The Webster Parish Assessor’s Office is expanding technology, improving public access to property information, and continuing efforts to keep its own millage rate low, according to Assessor Denise Edwards’ 2026 annual report, which is expected to be distributed to the public in the coming weeks.
Edwards said the publication is intended to provide transparency and keep residents informed about the work performed by the office.
“This report provides a comprehensive overview of our office’s activities, performance, and continued commitment to the fair and equitable assessment of property throughout Webster Parish. Since initiating these annual reports, my goal has remained the same — to promote transparency, ensure accountability, and keep the citizens of Webster Parish informed about the essential work carried out by your Assessor’s Office.”
While the assessor’s primary responsibility is determining the value of taxable property for ad valorem taxes, the office also offers a variety of services designed to make property information more accessible and to assist taxpayers. The office values property but does not set tax rates or collect taxes, responsibilities that belong to other governmental entities.
Among the report’s featured updates is the implementation of a new online property assessment search system. The free service allows residents to search property records by assessment or parcel number, owner name, physical address, or legal mapping information without creating an account. Search results include assessed value, exemptions, estimated municipal and parish taxes, ownership history, tax history, legal descriptions, property transfers, and links to mapping resources such as Google Maps and EagleView when available.
The office also continues to expand its digital offerings through its mobile application. Residents can search property information, estimate property taxes, apply for Homestead Exemption, download forms, access tax information, and receive updates about office services directly from their phones.
Another technology initiative highlighted in the report is the office’s Geographic Information System mapping platform. First adopted in 2005 and made available free to the public in 2021, the GIS system provides parcel lines, fire and school tax district boundaries, agricultural and timber soil classifications, aerial imagery, and other mapping layers. The office recently purchased new equipment to continue updating its in-house paper maps while maintaining ongoing digital improvements.
The report also explains how property taxes and millage rates work. Edwards notes that the assessor determines assessed values, while individual taxing bodies — including school districts, municipalities, the Police Jury, fire districts, libraries, and other special districts — establish their own millage rates through public meetings. Once those rates are adopted, the Webster Parish Sheriff bills and collects the taxes.
The assessor’s office says it has lowered its own assessment district millage several times in recent years. According to the report, those reductions have saved Webster Parish taxpayers an estimated $1.5 million since Edwards took office, with another reduction planned for 2026 that is expected to save an additional $500,000.
The report also outlines programs available to property owners, including Homestead Exemption, special assessment level “freeze” programs for qualifying senior citizens, disabled residents, veterans, and surviving spouses, as well as expanded exemptions available for disabled veterans. The office reports that 1,007 age 65 freeze parcels, 53 disability freeze parcels, 35 veteran freeze parcels, and 97 additional disabled veteran homestead exemptions are currently on the tax rolls.
Edwards thanked residents for their continued confidence in the office and reaffirmed its commitment to improving service..
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the citizens of Webster Parish for their continued trust, support, and engagement with our office,” she wrote. “Looking ahead to 2027, we will continue to invest in technology, strengthen public outreach, and enhance the tools and resources available to property owners. Our goal is to ensure that every citizen of Webster Parish has confidence in the assessment process and access to the information they need.”