Many Webster Parish property owners might notice a slight increase on their property taxes this year, but the increases are largely tied to changes in millage rates rather than rising property values, according to Assessor Denise Edwards.
This year is not a reassessment year, meaning assessed values for most residential, commercial, and industrial properties remained unchanged. Edwards said that in nearly all recent inquiries, the assessed value on the parcel was the same as last year.
Even with stable assessments, total taxes can rise when millage rates change. The parishwide Council on Aging millage, approved by voters last year, added 1.75 mills to every taxable property in the parish. Other adjustments included a 1.09-mill increase in School District #7 in the Doyline area and a 0.63-mill increase in Fire District #11 in Springhill. Fire District #10 saw a decrease, and most other millages remained the same.
The millage changes apply uniformly to all property types. “Millage changes apply the same to all property types — residential, commercial, business, and industrial,” Edwards said.
One example provided by the assessor showed a residential parcel increasing by about $9.50 from last year, with the Council on Aging millage accounting for the majority of the change.
Edwards said many callers mistakenly assume that programs such as the Special Assessment Level freeze their entire tax bill. The program — most often used by residents aged 65 and older — freezes only the assessed value, not the millage portion. Taxes can still rise or fall based on millage adjustments. Homeowners with a Homestead Exemption have also expressed confusion, believing it exempts their full tax bill; the exemption only covers the first $75,000 of fair market value.
Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value — equal to 10 percent of fair market value for residential property and 15 percent for commercial — by the millage rate. One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value.
Bond millages, which fund debt payments for certain districts, are recalculated annually. Changes are typically small but can fluctuate more when payment schedules or taxable values shift. Districts must collect only what is needed for that year’s principal and interest.
Property owners who believe their bill is incorrect may contact the assessor’s office, though the formal appeal period has closed for this year. Assessment books open for public review each August, with appeals normally due by the end of September.
Edwards said she does not anticipate major changes next year. No new millages are currently proposed, and reassessment will not occur again until 2028.
She encouraged residents to review the office’s Annual Report or visit the website, app, or Facebook page for more information. “We understand that no one enjoys paying taxes; however, property taxes are essential for generating revenue that supports vital public services, including our school system, fire protection, law enforcement, and other community programs,” said Edwards.