In the News

For the third time since 2013 property taxes are going down in Webster Parish.

Tax Assessor Morris Guin announced Tuesday he’s returning $500,000 to taxpayers through reduced property assessments. That brings to $1.5 million the total amount of tax savings in the past four years.

So instead of collecting a 7-mill property tax, Guin’s office will only collect 5 mills, which reduces the amount of money needed for overall operations.

Guin is able to do that through increased efficiencies in his office. A simple thing such as purchasing inexpensive scanners to cut down on the paper volume is among the stream-lining that’s allowing the taxpayer-funded office to work better while improving customer service.

“As I said earlier, all we have to offer is time and service and when we waste our time we can’t give service,” Guin said, adding, “We’re almost probably as efficient as can get. We’re working on it. We come up with new ideas constantly. Doing that we’re able to do what we can do for the people of the parish.”

And he was able to do that even though property tax revenues have taken a $5 million hit from the reduction of oil and gas activity.

It is evident, Guin said, the public appreciates when their elected officials are good stewards of their money.

“They appreciate it greatly when you give money back. It’s a little bit different when you take money away or have to increase. We had some loss this year due to oil and gas. But fortunately in the parish except for bond issues the parish was able to absorb everything. This half-million will greatly help that cause,” he added.

Dozens of elected officials from almost every municipality in the parish as well as parishwide representatives, business owners and well-wishers crowded into Guin’s office on South Monroe Street to hear the news.

“Morris is focused on doing what is right,” said James Madden, one of the largest business owners in Webster Parish.

U.S. Congressman Mike Johnson also stopped in to add his congratulations, telling Guin what he’s doing should be adopted by every facet of government.

“You’re a great model and inspiration and wish I could take you to Washington so you could beat some of that common sense to people up there,” Johnson said.

Guin, who was elected in 2011, is not finished, though. He’s got his eye on another half-million cut within the next two years.

Reaching the $2 million mark “will be a milestone for me … I’m really excited about working on the $2 million mark,” he said.