Iberia Parish residents fume, say they never received property tax reassessment letters
IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- Iberia Parish residents are upset, claiming they never received their property tax reassessment letters.
This means people are prevented from their right to appeal any changes to their tax percentages, according to attorney David Groner. Groner is also a candidate for Iberia Parish Assessor.
"This has a ramification of effects because when people don't get their reassessment letter, then they don't know how to appeal because they don't know what their reassessment is, which means they've lost that right," Groner said.
Iberia Parish Assessor Ashlie Spiker said she sent out the letters to those in the parish who received increases.
"Those letters were printed in March. They were mailed in different batches for financial reasons. They were all due by June. By law you have to send out letters," Spiker said.
According to law, the assessor is required to send a written notification to property owners if the assessment increases by 15% or more from that of the previous year.
Groner claims this is exactly what Spiker did but feels people should still be notified of any increases.
Gerald Maturin is a lifelong Iberia Parish resident who said he agrees.
"Everybody needs to know. I've talked to some of my neighbors. Nobody else has received it. So, you know, it's not something that was sent out, I guess," Maturin said.
In a statement to News 10, Spiker said:
"Let's be clear: this is nothing more than a campaign tactic orchestrated by my challengers. As assessor, I follow the law and the process it outlines, and we have successfully completed a transparent and thorough revaluation and open books process for property owners. I am extremely proud of my team and the level of fairness and accountability we work to deliver."