Who We Are
A nonpartisan, community-focused organization dedicated to educating and informing the taxpayers of St. Tammany Parish about property taxes, assessments, millages, local government budgets, and the financial decisions of taxing agencies.
We believe that an informed taxpayer is an empowered taxpayer. Understanding how property taxes are calculated, how millages are established, how public budgets are developed, and how tax dollars are ultimately spent can be challenging. Our organization exists to make this information easier to understand, more accessible, and available to the citizens who fund local government.
We are committed to providing objective, fact-based information and encouraging open discussion about the financial decisions that affect taxpayers, property owners, families, businesses, and the broader St. Tammany Parish community.
We research, compile, explain, and share.
Our work covers property taxes and the budgets and financial operations of local taxing agencies throughout St. Tammany Parish. It includes:
- Educating taxpayers about property assessments, millages, property tax bills, exemptions, and other factors that influence their tax obligations.
- Explaining local budgets in clear, understandable terms so taxpayers can better evaluate revenues, expenditures, priorities, and proposed changes.
- Profiling taxing agencies accessible information about the agencies that rely on property tax revenues and the services those revenues support.
- Promoting transparency by encouraging clear communication and public understanding of tax and budget decisions.
- Encouraging accountability by helping taxpayers understand how public funds are collected, allocated, and spent.
- Supporting civic participation giving citizens the information they need to ask meaningful questions and participate constructively in public meetings.
- Promoting fiscal responsibility encouraging thoughtful consideration of the costs, benefits, and long-term consequences of public spending and taxation.
We don't tell taxpayers what to think.
We exist to help them understand the facts, ask informed questions, and make their own decisions.
We recognize that local government provides essential services and that those services require adequate funding. At the same time, we believe taxpayers deserve transparency regarding the amount of revenue being collected, how those revenues are being used, and the financial rationale behind tax and budget decisions.
By providing clear and understandable information, we seek to foster a more informed and engaged community, one in which taxpayers, elected officials, taxing authorities, and citizens can participate in constructive dialogue based on facts and a shared commitment to the long-term well-being of St. Tammany Parish.
Our mission is to empower the citizens and taxpayers of St. Tammany Parish through clear, accurate, and nonpartisan information about, but not limited to, property taxes, millages, budgets of local taxing agencies, and government spending, while promoting transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and informed citizen participation. We believe informed taxpayers are essential to accountable government, responsible stewardship of public funds, and a strong community.
Ten principles that guide our work
- 1
Transparency
We believe taxpayers have a right to understand how property taxes are determined, how public funds are collected, and how those funds are spent.
- 2
Accuracy & Integrity
We are committed to providing reliable, fact-based information and presenting financial and tax information honestly, objectively, and without distortion.
- 3
Education
We believe informed citizens are better equipped to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their property, finances, and community.
- 4
Accountability
We support responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and encourage local taxing agencies to be accountable for their budgets, spending, and financial decisions.
- 5
Nonpartisanship
We serve taxpayers regardless of political affiliation. Our focus is on facts, sound information, and responsible local government, not political parties or personalities.
- 6
Fiscal Responsibility
We believe public funds should be managed prudently, efficiently, and with careful consideration of the financial impact on taxpayers.
- 7
Accessibility
We strive to make complicated tax, budget, assessment, and government information understandable and accessible to every taxpayer.
- 8
Citizen Engagement
We encourage taxpayers to ask questions, participate in the public process, and take an active role in understanding and shaping their local government.
- 9
Independence
We seek to provide information and analysis independently, without being directed by or beholden to any taxing agency, political organization, or special interest.
- 10
Community Stewardship
We believe responsible taxation and thoughtful public spending contribute to the long-term economic health, quality of life, and sustainability of St. Tammany Parish.
Ready to add your voice?
Ask a question, share a concern, or get involved in the conversation about how St. Tammany's tax dollars are spent.
Contact Us