PARISH OFFICE
ERROLL G. WILLIAMS, ASSESSOR

 

 

1300 Perdido Street I City Hall-Room 4E01 New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

July 26, 2019
The Honorable Helena Moreno
Councilmember At Large
City Hall Suite 2W40
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, La. 70112
RE: ITE #20100720
ITE: #2010091?

Dear Councilmember Moreno:

The Orleans Parish Assessor?s Office acknowledges receipt of your correspondence
dated July 1st, and 18th on the above referenced properties which apparently have Industrial Tax
Exemption contracts that will not be renewed for another five years. We are thankful for you
bringing to our attention the result of their status from the last Louisiana Economic Development

meeting.

I apologize for not responding sooner however, the annual preparation of our 2020 tax
rolls are our priority and needed our attention. The cancellation of Industrial Tax Exemption
contracts are also part of this annual process. However, we do not cancel these type
exemptions until we receive a written notice of cancellation from the Louisiana Department of
Economic Development. Exemptions are issued and cancelled under the gUideIines of La.
47:1966 which ensures local governments receive the revenues they are entitled. The Louisiana
Tax Assessors Association recently met and developed recommended poliCies for the handling

of these type contracts in full view of recent law changes to Industrial Tax EXemptions.

Thank you for reminding us on how vital the timing of our exemption cancellations are
and its impact on the City?s revenue stream and service delivery. I am sorry to learn our failure
to move on cancelling these contracts based upon your updates on their status made it appear

that the assessor?s of?ce does not understand its role in government.

(504)658-1300 (504) 658?1353 Fax 

Page 2

While we do understand your interest in this matter, we disagree that there is a critical

issue of fairness and that we are ignoring the cancellations.

This is not the case as a former City?s Director of Finance and Chief Administrative
Officer, I understand the City?s ?nancial situation and have embraced your agenda and
coordinated with all departments when there is a common agenda. I am hopeful that in the

future our relationship will continue to be just as fruitful.

To help you understand this process, please be advised that in Orleans Parish, August
1st each year determines if a property is exempt or taxable for the forthcoming tax year. This
means that an exemption once granted is good for the entire tax year perjudicial decisions
unless it is a government owned property where the rules are different. Any issuance or
cancellation of an exemption ITE, RTA, granted after a tax year has been closed is
processed by the assessor?s of?ce when necessary and requires the approVal of the Louisiana
Tax Commission under La. R.S. 47:1990.

While we do appreciate your concerns for this process, the assesso'r?s of?ce is aware of
its role and responsibility to all branches of government. We will cancel these exemptions at the
appropriate time and will continue to carry out our duties in the best interest of both the City and

the citizens of New Orleans.

Sincerely,


Erroll G. Williams, Assessor

Parish of Orleans

cc: Marina Kahn

Lisa Ross