Ouachita Parish Police Jury Approves Tax Break for Qualified First Responders

Ouachita Parish first responders, who own and occupy their homes and qualify
for Louisiana’s Homestead Exemption, can benefit from a new property tax break. The Ouachita
Parish Police Jury (OPPJ) unanimously adopted an ordinance allowing qualified first responders
in Ouachita Parish to receive an additional Homestead Exemption. To qualify for this new
benefit, a first responder must be a full-time public employee, residing in Ouachita Parish,
whose duties include responding rapidly to emergencies. Eligible positions for this exemption
include:

This new benefit is available immediately and could provide eligible First Responders an
additional tax exemption of up to $2,500 off the assessed value of Homestead-Exempt Property
owned and occupied in Ouachita Parish. The First Responder Exemption is in addition to the
existing Homestead Exemption, which exempts the first $7,500 of the property’s taxable
assessment, resulting in a total tax benefit of up to $10,000 off the taxable assessment.
The Ouachita Parish Assessor’s Office is currently working with Parish agencies to roll this
benefit out to eligible employees.

“We believe this benefit will have a positive impact for many of our local current and future first
responders,” commented Shane Smiley, Ouachita Parish Police Jury President, representing
District E.

This tax benefit is provided by Act 179, a Constitutional Amendment passed during the 2023
legislative session and ratified by Louisiana voters on November 18, 2023. The law states the
benefit is only available if the parish government agrees to participate. Smiley stated that OPPJ
is very grateful for the incredible work of our first responders to keep Ouachita Parish citizens
safe.

“This is a well-deserved tax break and we are happy to give back to those who give so much to
our community,” said Smiley.

Qualified First Responders wishing to apply should contact their supervisor or HR department to
obtain an application. In order for the exemption to be credited on this year’s tax bill, the
Assessor’s Office must receive your application no later than September 30, 2024.



About OPPJ: The Ouachita Parish Police Jury is the highest level of government in the parish
and is responsible for directing over 12 departments that all work hard to ensure a robust quality
of life. Their collaborative approach with other local governments is instrumental in fostering a
stronger, more unified community. The Ouachita Parish Police Jury dedicates their time to
providing tangible improvements in our parish, making it a better place to live, work, and thrive.
Visit oppj.org for more information.