An ordinance proposing a tax increase of about 3% for property owners within the City of Ruston is on the agenda for introduction at tomorrow night’s meeting of the Ruston Board of Aldermen.
For the past several years, a 6.04 mil rate levied for “General Alimony” – ordinary expenses and public improvements – has been in effect. Also, a 3.00 mil rate for maintenance and operations of recreations and buildings has been levied.
However, as this year saw properties reassessed, local governments have to either adjust the millage rates downward (“roll back”) so as to levy the same total amount of taxes, or “roll forward” the rates and collect more money.
If the roll back ordinance is adopted, the new rates would be 5.88 mils and 2.92 mils respectively. The roll forward ordinance would keep the rates the same as before, but would collect more money due to the higher tax assessments.
The procedure is mandated by a Louisiana constitutional provision “Adjustment of Ad Valorem Tax Millages” (Art 7, Sec 23), and requires a 2/3 vote of the board, or 4 affirmative votes.
No votes will be taken at tomorrow’s meeting, as the ordinances will be for introduction only. A public hearing must precede any vote on the ordinances.
Tomorrow’s meeting begins at 5:30 PM, and will be held at Ruston City Hall, 401 North Trenton, second floor.
Here is the agenda.
Among other notable items to be considered tomorrow night:
Resolution authorizing property expropriation for I-20/Tarbutton Road interchange
Application for subdivision fronting East Maryland Avenue
Code Enforcement – Substandard Structures
08/05/2012 at 4:16 pm |
Governments know nothing but to raise tax and won’t be satisfied until they get all we have. Never do they give a thought of cutting expenses, cutting their salaries and benefits, , operating more efficiently, only getting more and more from only property owners who have the tax voted on them by non property owners, or property owners who have tax exemption. Now is not the time in this long recession to add more taxes. Vote NO more tax!
08/06/2012 at 7:56 am |
Ruston property owners should rise up and oppose any roll forward or property tax increase what so ever. Should ask tax assessor how much money would a roll forward create? You can bet there’ s been a meeting of mines between assessor and city government to get more from the overloaded property owner.
08/06/2012 at 11:22 am |
I wonder if any walking quorums have been initiated to discuss this matter prior to voting?