Lafayette Parish Assessor: Why Do We Tax Property?

LAFAYETTE PARISH, LA (March 6, 2025) – Our Parish government, municipalities, Sheriff, School Board and others are tasked with delivering specific services within their respective jurisdictions.  To pay for these services, the voters must decide how to collect the necessary revenue.

When funding local priorities such as roads, law enforcement, schools, etc., voters generally have three funding sources to choose from.  They can opt to collect a sales and use tax, levy an ad-valorem tax on property, or charge fees in exchange for services.

As an example of fee for services, voters in the City of Lafayette approved the issuance of bonds by LUS to finance the construction of a municipal fiber network (LUSFiber) with the repayment of that debt to be from the proceeds of charging subscribers a monthly fee.

In 2023, voters in the City of Scott approved a 1% sales tax to fund the construction, operation and maintenance of the city’s sewerage system.

When choosing to tax property, our foremost concern should be that the taxpayer’s property will increase in value due to the services provided.  As an example, we can generally say funding law enforcement, a fire department, quality roads, and schools will increase the value of property.  These fundamental services build a thriving community, attracting potential buyers and driving demand for real estate.

Property taxes should be levied sparingly and only for those services which increase an individual property’s value, thus helping our families and property owners build wealth.

When we keep our property taxes as low as possible while still delivering value to our taxpayers, we create a parish that encourages families and businesses to invest with confidence.

I am always happy to hear from our residents and local businesses.  If you have any questions about your property, I encourage you to visit the Lafayette Parish Assessor’s Contact Page.  From there, you can call us directly, submit an online question or schedule an appointment to discuss your property.

We’re here to serve and here to help!