School Board puts taxes on ballot

Supporter wrote:

<quoted text>
Here's some property tax rates for WF and some of it's surrounding parishes.
WF-$5.46 Avg. property tax rate per mill
($1000 of Value)
Pointe Coupee-$5.55 Avg. property tax rate per mill
($1000 of Value)
EBR-$6.67 Avg. property tax rate per mill
($1000 of Value)
WBR-$5.81 Avg. property tax rate per mill
($1000 of Value)
EastFeliciana-$5.09 Avg. property tax rate per mill
($1000 of Value)
Livingston Parish -$6.38 Avg. property tax rate per mill
($1000 of Value)
St. Landry -$5.69 Avg. property tax rate per mill
($1000 of Value)
There are some parishes that are lower than ours like St. Helena (and you can see the results of that) and there are some that are MUCH higher. So I don't know how you can say that the cost per household is lower in EBR/Zachary when they are paying a HIGHER tax rate? They did not ask for X amount of money and then equally divide it between everyone. Each person pays the same RATE, some pay more money than others based on their property value. I only pulled a few that are in the same geographic area. We are not paying for what we are getting. I again want to say that this is not a NEW property tax. It is a renewal. If the schools were to live within their means like you say, our school rankings would be closer to East Feliciana and Pointe Coupee. Is that what we want?

Please understand this, Supporter, I don't care what the surrounding parishes' tax structures are. That's their business, not yours or mine. They voted for what they wanted and got it. Were you "there" to tell them how to vote? Then what makes you think your comparison to their choices gives you the right to tell us how we should vote because of what they have chosen?

You have consistently chosen not the address the most important issues of nepotism and misspend funds. Until such time as you do, I along with many others simply will not vote for a renewal of a property tax or a new sales tax.

http://www.tax-rates.org/louisiana/west_felic...

prev page wrote:

<quoted text>Please understand this, Supporter, I don't care what the surrounding parishes' tax structures are. That's their business, not yours or mine. They voted for what they wanted and got it. Were you "there" to tell them how to vote? Then what makes you think your comparison to their choices gives you the right to tell us how we should vote because of what they have chosen?
You have consistently chosen not the address the most important issues of nepotism and misspend funds. Until such time as you do, I along with many others simply will not vote for a renewal of a property tax or a new sales tax.

I have said over and over that I agree there ARE issues with the school board. There are issues with EVERY school board in this state, public and private. Everyone keeps saying "it is public record", so by all means go read it. I am NOT a school board member.

The state of Louisiana specifically cut funds given to our schools because we DO NOT PAY ENOUGH PROPERTY TAXES. That is a 100% FACT. Not an opinion. Not something the school board did or didn't do. That has nothing to do with someone's aunt, uncle, cousin, or brother having a job. So that is why it absolutely matters to compare what we are paying to our surrounding parishes. That is EXACTLY what the state department did. Me, my brother, and my dad all worked for the same company at one point. All in different divisions. Does that mean that the company was no good thiefing criminals? Do you think not voting to renew a property tax is going to all of a sudden change things? NOPE! The only way to change things is to vote them out, which did not happen. Again, you are free to put your name down on the next ballot. If you have that much of a problem with them, you will. If not, you can atleast support our teachers and students and work with what we have.

The entire Louisiana school system is suffering b/c of the whole "don't look at me for anything" attitudes. I promise you, if you go look at the top rated states, and you look at their tax base, there will be a direct correlation between the two. You will also see that people in these states make higher wages. It all ties together! If our school systems were ranked higher, that draws more people, creates competition, and means that employers have to pay more to get good employees. Just b/c you live in a small town doesn't mean you have to think small.

information only wrote:

http://www.tax-rates.org/louis iana/west_feliciana_parish_pro perty_tax

THANK YOU! And for those that can't click the link:

The median property tax in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana is $191 per year for a home worth the median value of $136,100. West Feliciana Parish collects, on average, 0.14% of a property's estimated fair market value as property tax.

West Feliciana Parish has one of the lowest median property tax rates in the country, with only two thousand eight hundred thirty of the 3145 counties collecting a lower property tax then West Feliciana Parish.

The average yearly property tax paid by West Feliciana Parish residents amounts to about 0.36% of their yearly income. West Feliciana Parish is ranked 2863rd of the 3145 counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.

prev page wrote:

<quoted text>Please understand this, Supporter, I don't care what the surrounding parishes' tax structures are. That's their business, not yours or mine. They voted for what they wanted and got it. Were you "there" to tell them how to vote? Then what makes you think your comparison to their choices gives you the right to tell us how we should vote because of what they have chosen?
You have consistently chosen not the address the most important issues of nepotism and misspend funds. Until such time as you do, I along with many others simply will not vote for a renewal of a property tax or a new sales tax.

You are correct West Feliciana is an island, and should be managed as such. For over twenty five years the community has had the windfall of River Bend, so growth was not a real concern, with the revenue directly and indirectly from River Bend management of tax dollars by qualified elected officials was not a big concern.

Some elected leaders at some point in time realized that the River Bend revenue stream was going to dry up and if the parish was going to maintain “The River Bend Era” standards, Growth of some kind was essential, thus the Parish Comprehensive Plan. Include in the mix the New Bridge and it looked like a transition from River Bend Era to a Development of the Southern part of the parish was going to be a smooth transition, Wrong!

Again you are right, at this point in time there is no choice but to plan on looking like what we really are a small population parish with only one source of revenue, the property owners and sales tax from a diminishing retail base.

It is sad but there really aren’t choices to be made, the reality is services will decrease, schools will creep down, the poor will stay and the young middle class with children will move reducing the demand for a top rated school. The old families who have established land wealth and influence will remain and it will be business as usual.

I predict the school tax will pass, not because it is what the community needs or wants, it will be because, so many district employees paychecks are dependent on it passing. The employees with, their extend friends and family members will be more than enough to secure the taxes requested.

As to nepotism and misspent funds, you can put that label on every Federal, state, parish, city or county in the country, regardless of population, tax base, or any other statistic you like.

As to supporter's factual information, they are also correct! In the River Bend Era, there was no need to increase property taxes, there was one big property and sales tax payer, that didn't have any kids to educate, it paid a lot and demanded very little in the form of services.

It is what it is!
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

prev page wrote:

<quoted text>Were you "there" to tell them how to vote? Then what makes you think your comparison to their choices gives you the right to tell us how we should vote because of what they have chosen?

And by the way, I WAS there in one of those parishes. I got the hell out when it was clear the people were not willing to do what was needed. Thus I moved to WF where it seemed as though the people had the right idea. Great schools for my kids and a nice community to live in. So I HAVE seen what can happen. I know what will happen, b/c I've lived it. I KNOW that people will move out, b/c I did. And I don't plan on letting it happen again. I'm not a life long WF resident who only sees what is happening around them. I have an unbiased opinion b/c I dont' have relatives on any boards, or relatives that own a bunch of property. I have no personal agenda other than ensuring my own family is taken care of. And I know the best thing for my family includes doing my part in the community. I don't want them to have to do what I did and pick up there family and move away from where they grew up.

Supporter wrote:

<quoted text>
THANK YOU! And for those that can't click the link:
The median property tax in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana is $191 per year for a home worth the median value of $136,100. West Feliciana Parish collects, on average, 0.14% of a property's estimated fair market value as property tax.
West Feliciana Parish has one of the lowest median property tax rates in the country, with only two thousand eight hundred thirty of the 3145 counties collecting a lower property tax then West Feliciana Parish.
The average yearly property tax paid by West Feliciana Parish residents amounts to about 0.36% of their yearly income. West Feliciana Parish is ranked 2863rd of the 3145 counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.

I do not question your figures be one needs to be careful because Angola inmates are counted in the population figures inWFP.

Shopper wrote:

<quoted text>
I do not question your figures be one needs to be careful because Angola inmates are counted in the population figures inWFP.

But that population does not have anything to do with what the tax rate is. You do not pay more nor less beacause of Angola.

Ok, what about the sales tax? Currently the school board gets 2.5% and they are wanting 3%. Now, since we are always compared to Livingston and ascension parishes, know that their school boards only gets 2%. Not sure on Zachary as I could only find the east BR parish rate and it would be unfair to group Zachary with the schools in BR.
I say no to ANOTHER new sales tax!

Supporter wrote:

<quoted text>
But that population does not have anything to do with what the tax rate is. You do not pay more nor less beacause of Angola.

You brought up a good point. I have always been curious about the actual revenue impact Angola has on the parish? If anyone knows the answers it would be interesting information.

The Sheriff's Department has to have a cost associated with law enforcement at Angola. Are taxpayers reimbursed by the State or the Prison for cost?

When criminal and Federal court cases are conducted at the courthouse in St. Francisville, do the local tax payers absorb the cost of the trials, including the DA's and other associated cost?

All of the items that the prison, prison enterprises, and the rodeo purchase, is parish sales tax applied and paid to the parish?

Just curious.

90 responses to this thread and I have read them all....even the tedious ones that go on and on and are extremely boring to read. Just wanted to throw in that after all these posts, I am still voting no. No for the 1/2 cents sales tax increase, no for the renewal, and no for the library tax. And for those who are paying attention.....there is to be more tax issues put on a ballon in the fall dealing with the fire district. Because of insurance premiums this seems to be a warranted issue.....but with all the hoopla over the school/library tax I am not sure the public will view this as anything other than more corrupt officials wanting their slice of the pie.

What are the dates of the school system's fiscal year?

Will Vote No wrote:

90 responses to this thread and I have read them all....even the tedious ones that go on and on and are extremely boring to read. Just wanted to throw in that after all these posts, I am still voting no. No for the 1/2 cents sales tax increase, no for the renewal, and no for the library tax. And for those who are paying attention.....there is to be more tax issues put on a ballon in the fall dealing with the fire district. Because of insurance premiums this seems to be a warranted issue.....but with all the hoopla over the school/library tax I am not sure the public will view this as anything other than more corrupt officials wanting their slice of the pie.

Probably the best post yet on this site. Thanks for sharing. I, too, will be voting NO for the sales tax, the renewal and the library property tax. Enough is enough and we have had more than enough.

Will Vote No wrote:

90 responses to this thread and I have read them all....even the tedious ones that go on and on and are extremely boring to read. Just wanted to throw in that after all these posts, I am still voting no. No for the 1/2 cents sales tax increase, no for the renewal, and no for the library tax. And for those who are paying attention.....there is to be more tax issues put on a ballon in the fall dealing with the fire district. Because of insurance premiums this seems to be a warranted issue.....but with all the hoopla over the school/library tax I am not sure the public will view this as anything other than more corrupt officials wanting their slice of the pie.

And how were u voting before you read the 90 post and they convinced you to vote NO?
Also, it sounds like you are on the inside of the upcoming, yet to be announced Fire District Tax. Why and how is that?

Will Vote No wrote:

90 responses to this thread and I have read them all....even the tedious ones that go on and on and are extremely boring to read. Just wanted to throw in that after all these posts, I am still voting no. No for the 1/2 cents sales tax increase, no for the renewal, and no for the library tax. And for those who are paying attention.....there is to be more tax issues put on a ballon in the fall dealing with the fire district. Because of insurance premiums this seems to be a warranted issue.....but with all the hoopla over the school/library tax I am not sure the public will view this as anything other than more corrupt officials wanting their slice of the pie.

So the greedy PRIVATE insurance companies raise premiums and that "warrants" a tax, but when the state cuts funding from your PUBLIC schools you don't think that "warrants" any action?

Really wrote:

Ok, what about the sales tax? Currently the school board gets 2.5% and they are wanting 3%. Now, since we are always compared to Livingston and ascension parishes, know that their school boards only gets 2%. Not sure on Zachary as I could only find the east BR parish rate and it would be unfair to group Zachary with the schools in BR.
I say no to ANOTHER new sales tax!

They have a higher population base and I guarantee they have higher sales. Thus, their 2% would be a much bigger sum of money than our 2.5 or 3. When you have sales at big businesses, that trumps the sales at our mom and pop stores. We have had no economic growth, no new businesses to generate additonal sales money. Those that want to keep the small town atmosphere need to be ready to pay extra for it. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

Will Vote NO Too wrote:

<quoted text> Probably the best post yet on this site. Thanks for sharing. I, too, will be voting NO for the sales tax, the renewal and the library property tax. Enough is enough and we have had more than enough.

No, it's not enough. That's why we are in this situation. We do not pay enough in taxes. And as your property values start to decline, it will be even less.

Supporter, you sound as though you're beginning to panic. To me that's a good sign. I hope and pray the taxes fail. You just can't understand that we cannot afford more taxation at this time. Every body's hurting during these tough economic times...individuals, businesses, so why can't the school system learn to live within their budget and share the hurt with US? The news states almost daily that we'll be paying $5.00 a gallon for gas by this summer, a gallon of milk already costs over $4.O0, price a loaf of bread lately? My God, EVERYTHING is going up in cost except our wages and our take-home pay. Many, perhaps even most, of us who will vote against the taxes have nothing against the school system. In fact, I'm awfully proud of the job out teachers and support staff are doing. Its just that now is not the time for any more taxation. Maybe when economic times get better. Maybe after the presidential election. Let's wait and see, please. Now I know you're going to say, "BUT we can't wait...etc., etc." to which I say BULL. We have to wait. I desperately need a new car but can't even afford a good used one right now. So I'll have to wait until I can afford one. The school system will simply have to learn to do the same.

WF Parish Taxpayer wrote:

Supporter, you sound as though you're beginning to panic. To me that's a good sign. I hope and pray the taxes fail. You just can't understand that we cannot afford more taxation at this time. Every body's hurting during these tough economic times...individuals, businesses, so why can't the school system learn to live within their budget and share the hurt with US? The news states almost daily that we'll be paying $5.00 a gallon for gas by this summer, a gallon of milk already costs over $4.O0, price a loaf of bread lately? My God, EVERYTHING is going up in cost except our wages and our take-home pay. Many, perhaps even most, of us who will vote against the taxes have nothing against the school system. In fact, I'm awfully proud of the job out teachers and support staff are doing. Its just that now is not the time for any more taxation. Maybe when economic times get better. Maybe after the presidential election. Let's wait and see, please. Now I know you're going to say, "BUT we can't wait...etc., etc." to which I say BULL. We have to wait. I desperately need a new car but can't even afford a good used one right now. So I'll have to wait until I can afford one. The school system will simply have to learn to do the same.

No panic. Just don't understand some peoples way of thinking. I still don't think that everyone is understanding why they are asking for the renewal and sales tax. They HAVE been living within their means while still trying to keep up with ever changing requirements and technology. They just can't do it anymore. I don't know how many ways to say that the state has cut funding due to our low tax take in. It's pretty plain and simple. That state department is an unbiased entity that is saying we do not pay enough. I would totally understand if they proposed a new tax b/c they wanted to put artifical turf on the football field. I would be just as opposed to that as I am in favor of this renewal. That fact is, even with the renewal, we would still be below where the state says we should be. We would simply be paying the same. The least impactful way to generate more money is a sales tax. The board knows this and thus put it on the ballot as opposed to a property tax increase. That gives us more money from the folks that stop in and buy gas, rent a hotel/B&B room, buy a car from one of the dealerships, etc. I don't see the board trying to gouge us for money. I see them trying to find a solution to a problem without digging too deep into our own pocketbooks.

And if you are paying attention to the news, then please pay attention to what your governor is doing. Pay attention to his voucher plan where he is wanting to use your tax money to pay for private education. More money diverted from our schools. Not 1 student in our parish would benefit from this, yet you will be forced to pay for it.

Supporter, I feel the pain and I am afraid the kids are going to feel it also! The decisions directly related to outside development and infrastructure made over the past 30 years in this parish are coming home to roost at the worst possible time. The Economy is in the toilet, and recovery isn't on the horizon.
We are just a few short months or years from our sister parishes East Feliciana, and St. Helena. We were given the goose that laid golden eggs in the form of River Bend, and the new bridge, we squandered both opportunities! Instead of spending 30 years attracting and supporting the RIGHT kind of developments and businesses, we sat back and discouraged everything but the sacred cow, Tourism.
I wish there was a way to wave a magic wand and undo the short sided decision of the vocal few that have gotten us where we are. My view is that no matter what actions or inactions are done now will be too little too late. We are a poor parish who have been living off of surpluses that are not going to be replenished. We can no longer afford to be a top ten school! Sales tax increase is not going to solve the shortfall, who is it that will be buying goods inside the parish. and from whom?