Many Shreveport residents have contacted me concerning the fact that they had not yet gotten their 2022 Shreveport ad valorem tax notices.
Caddo Parish ad valorem tax notices arrived the first week of this month.
Property owners in Bossier Parish received their tax notices the first week of the month. Bossier City tax notices were also received the first week of Dec.
In response to an email, Shreveport Chief Administrative Office (CAO) advised me yesterday (Mon.) that the city tax notices were mailed last Fri. (Dec 9). So, this is the GOOD NEWS and BAD NEWS.
I do not know about those readers scanning this blog, but I did not receive my notice Sat. or yesterday (Mon.)
The late mailing of these mailing is costing the city of Shreveport.
Many property owners pay their taxes with a few days of getting the notice. Those tax dollars could be earning interest in a sweep account.
CAO Whitehorn has advised the council that the 13% pay raise doled out by the council in Jan. of this year was not sustainable in future years. This was a concern of the three council members who opposed an across the board pay raise to all city employees.
The mayor elect, as well as the incoming new council members, have expressed concern over this funding reality. They all have said the city would need to increase revenues. Even newly elected council Alan Jackson, who voted for the pay raises, has expressed concern over future funding.
Earlier mailing of the tax notices, like Caddo and Bossier Sheriffs and Bossier City, would have resulted in earlier payment. Thus, more interest could have accrued on these funds.
Interest earned on deposited ad valorem taxes is a source of money that can be used to offset the additional payroll burden.
So, what's the reason for the delay? Hopefully mayor elect Arceneaux to take steps to have the 2023 tax notices to be mailed much earlier.
And speaking of Arceneaux he was working yesterday on the transition. H even squeezed in time to attend the council work session and speak to city workers, council members and citizens in attendance.