Slidell, LA

Good news Slidell residents. Flood insurance rates are going down. Thanks to efforts by Slidell city government improving drainage in our area. Our zone class is going down from a nine to an eight. Ten being the worst. This should result in a reduction of about ten percent a year. I will take whatever I can get.

Seems most of the taxing boards in St. Tammanywill roll back their millage to help compensate for increased property tax rolls. The school board and parish government would not seek any increase in revenue. The school board alone is over fifty percent. The fire districts in Covington and Lacombe indicated they would seek an increase. Also the First fire district in Slidell would seek an increase. I don't know for sure if Eagle Point Subdivision falls within the first district. None of the boards would say how much they would seek. I hope they don't get too greedy.

Earlier this month the homeowners of St Tammany Parish received their new home tax valuations. Some of these values appreciated 200% in four years. Four years? Yes, four years. Mine personally went up quite a bit. I still believe mine are fair. I just hope and pray the local taxing boards don't charge all of the millage allowed. Then my tax bill would almost triple.

I can assure you many people won't be able to afford their home anymore. If insurance continues it's steady advance and taxes are charged at the allowable rate many homeowners will see their note go up $300 per month. How many people have this extra amount to pay. I will be hard pressed to make ends meet. The government like us has to cut back when times are very tough. They should be forced by law to downsize.

I hope everyone who wants to contest their property taxes has filed their appeals. I don't think the assessor is going to roll over and go easy. I have included a link to wwl radio where assessor Core and parish president debate this assessment. I can still give you information on homes sold in your area for free. Here is a link to listen to the assessor onWWL radio this morning. You will find it on the lower right hand side. Good Luck

Just a reminder for residents of St Tammany Parish that this coming Thursday is the deadline to appeal your new property assessment. I have already written two letters to residents to give them a fair market value of their home. The assessments were raised since four years ago. As you know in this difficult market we are currently in, many will not sell for this new amount. Don't give up without a fight. This is your money not theirs.