Property owners in St. Charles Parish can expect a lighter tax burden this year, thanks to millage rate reductions bringing property taxes down to a 30-year low. As reported by St. Charles Parish government, the Council, Sheriff, and School Board have all chosen to roll back millages to a markedly low rate since 1992, poised to save taxpayers around $105 million over the last half-decade.
Residents and businesses are to definitely see the fruits of the new millage rates on their upcoming property tax bills. The decrease in millage rates to 100.96, down from 2019's 118.41, is credited significantly to the economic strength of the Parish. According to St. Charles Parish Assessor Tab Troxler, “Lowering millage rates is good for everyone—our residents, small businesses, and industrial facilities alike,” and he further asserts confidence in continuing this trend to ease the load off taxpayers while underpinning the parish's growth.
St. Charles Parish President Matthew Jewell reiterated the council's commitment to fiscal responsibility and business-friendly policies, stating, "The strength of our economy in St. Charles Parish allows us to roll back millage rates, providing relief to both residents and businesses while still funding vital services." The reductions have been no small feat, with the parish government saving taxpayers $10.2 million, a 15% reduction, over the past five years.
Despite bringing down the property taxes to historic lows, Council Chairwoman Holly Fonseca reassured that the standard of services provided to the community will remain unchanged. “Through responsible financial stewardship, the Parish President and Council have delivered meaningful savings to taxpayers over the past five years. We remain focused on building on this progress by identifying additional opportunities for savings while maintaining the quality of services our residents expect and deserve,” she explained.
The saves do not stop at the parish government’s efforts. St. Charles Parish schools and law enforcement also find themselves able to lower their demands on taxpayers without compromising their mission. School Superintendent Ken Oertling shared the sentiment that curtailing costs ensures that students receive necessary resources today while securing the parish’s future. "These millage reductions reflect a long-term approach to planning that benefits both our schools and our community," Oertling illustrated.
Sheriff Greg Champagne highlighted the cost-saving measures of the law enforcement district as well, stating, “I am pleased that the St. Charles Parish Law Enforcement District has been able to reduce our Millage for the 3rd year in a row for a total of 1.75 mills. This results in a total savings to property owners of $ 4,297,000 dollars.” Current calculations show that one mill in St. Charles Parish now generates $2,558,829, and official millage rollbacks will soon be submitted to the Assessor’s Office and Legislative Auditor, sealing the deal on this year's tax reductions.
