New Orleans Property Tax Update: Key Facts for Voters

News Summary

As New Orleans prepares for a property tax vote on May 3rd, it’s crucial to clarify the details. The proposed measure is not a new tax but an extension of an existing low-rate tax aimed at maintaining community safety. Supported by the Bureau of Governmental Research, this tax extension addresses staffing shortages in the sheriff’s office. Additionally, ongoing legal disputes affect property tax assessments. Residents should stay informed as property tax dashboards are updated to reflect changes in rates and property values.

New Orleans Property Tax Update: Setting the Record Straight

There’s been quite a buzz around property taxes in New Orleans lately, especially with the upcoming vote on May 3rd. Residents have noticed these signs proclaiming “No New Taxes,” but hold up a second! This wording might be a bit misleading. The truth is, the property tax being proposed is not a new tax; it’s merely an extension of an existing one.

The Facts Behind the Measure

What voters will actually see on their ballots is a request to extend an existing property tax for another 10 years at a pretty low rate of less than 2.5 mills. So, if you’re worried about new taxes piling on, rest assured this is just a continuation of what’s already in place.

Backing from the Bureau of Governmental Research

The Bureau of Governmental Research (BGR) has voiced its support for this extended tax, emphasizing its importance for community safety. The BGR pointed out that the New Orleans Sheriff’s Office is currently facing challenges, with over 200 employee positions unfilled. This shortage raises serious safety concerns, particularly concerning operations at the jail.

Misinformation and Public Trust

As the debate heats up, local political analyst, Clancy DuBos, has raised eyebrows about the impact of misleading information on public trust. It’s vital for residents to have accurate details before heading to the polls, and misinformation can easily cloud judgment and cause confusion.

Tax Legal Battles

Higgins Hotel and Conference Center. On February 18, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal granted him a new trial regarding the property taxes levied on this hotel, which is operated by a subsidiary of the National WWII Museum.

The court overturned an earlier decision from the Board of Tax Appeals (BTA) that had refused Williams’ request to reconsider the hotel’s tax-exempt status. Williams is pushing the notion that this hotel owes a substantial amount in taxes—potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. The hotel was denied tax-exempt status for 2021 and decided not to seek it for 2022.

In a prior move back in February 2022, the hotel paid over $553,000 in taxes under protest while filing a petition for recovery. Initially, the BTA sided with the hotel, concluding that it aligned with the charitable mission of the museum. However, indications of increased unrelated business income prompted Williams to go for a new trial, suggesting that circumstances have changed.

The Path Ahead

The Fourth Circuit remarked that the BTA had abused its discretion by denying the motion without adequate consideration of new evidence, specifically referencing the IRS Form 990. While a new trial date hasn’t been set just yet, the proceedings are certainly worth watching.

Property Tax Dashboards Updated

Property Tax Dashboards, which aim to inform residents and policymakers about property tax rates and assessments in Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Tammany parishes. Excitingly, Jefferson Parish reported a 5.6% increase in overall property value. This spike has led to a rollback of millage rates to keep revenue neutral. Meanwhile, St. Tammany saw an even bigger bump, with property values soaring by nearly 22%, prompting similar adjustments.

In New Orleans, property tax rates have mostly held steady, with a slight dip linked to reductions in bond debt rates. For East Bank residents, the total rate currently sits at 131.99 mills, while Algiers faces a marginally higher rate of 132.01 mills due to levee district taxes.

Wrapping It Up

The world of property taxes can be a confusing landscape, but staying informed is the first step toward making educated decisions as a voter. With the BGR’s dashboards and community discussions, it’s easier than ever to stay in the loop about how property taxes can impact your life and neighborhood in New Orleans. Stay vigilant, and make your voices heard on May 3rd!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• WWLTV: Clancy’s Commentary on May 3 Tax Vote
• Fox 8 Live: Orleans Assessor Granted New Trial
• NOLA: Property Tax Help at Libraries
• Biz New Orleans: BGR Property Tax Dashboards
• The Center Square: Louisiana Property Tax Updates
• Wikipedia: Property Tax
• Google Search: Property Tax in New Orleans
• Google Scholar: New Orleans Property Tax Laws
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Taxation
• Google News: New Orleans Property Tax