(C) Verite News New Orleans This story was originally published by Verite News New Orleans and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Orleans School Board maintains tax rates, resulting in higher bills for some [1] ['Minh Ha', 'More Minh Ha', 'Verite News'] Date: 2024-01-19 The Orleans Parish School Board on Thursday (Jan. 18) unanimously voted to maintain its current property tax rates — called a “roll forward” — which will mean higher tax bills for some homeowners later this month due to increased property values around the city. The vote will mean an increase of about $30 million in local tax revenue for school operations, teacher salaries, supplies and school building repairs. That increase is the result of an increase in property values across New Orleans. According to the Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office, New Orleans saw an 18% increase in total property values in last year’s citywide assessment. Amid climbing property insurance rates, higher utility costs and rising living costs in the city, other taxing agencies in New Orleans opted to reduce, or “roll back,” their property tax millages this year. Speaking at a Thursday (Jan. 18) public hearing, Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance Program Coordinator Leah LeBlanc noted that a recent state audit found that Orleans Parish Assessor Erroll Williams was improperly calculating home values based solely on sales prices. Called, “sales chasing,” this practice, which is banned by the Louisiana Tax Commission, may result in property value spikes — and heavy tax increases — for recently sold properties. “The flawed and broken system we have in assessing property values ultimately leads to unfair disparities and property tax bills for vulnerable homeowners,” LeBlanc said, asking the School Board to roll back. “This issue will inevitably affect homeowners and renters alike as … housing costs will be transferred from landlords to tenants through rent increases.” However, most of the public speakers who appeared at the board meeting on Thursday — including several New Orleans charter school employees and students — supported rolling forward all six of the school board’s millages. “Invest in the students of New Orleans by voting to roll the millage[s] forward,” said Alaysha Washington, a junior at Walter Cohen High School. “Voting yes will ensure learning outcomes for not only me but students in New Orleans. An educated population is often associated with lower crime rates, better health outcomes, and more informed and engaged citizens. Spending on education today is an investment in the future of our beautiful city.” State law requires all taxing authorities to reduce their property taxes when there is an increase in property value to keep tax revenues at the same level as the previous year. However, taxing authorities can then take a second vote to roll the rates forward. The New Orleans City Council, which controls property taxes that pay for general city operations, police, fire department and the Sewerage & Water Board, rolled back city tax rates for this year and urged other taxing agencies to do the same. The School Board was the only one to maintain its millage rates. According to information presented during the meeting, the difference between a full roll-forward and full roll-back of school tax rates is about $100 for a $250,000 house with a homestead exemption. However, because other agencies cut their rates, not everyone will receive higher tax bills this month. “All other agencies have already not rolled forward, so even with a full OPSB roll forward, the millage rate would be around 133.99, or 9% less than last year’s rate,” Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office spokesperson Devin Johnson wrote in an email to Verite News. This means only people whose assessment increased by more than 9% would see an increase in their property taxes, he said. This year, per-student state funding will be cut by about $8.1 million, or $184 per student, according to an analysis NOLA Public Schools district staff prepared for the Thursday board meeting. But this will happen regardless of how the board voted, and a full rollback could have meant a budget cut. The district’s emergency relief fund, which is about $2,600 per student and has assisted district schools reeling from COVID shutdown sales tax declines, is also set to expire in September 2024. The School Board also has to pay for other fees, including rising property insurance bills for the NOLA Public Schools District’s buildings. According to NOLA Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Stuart Gay, insurance costs have more than doubled, from $118 to $283 per student, since 2019. With the decrease in state funding, a full forward means almost $500 more per pupil funding, said Gay during the public hearing. “I think most people in this city would agree that stronger schools make a stronger community,” said Orleans Parish School Board Member Olin Parker. “As a homeowner, I do want to acknowledge the burden that this places, not just on homeowners, but on renters as well. It’s shameful that we as a community need to pick and choose between affordable housing and quality education.” Related Stories Republish This Story Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license. 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