Lafayette Property Tax Increase Not Necessary….But Very Likely

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - Lafayette Parish Assessor Conrad Comeaux visited KPEL Wednesday morning to discuss the current property reassessment and possible property tax increases that could be hitting Lafayette property owners right before Christmas. You can listen to the full interview by clicking HERE or listening below.

As previously reported by our media partners at KATC, Lafayette Parish Tax Assessor Conrad Comeaux says over 60,000 homeowners will likely see an average tax increase of 6.5%. Comeaux previously said in an interview that the highest tax increase residents would likely see is around 10%. Several residents contacted KPEL stating that their taxes had increased anywhere from 17% to more than 25%

Read More: Lafayette Parish Homeowners to See Increase in Property Taxes 

“Some parts of the parish went up higher than other parts of the parish, at a much higher rate,” Comeaux explained to KATC. “Some houses may go up 10%, some might go up 3%, and that’s how you get the 6.5% increase.”

This increase is largely attributed to the rising property values driven by recent changes in the housing market. “Prices of housing have gone up, and so we’re just reflecting what has happened in the last four years,” Comeaux said, emphasizing that the tax bills are being adjusted to mirror current market conditions.

The determination of Lafayette Parish property taxes hinges on the millage rates set by local agencies, which must be voted on annually. While property values have risen, the corresponding millage rates are supposed to decrease, keeping tax amounts relatively stable. However, when these rates are adjusted upwards, it results in a tax increase. Comeaux noted that this aspect is beyond the control of the assessor's office and lies in the hands of the various taxing bodies in the parish. It is important to note that the Assessor's Office is funded by one of the millages.

Who decides what your property is worth?

But who decides what the assessed value of your home is? Conrad Comeaux and his staff who are not licensed or trained as certified appraisers.