Audubon Commission Votes Not to Roll Forward Millage in 2020

The Audubon Commission voted today to decline a roll forward of its dedicated millages.

Because 2020 is a reassessment year, the Audubon Commission has already "rolled back" the millage to keep the taxes revenue neutral. The tax rate was reduced from 3.31 to 3.08 mils, which includes 2.78 mills to support Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Woldenberg Riverfront Park and 0.3 mils to support Audubon Zoo. As a result, New Orleans homeowners will see no increase on their 2020 property tax bill from Audubon millages.

“As members of the Audubon Commission, we are responsible for the stewardship and maintenances of Commission properties,” said Commission President J. Kelly Duncan. “The voters reinvested in the long-term viability of our parks and facilities by recently passing a millage that was overwhelming supported by the community. As community members and leaders, we have to consider that there are significant funding needs in the City right now for essential services such as drainage and public safety. Remaining rolled back can help lessen the impact on taxpayers in funding such needs.“

Audubon’s millage rate is set to change in 2021 when the recently adopted parks millage goes into effect, reducing Audubon’s millage to 1.95 mils. Voters approved the shared millage with City Park, NORDC, Parks and Parkways in May, reallocating the current millage rates to parks across New Orleans.

Audubon Commission

The Audubon Commission is, in effect, a board of trustees. The Commission is composed of 24 registered voters of the City of New Orleans. Members are appointed to staggered six-year terms by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council. It operates under authority granted to it by Louisiana State Act No.191 of 1914. It has specific authority to approve and oversee design and development of Audubon projects. All monies from bond or tax revenues, approved by the voters of New Orleans for the Audubon Commission, are administered by the Commission. Title to all improvements, furnishings, and equipment at the facilities remains in the name of the City of New Orleans care of the Audubon Commission. More information about the Commission can be found here: http://www.auduboninstitute.org/about

Audubon Nature Institute

Audubon Nature Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that operates a family of museums, parks and conservation facilities dedicated to celebrating the wonders of nature. Through innovative live animal exhibits, education programs, and scientific discovery, Audubon makes a meaningful contribution to preserving wildlife for the future. Audubon Nature Institute flagships include Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park.