust for the board to approve higher taxes without a vote of the people.

Calls to board members by the Central City News quickly revealed that more than one-third of the board members are opposed to a tax increase.  It would take two-thirds to approve a tax increase.

Photo: Central school board member Will Easley