Property taxes hit local mailboxes

‘Tis that time of year – but as Christmas tunes begin to take over the radio waves and candy canes make their way onto store shelves, many have something different on their minds.

For local homeowners it’s tax time. And for public service operations throughout south Louisiana, it’s payday.

According to a press release issued last week, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office issued 49,756 tax notices, with nearly 15,000 homestead exemptions. Lafourche plans to collect nearly $80 million in tax revenue this year, a $6 million increase from $74 million in 2008.

Sgt. Lesley Peters, spokeswoman at Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, called last year successful, stating that she expected the same for this year, despite an unstable economy.

Likewise, Terrebonne Parish expects to bring in nearly $69.3 million in property tax revenue, with over $15 million in homestead exemptions. With a flurry of residential construction and rebuilding efforts, Terrebonne has seen property values return to normal, agreed Billy Portier, supervisor of Terrebonne’s tax department.

In some areas, like Bourg, millages have increased, leading to slightly higher property tax for residents. But compared to last years tax revenue of $67,687,446, things could be worse.

Local tax collectors said that in an “iffy” economy property tax revenue becomes imperative to public works operations. “Every dollar in a down economy is vital,” said Peters.

As the end of December approaches, the crunch begins. However, tax collectors don’t appear worried about delinquencies and non-payment. “Some people pay their bills on time, some don’t,” commented Peters. “But we always hope for 100 percent.”

This year, there are multiple ways to pay property tax – even an online system that has proved successful in Terrebonne. Customers can log onto the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government Web site (tpcg.com) to pay property taxes, but those who do can expect to pay a 3 percent convenience fee.

Peters said they have ousted online payments due to confusion and inefficiency. But Portier claimed “…people will pay for the convenience not to come and stand in line on Dec. 31st,” adding, “I think people are pretty receptive to it.”

However, most taxpayers will give way to tradition by using snail mail or delivering checks in person.

With the flush of people trying to meet the Dec. 31 deadline, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office also plans to see an increase in traffic. “The week between Christmas and New Years is usually our busiest time,” said Wayne Foret, deputy tax collector at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The workload is beginning to increase as Wayne Foret, a deputy tax collector at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, handles incoming calls and customers hoping to make their property tax payments before Dec. 31. * Photo by MICHAEL DAVIS