By Pat Culverhouse

For the first time in years, property tax millages will be rolled forward by the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office with plans to use the revenue to provide pay increases for parish deputies and staff.

Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker said the decision to roll forward did not come easy, but was based on the need to remain competitive in salaries with other law enforcement agencies in surrounding parishes.

“We have lost some very good, well trained people to other agencies because of better pay,” Parker explained. “Our people are dedicated to serve the people of our parish, but you can’t blame a person for taking an increase in pay and benefits to better provide for their family.”

Chief Civil Deputy Kevin McLain said the 2023 millage collected by the Sheriff was 13.78 mills. By rolling forward to the allowable 14.61, additional revenue can be collected because of increase in property values.

Under the state Constitution, parish assessors conduct reassessments on all parish properties every four years, and that is scheduled around October or November this year, McLain said. Rolling forward should bring in around $252,900, he added.

“We believe an increase will not only help retain our deputies and staff, but it will also attract well-qualified individuals when we do have openings,” Parker said.

A public hearing on the issue has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 4 at 10 a.m. on the second floor of the Sheriff’s Office at 401 Main St.