taxpayer-screwed

Paying taxes, especially these days is not a pleasant task.

The only thing worse than paying taxes is paying taxes not owed.

Apparently, since 1987 the Tangipahoa Parish School Board (TPSB) has been collecting ad valorem property taxes on property in the City of Hammond that is not within the taxing district. (See info here for details.)

In just the last 3 years that has amounted to over $40,000 annually that has been collected but not owed.

Taxation without representation

Anecdotal evidence is that not only were the taxes collected, but those from whom it was collected were not even allowed to vote in the referenda imposing the taxes.

Worst part

Here’s the part that is even worse. The TPSB doesn’t want to refund the money to the taxpayers.  The board is seeking legal advice to determine if they are forced to return the money.

My parents taught me that if one found some something that didn’t belong to them, one is supposed to return it to the owner.  Apparently, the members of the TPSB weren’t taught the same thing.

The good news is that all the members of the TPSB are up for re-election this fall.  At that time we can address our grievances about their lack of proper oversight and sense of right and wrong.

We certainly don’t want the children in our schools taught the same bad habits.
C.B.