Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2011-02-04

Duration: 00:06:04

Subjects: Stonecipher, Elliott | PROPERTY TAXES | Transparency in government | TAX ASSESSORS

Contributors:

• Sanford, Shauna Host
• Whinham, Charlie Host
• Sanford, Shauna Producer
• Crews, Keith Producer
• Fortenberry, Rex Q. Photographer

This segment from the February 4, 2011, episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features Shauna Sanford’s interview with demographer Elliott Stonecipher on the high property taxes in Shreveport and Caddo Parish. He discusses: his discovery that the property taxes in Shreveport are up to 200% higher than in other parts of the state; the high number of bond issues approved by the voters in Shreveport; the lack of public awareness of the issue; the lack of transparency on the property tax rates in other parishes (with the exception of East Baton Rouge Parish); his study showing that the quality of life in Shreveport is not higher because of the higher taxes; and his concern that Shreveport is pricing itself out of the market. Sanford also interviews Brian Wilson, the East Baton Rouge Parish Assessor, who discusses the importance of transparency for tax assessors. Hosts: Charlie Whinham and Shauna Sanford