LAFAYETTE PARISH – Homeowners across Lafayette Parish will soon face an increase in their property tax bill.
Conrad Comeaux, tax collector for Lafayette Parish, said tax bills for more than 60,000 homeowners are likely to rise this December, by an average of 6.5 percent.
“Some parts of the community have gone up more than other parts of the community, much more,” Comeaux said. “Some homes may have gone up 10%, others 3%, and that’s a 6.5% increase.”
The increase is due to changes in the real estate market, where home prices have risen in recent years. “Home prices have risen, and we are just reflecting what has happened over the last four years,” Comeaux said.
Lafayette Parish property taxes are determined by the town or parish millage, which must be voted on each year by local authorities. Comeaux noted that the changes are in line with state law.
“In theory, the tax goes down when values go up. The taxpayer should pay roughly the same amount, but if that tax goes up again because it is brought forward, then there is a tax increase. That is not in our hands as tax assessors, that has to do with all tax authorities,” he said.
Homeowners in Lafayette Parish will receive letters in the mail detailing the upcoming changes. “If they feel there is a problem, they can contact us, set up an appointment and discuss it,” Comeaux said.
