LONG-TERM IMPACT

摘要

While most of the region's library buildings were spared, the flooding will have longer-term effects on library funding. Louisiana property taxes are generally based on the condition of property assessed annually on January 1. But state law also provides for the reassessment of flooded property in order to account for damage or destruction to buildings and land. Because Louisiana libraries are funded almost exclusively through local property taxes, the flood's resulting adjustments will reduce library funding over the next few years-perhaps severely. Livingston Parish Library director Giovanni Tairoy estimates revenues will be cut by anywhere from 30 to 50 percent, but inspections are only beginning, and the numbers won't be in for a while longer.