Council member asks about assessment-appeal window; assessor points to August <br>open-book period

Following adjournment, Councilman Waskom asked Jeff Taylor how and when property owners could question assessed values and whether proper public notice had been given. Taylor said the parish holds an open-book period each year during which taxpayers may review and discuss their assessments; he recalled that this year the open-book window occurred in August and said he believed it "was August 15 through the 31st, but it could have been the 14th," acknowledging some date uncertainty.

Taylor explained the appeals practice: taxpayers are expected to bring evidence when requesting changes, the assessor's office reviews submitted proof, and adjustments are made only after verification. He also cautioned that if taxpayers do not appear during the prescribed open-book period their assessment is generally set for the year.