Greetings! 06-24-08
Last week, Parish Assessor Randy Ritchie gave a very informative presentation to your Chamber's Board of Directors on the subject of property assessments across the parish. As you know, most property in the parish is subject to taxation based on its value. Randy explained that property values, by state law, must be re-evaluated at least every four years. 2008 is one of those years-a fact that has not escaped notice by many in the parish.
As we learned from Randy's presentation, there are two important things to keep in mind when reviewing your property tax bill. The first is the valuation of your home and/or business. Market rates are taken into account when determining the value of property, he said. Generally speaking, Randy indicated that property values are on the rise in West Feliciana Parish. Due to this rise in values, property taxes have increased for most in the parish. Randy emphasized that if you feel the valuation of your property is not fair, call the Assessor's Office for assistance.
The next most important thing to keep in mind is the rate of taxation. The rate (or millage) of each property tax is set when voters approve taxes at the polls. However, as Randy explained, a little known provision allows local and parish government bodies to increase the actual millage by a vote of that body. Here's how it works:
State law mandates, as property values rise, each entity must "roll back" the rate of taxation to be revenue neutral from the previous year. When this is completed, as Randy explained, the taxing body may then vote to "roll forward" the millage to the original rate. If passed, the result is an increase in the amount of tax dollars flowing to that government body- and an increase in your tax bill.
Due to recent adjustments in the law, each government body that levies a property tax must now prominently advertise the date, place and time that it will consider the "roll forward" provision. You may have seen a few of these in The Advocate and other publications of late.
In keeping with our ongoing theme this summer, your Chamber wants to hear from you on this, and many other topics.
This week's question is:
How do you feel about the possible "roll forward" of property tax rates in West Feliciana Parish? Do you agree or disagree with it?
Simply reply to this email and let your voice be heard.
Our thanks goes to Assessor Randy Ritchie for his presentation and for answering many tough questions from the board and visitors alike.
Mike Smith, Chairman
Governmental Relations Committee
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce
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New Business opens with "Summer Patio Social"Miles Blair Salon opens with a "Summer Patio Social"
The chamber welcomes Miles Blair Salon as a new member. Owner Mrs. Tosha Black will be hosting a "Summer Patio Social" for the new business's ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 10th at 6pm. The business is located at 5951 Commerce Street.
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After Hours - Ribbon CuttingCommerce Cenre hosts Chamber "After Hours" Ribbon Cutting
J.A. Wheeler & Associates, Andy D'Aquilla Attorney-at-Law, Coastal Ecology Group, Travis Torrence Allstate Insurance Agency and Superior Insurance Services, LLC will host the Chamber's "After Hours" event on Thursday, July 17,2008 at 5:30pm. These Chamber members are all located at the new Commerce Centre at 10182 Weevil Street, St. Francisville, LA, across from the post office. Mark your calendars now to attend this special ribbon cutting and social event.
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Summer Reading Program| The Summer Reading program at the library has begun. This program is a wonderful way to keep education going during the summer and during the year. Contact Linda Fox at the library for all the details. |
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Vibes In The Ville
Come join a free concert under the stars at Parker Park this Saturday, June 28th at 6pm. The perky alt-pop Austin outfit "The Driving Captain" will be playing. Bring your blankets and chairs for this fun time in downtown St. Francisville.
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Summer Fun Day
Summer Fun Day will be held on Friday, June 27th from 9am til 2pm at the West Feliciana Sports Park. This event is sponsored by the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office, West Feliciana Drug & Alcohol Awareness Council, the District Attorney's Office, LA Hwy Safety Commission and West Feliciana Sports & Recreations.
There will be live bands and entertainment, special guests throughout the day, games, free food, demonstrations from the fire department and the K-9 and narcotics department and much more. This event is open to the public.
Congratulations Chamber Board Member Mike Smith
Appointed To Committee/Appears In National Press Conference
The Greater St. Francisville Chamber of Commerce board member, Mike Smith, President/CEO of ConnectCallUSA.com, has been appointed to the National Communications Committee of the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC). The AAPC is a national trade organization representing hundreds of political and public affairs consulting firms across the country.
Mike also recently appeared in a national press conference on behalf of the First Amendment Legal Defense Fund.
ConnectCallUSA.com was recently awarded its 7th "Pollie Award" for outstanding work on national, regional and local campaigns. Pollie Awards, the equivalent of an Oscar, are awarded annually to firms and individuals for outstanding work in political and public affairs.
Congratulations to Mike and Chamber member ConnectCallUSA.com!
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