The Louisiana State Constitution says property tax rates must be rolled back once new property assessments are in to keep revenue levels at the same number they were before the new rates took effect.
But cities have the final say on setting property tax rates, including leaving the same rates in place thereby raising revenues, that's called roll forward.
The New Orleans City Council's Budget, Audit and Board of Review Committee will be discussing this at their meeting this afternoon at 2pm.
The Cantrell Administration is said to be urging the committee to keep tax rates where they are, meaning property owners who's property value has gone up, will pay the higher rates.
"A roll forward at this time, especially in the light of the extensive, dramatic assessment increases over this last year," Property Tax Attorney Justin Schmidt says. "Rolling forward will be a burden to a good number of the taxpayers."
Schmidt says if that happens, it very likely New Orleans could see a taxpayer revolt at the ballot box. A three-mill hike on taxes is on the November ballot for maintenence and infrastructure upkeep and projects will be rejected.