La. Rev. Stat. § 33:3462 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 3462
Employment of engineer and counsel; duties
Status: in_force

Municipalities which take advantage of the provisions of this Sub-Part may through their governing authorities, engage the services of an engineer and provide for his payment. This engineer shall prepare all plans and specifications for the work, and the governing authority shall approve them by a resolution. The engineer shall inspect the work as let in accordance with contracts hereunder and shall issue to the contractor, his estimates thereon from time to time as the work progresses, which estimates may be paid by the municipality either in full or by the retention of twenty percent thereof as retained percentage; provided that where the work is undertaken by the municipality the engineer so employed shall inspect the work as it progresses and shall be responsible for the performance and completion thereof in accordance with the plans and specifications. Upon final completion of the work, the engineer shall render a report to the governing authority of the municipality as to the completion of the work in a satisfactory manner, which report shall be duly certified, and in addition, the engineer shall perform all engineering duties required of him in this Sub-Part. The governing authority of the municipality may employ an attorney to handle all legal work in connection with the improvements, and provide for the payment of his fee. The attorney, in addition to his other duties, shall prepare a complete transcript of the record of the proceedings covering each project completed hereunder and shall file the same with the clerk or secretary of the municipality. This filed transcript shall constitute a permanent record of the municipality.

Added by Acts 1970, No. 21, §1, emerg. eff. June 11, 1970, at 12:00 Noon.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:2955 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 2955
Investments by political subdivisions
Status: in_force

A.(1) All municipalities, parishes, school boards, and any other political subdivisions of the state are hereby authorized and directed to invest such monies in any general fund or special fund of the political subdivision, and any other funds under the control of the political subdivision which they, in their discretion, may determine to be available for investment in any of the following obligations:

(a) Direct United States Treasury obligations, the principal and interest of which are fully guaranteed by the government of the United States.

(b)(i) Bonds, debentures, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and provided such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America, which obligations include but are not limited to:

(aa) U.S. Export-Import Bank.

(bb) Farmers Home Administration.

(cc) Federal Financing Bank.

(dd) Federal Housing Administration Debentures.

(ee) General Services Administration.

(ff) Government National Mortgage Association - guaranteed mortgage-backed bonds and guaranteed pass-through obligations.

(gg) U.S. Maritime Administration - guaranteed Title XI financing.

(hh) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

(ii) Bonds, debentures, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued or guaranteed by U.S. government instrumentalities, which are federally sponsored, and such obligations include but are not limited to:

(aa) Federal Home Loan Bank System.

(bb) Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

(cc) Federal National Mortgage Association.

(dd) Student Loan Marketing Association.

(ee) Resolution Funding Corporation.

(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing list of investments, in no instance shall a political subdivision invest in obligations described in Items (i) and (ii) of this Subparagraph which are collateralized mortgage obligations that have been stripped into interest only or principal only obligations, inverse floaters, or structured notes. For the purposes of this Item "structured notes" shall mean securities of U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities, or government-sponsored enterprises which have been restructured, modified, and/or reissued by private entities.

(c) Direct security repurchase agreements of any federal book entry only securities enumerated in Subparagraphs (a) and (b). "Direct security repurchase agreement" means an agreement under which the political subdivision buys, holds for a specified time, and then sells back those securities and obligations enumerated in Subparagraphs (a) and (b).

(d)(i) Time certificates of deposit of any bank domiciled or having a branch office in the state of Louisiana, savings accounts or shares of savings and loan associations and savings banks, as defined by R.S. 6:703(16) or (17), or share accounts and share certificate accounts of federally or state-chartered credit unions issuing time certificates of deposit. For those funds made available for investment in time certificates of deposit, the rate of interest paid by the banks shall be established by contract between the bank and the political subdivision; however, the interest rate at the time of investment shall be a rate not less than fifty basis points below the prevailing market interest rate on direct obligations of the United States Treasury with a similar length of maturity.

(ii) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the Southeast Water District Number Two of Vermilion Parish shall be entitled to a rate of interest on funds made available for investment in time certificates of deposits at a rate of not less than fifty basis points below the prevailing market interest rate on direct obligations of the United States Treasury with a similar length of maturity or the prevailing rate of interest on time certificates of deposit that is offered by the bank to its other customers, whichever is greater.

(e) Mutual or trust fund institutions which are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Act of 1940, and which have underlying investments consisting solely of and limited to securities of the United States government or its agencies.

(f) Funds invested in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 33:2955(A)(1)(d) shall not exceed at any time the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in any one banking institution, or in any one savings and loan association, or National Credit Union Administration, unless the uninsured portion is collateralized by the pledge of securities in the manner provided in R.S. 39:1221.

(g) Guaranteed investment contracts issued by a bank, financial institution, insurance company, or other entity having one of the two highest short-term rating categories of either Standard & Poor's Corporation or Moody's Investors Service, provided that no such investment may be made except in connection with a financing program for political subdivisions which financing program is approved by the State Bond Commission and offered by a public trust having the state as its beneficiary, provided further that no such investment shall be for a term longer than eighteen months, and provided further that any such guaranteed investment contract shall contain a provision providing that in the event the issuer of the guaranteed investment contract is at any time no longer rated in either of the two highest short-term rating categories of Standard & Poor's Corporation or Moody's Investors Service, the investing unit of local government may either be released from the guaranteed investment contract without penalty, or be entitled to require that the guaranteed investment provider collateralize the guaranteed investment contract with any bonds or other obligations which as to principal and interest constitute direct general obligations of, or are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America, including obligations set forth in Subparagraphs (a) and (b) to the extent unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America.

(h) Investment grade commercial paper issued in the United States, traded in the United States markets, denominated in United States dollars, with a short-term rating of at least A-1 by Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC or P-1 by Moody's Investor Service, Inc. or the equivalent rating by a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO).

(i) In a BIDCO, as authorized by R.S. 51:2395.1.

(j) Bonds, debentures, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued by the state of Louisiana or any of its political subdivisions provided that all of the following conditions are met:

(i) No political subdivision may purchase its own indebtedness.

(ii) The indebtedness shall have a long-term rating of Baa3 or higher by Moody's Investors Service, a long-term rating of BBB- or higher by Standard & Poor's or a long-term rating of BBB- or higher by Fitch, Inc. or a short-term rating of M1G1 or VM1G1 by Moody's Investors Service, a short-term rating of A-1 or A-1+ by Standard & Poor's, or a short-term rating of F1 or F1+ by Fitch, Inc.

(iii) The indebtedness has a final maturity, mandatory tender, or a continuing optional tender of no more than five years, except that such five-year limitation shall not apply to either of the following:

(aa) Funds held by a trustee, escrow agent, paying agent, or other third party custodian in connection with a bond issue.

(bb) Investment of funds held by either a hospital service district, a governmental 501(c)(3), or a public trust authority.

(k) Bonds, debentures, notes, or other indebtedness issued by a state of the United States of America other than Louisiana or any such state's political subdivisions provided that all of the following conditions are met:

(i) The indebtedness shall have a long-term rating of A3 or higher by Moody's Investors Service, a long-term rating of A- or higher by Standard & Poor's or a long-term rating of A- or higher by Fitch, Inc., or a short-term rating of M1G1 or VM1G1 by Moody's Investors Service, a short-term rating of A-1 or A-1+ by Standard & Poor's, or a short-term rating of F1 or F1+ by Fitch, Inc.

(ii) The indebtedness has a final maturity, mandatory tender, or a continuing optional tender of no more than five years, except that such five-year limitation shall not apply to funds held by a trustee, escrow agent, paying agent, or other third-party custodian in connection with a bond issue nor to investment of funds held by either a hospital service district, a governmental 501(c)(3) organization, or a public trust authority.

(iii) Prior to purchase of any such indebtedness and at all times during which such indebtedness is owned, the purchasing Louisiana political subdivision retains the services of an investment advisor registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission; a trust department of an institution that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, that exercises trust powers in Louisiana, and that has a main office or a bank branch in Louisiana; or a trust company that has offices in Louisiana, that is regulated by the Office of Financial Institutions or the applicable federal agency, and that owes a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interest of the political subdivision.

(l) Bonds, debentures, notes, or other indebtedness issued by domestic United States corporations provided that all of the following conditions are met:

(i) The indebtedness shall have a long-term rating of Aa3 or higher by Moody's Investors Service, a long-term rating of AA- or higher by Standard & Poor's, or a long-term rating of AA- or higher by Fitch Ratings, Inc.

(ii) The indebtedness has a final maturity, mandatory tender, or a continuing optional tender of no more than five years.

(iii) Prior to purchase of any such indebtedness and at all times during which such indebtedness is owned, the purchasing Louisiana political subdivision retains the services of an investment advisor registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission; a trust department of an institution that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, that exercises trust powers in Louisiana, and that has a main office or a bank branch in Louisiana; or a trust company that has offices in Louisiana, that is regulated by the Office of Financial Institutions or the applicable federal agency, and that owes a fiduciary duty to act solely in the best interest of the political subdivision.

(2) Investment of funds in such mutual or trust fund institutions shall be limited to twenty-five percent of the monies considered available for investment as provided by this Section. In no event shall monies be considered available for investment under the authority of this Section unless and until such funds are determined by the treasurer or chief financial officer of said subdivisions, in the exercise of prudent judgment, to be in excess of the immediate cash requirements of the fund to which the monies are credited. As a criteria in making such a determination, any amount of money exceeding ten thousand dollars which is on demand deposit to the credit of a subdivision, or to the credit of any fund and which is not required to meet an obligation for at least forty-five days, or any amount of money exceeding one hundred thousand dollars which is on demand to the credit of a subdivision or to the credit of any fund and which is not required to meet an obligation for at least fifteen days shall be construed available for investment.

(3) Nothing in this Section shall be construed as to abrogate, impair, or supersede the ability of a subdivision from combining monies from several funds in order to invest such monies at a better rate of return.

B. The interest earned on bonds, notes or certificates, time certificates of deposit, or mutual or trust fund investments, so purchased shall be credited by the respective subdivision to the fund from which the bonds, notes or certificates, time certificates of deposit, or mutual or trust fund investments, were acquired, or it may be applied to the payment of the principal and interest of the outstanding bonded indebtedness of the respective subdivision.

C. At any time that may be deemed advisable the subdivision may cash and liquidate any of the investments authorized herein which are purchased for any particular fund. The proceeds of any such liquidation shall be credited to the fund from which the authorized investments were originally purchased.

D. All political subdivisions of the state, as that term is defined in Article VI, Section 44 of the Constitution of Louisiana, shall develop and adopt an investment policy that details and clarifies investment objectives and the procedures and constraints necessary to reach those objectives. All such investment policies should:

(1) Reflect the mandate to manage public funds prudently.

(2) Place appropriate emphasis on the goals of safety of principal first, liquidity second, and yield third.

(3) Establish internal controls for any derivatives in use to ensure that the risks inherent in derivatives are adequately managed. For the purposes of this Section, the term "derivative" shall be defined to mean any financial instrument created from or whose value depends on the value of one or more underlying assets or indexes of asset value.

E. After August 15, 1995, the investment of monies by a municipality, parish, school board, or other political subdivision of the state in violation of the provision of this Section shall constitute an intentional performance of a duty in an unlawful manner and may be prosecuted pursuant to R.S. 14:134.

Amended by Acts 1968, No. 249, §2; Acts 1982, No. 371, §1; Acts 1987, No. 317, §1; Acts 1988, No. 895, §1, eff. July 21, 1988; Acts 1989, No. 772, §1; Acts 1991, No. 1008, §1; Acts 1992, No. 291, §1, eff. June 12, 1992; Acts 1995, No. 374, §1; Acts 1995, No. 1126, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 1997, No. 453, §1; Acts 2001, No. 701, §1; Acts 2001, No. 1223, §1; Acts 2007, No. 159, §1; Acts 2009, No. 424, §1; Acts 2010, No. 642, §1; Acts 2012, No. 282, §1; Acts 2014, No. 465, §1; Acts 2015, No. 300, §1; Acts 2015, No. 463, §2; Acts 2018, No. 301, §1, eff. May 15, 2018.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:9038.66 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 9038.66
Grambling Legends Square Taxing District
Status: in_force

A. Creation. The Grambling Legends Square Taxing District, a special taxing district and political subdivision of the state, referred to in this Section as the "district", is hereby created in the city of Grambling, parish of Lincoln.

B. Boundaries. The district shall be comprised of the following described parcels or tracts of land located in the city of Grambling, referred to in this Section as the "property":

(1) A certain lot or parcel of ground, together with all buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana more fully described as:

Beginning at the Southwest (SW) corner of the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of the Northeast Quarter (NE1/4), Section Nineteen (19), Township Eighteen (18) North, Range Three (3) West, and run East 1,320 feet to the Southeast (SE) corner of said forty acres, thence run due North, along the East line of said forty (40) acres, a distance of 495 feet, thence due West, in a line parallel with the South line of said forty acres, a distance of 1,320 feet, thence South to the point of beginning, containing in all fifteen (15) acres, more or less, situated in the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana.

LESS AND EXCEPT

A certain lot or parcel of ground located in the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana, more particularly described as follows:

Beginning at the SW corner of the NW1/4 of NE1/4, Section 19, Township 18 North, Range 3 West and run North along the West line of said forty a distance of 495 feet, thence East 187 feet to starting point. From said point of beginning run South 116.5 feet, thence East 172.5 feet, thence South 73 feet, thence East along a fence line 206.2 feet to the West line of Highway No. 104, thence along the West line of Highway 104 North 38 degrees, 7 minutes East, 250 feet to an iron pipe for corner, thence West 526.5 feet along a fence line to the place of beginning, containing 1.68 acres.

Also LESS AND EXCEPT the following parcel:

A 4.281 acre tract of land located in the Southwest corner of the Northwest ¼ of Northeast¼, Section 19, Township 18 North, Range 3 West, Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, and being more particularly described as commencing at a 5/8" rod found in place for the Southwest corner of the Northwest ¼ of Northeast ¼, thence N00 degrees, 00'54"W 495.24 feet to an angle iron for the Northwest corner, thence East 187.00 feet to a 5/8" rod for a corner, thence S00 degrees 00'07"W 116.50 feet to a 5/8" rod for a corner, thence N89 degrees 54'48"E 172.50 feet to a 5/8" rod for a corner, thence S00 degrees 00'31"W 73.00 feet to a 5/8" rod for a corner, thence S87 degrees 51'49"E 199.84 feet to a 5/8" rod at the West right-of-way of Louisiana Highway #149 for the Northeast corner, thence S38 degrees 07'00"W 260.48 feet to a 5/8" rod for a corner, thence S23 degrees 58'52"W 112.77 feet to a ½" rod in a gravel road for the Southeast corner, thence N88 degrees 28'09"W 352.56 feet along said gravel road to a 5/8" rod for the Southwest corner and the POINT OF BEGINNING, as per plat and survey of James Wooten, RLS dated June 6, 1997.

(2) A certain lot or parcel of ground, together with all buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana more fully described as:

Beginning at the Southwest corner of Southwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section 19-18-3 and run North along ¼ section line to right-of-way of V.S. & P Railroad then extend East far enough to make 8 acres tract. Said 8 acre tract being more fully described in that certain deed from Alfred Richmond and Dennis Cornell recorded in book A 1, page 96, of the records of Lincoln Parish, Louisiana. Beginning at Southwest corner of Southeast, Section 19-18-3, and run North along ¼ section line to right-of-way of V.S. & P Railroad then exit East far enough to make 8 acres. (A1-96). Being identified by the Lincoln Parish Tax Assessor in 2011 as Parcel Number 19183000200.

(3) A certain lot or parcel of ground, together with all buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the Parish of Lincoln, State of Louisiana more fully described as:

Commence at the Southwest corner of Southwest of Southeast, Section 19-18-3 and thence East 70 yards, North 35 yards, thence West 70 yards, South 35 yards, to starting point; Less and except.075 acres transferred to the Louisiana Department of Highways. Being identified by the Lincoln Parish Tax Assessor in 2011 as Parcel Number 19183000172.

(4) A certain lot or parcel of ground, together with all buildings and improvements thereon, situated in the parish of Lincoln, state of Louisiana more fully described as:

Commence at the Southwest corner of Southwest of Southeast, Section 19-18-3, run thence East 70 yards, North 70 yards, West 70 yards, thence South 70 yards, to starting point; Less and except a lot 35X70 yards, sold to Samuel Emanuel and less.118 acres transferred to the Louisiana Department of Highways. Being identified by the Lincoln Parish Tax Assessor in 2011 as Parcel Number 19183000171.

(5) A certain parcel of ground, together with all buildings and improvements thereon with the POINT-OF-BEGINNING of herein-described tract of land represented by the point and corner where the Western boundary of the SE ¼ of Section 13, Township 18 North - Range 4 West, Land District North of Red River, City of Grambling, Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, intersects with the Southern right-of-way of U. S. Interstate No. 20 and run thence Southeasterly, along said right-of-way, and to the intersection with the Eastern boundary of said Section 13 and the Western boundary of Section 18, Township 18 North - Range 3 West; thence continuing Southeasterly, along said right-of-way, and to the point where said right-of-way begins the off-ramp right-of-way transition into the right-of-way of Louisiana Highway No. 149 and R.W.E. Jones Drive; thence continuing Southeasterly, along said right-of-way transition, and to the intersection with the Southern boundary of said Section 18 and the Northern boundary of Section 19; thence continuing Southeasterly and then Southwesterly, along said right-of-way transition, and to the intersection with the Western right-of-way of aforesaid Louisiana Highway No. 149 and R.W.E. Jones Drive; thence continuing Southwesterly, along said Western right-of-way, and to the intersection with the Southern boundary of the Margaret C. Wright, et al land (Lincoln Parish Parcel No. 19183000030; Conveyance Book 803, Page 56 of the public records of the Office of the Clerk of Court in and for Lincoln Parish, Louisiana); thence turning Easterly, along said Southern boundary and across said highway, and to the intersection with the Eastern right-of-way of said highway; thence turning Northeasterly, along said Eastern right-of-way, and to the point where said right-of-way intersects and begins the on-ramp transition into the Southern right-of-way of aforesaid U. S. Interstate No. 20; thence continuing Northeasterly, along said right-of-way transition, and to the intersection with the said Southern right-of-way; thence turning Southeasterly, along said Southern right-of-way, and to the intersection with the Eastern boundary of aforesaid Section 18 and the Western boundary of Section 17; thence continuing Southeasterly, along said Southern right-of-way, and to the intersection with the Southern boundary of Section 17 and the Northern boundary of Section 20; thence continuing Southeasterly, along said Southern right-of-way, and to the intersection with the Eastern boundary of the NW ¼ of said Section 20; thence turning Southerly, leaving said Southern right-of-way and along said Eastern boundary, and to the intersection with the Northern right-of-way of Louisiana Highway No. 150 and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue; thence turning Southwesterly, leaving said Eastern boundary of the NW ¼ and along said Northern right-of-way, to the intersection with the Western boundary of said Section 20 and the Eastern boundary of aforesaid Section 19; thence turning Northerly, along said Section line, and to the intersection with the Southern boundary of the North ½ of the NE ¼ of the NE ¼ of said Section 19; thence turning Westerly, along said Southern boundary, and to the Northeastern corner of the Theodis Osborne land (Lincoln Parish Parcel No. 19183000173; Conveyance Book 1145, Page 485 of said public records); thence turning Easterly and then Southerly alternately, along the Eastern boundary of said Osborne land and boundary common with adjoining lots identified by Lincoln Parish Parcel No's 19183000004, 19183224001 and 19183135075, and to the intersection with the Southern boundary of the South ½ of said NE ¼ of NE ¼; thence turning Westerly, along said Southern boundary, and to the intersection with the Western boundary of said NE ¼ of NE ¼ and the Eastern boundary of the City of Grambling land (Lincoln Parish Parcel No. 19183000023); thence turning Northerly, leaving said Southern boundary and along said Eastern boundary of the Grambling land, and to the Northeast corner of said Grambling land common with the Southern boundary of the aforesaid Margaret Wright land; thence, turning Westerly, along the boundary common with said Grambling (South) and Wright (North) lands, and to the intersection with the Southwesterly extension of the Eastern boundary of the Tsegai Emmanuel land ((Lincoln Parish Parcel No. 19183000029; Conveyance Book 1308, Page 758 of said public records); thence turning Northeasterly, leaving said boundary common with said Grambling and Wright, and along said Eastern boundary and its' extension thereof of said Emmanuel land, and to the Northeastern corner of said Emmanuel land; thence turning Westerly, along the Northern boundary of said Emmanuel land, and to the intersection with the aforesaid Interstate No. 20 right-of-way transition; thence turning Southwesterly, along said right-of-way transition, and to the intersection with the aforesaid Eastern right-of-way of Louisiana Highway No. 149 and R.W.E. Jones Drive; thence continuing Southwesterly, along said Eastern right-of-way and to the intersection with the aforesaid Southern boundary of the Margaret Wright land; thence turning Westerly, along said Southern boundary and across said highway, and to the intersection with the Western right-of-way of said highway; thence continuing Westerly, leaving said right-of-way and along the said Southern boundary of the Wright land, and to the intersection with the Eastern boundary of the NW ¼ of aforesaid Section 19 and the Eastern boundary of the North Louisiana Development Co., L.L.C. or the M.B. Brim, L.L.C. land (Lincoln Parish Parcel No. 19183000009; Conveyance Book 1291, Page 273 of said public records); thence turning Southerly, along said Eastern boundary, to the Southeastern corner of said land; thence turning Westerly, along the Southern boundary of said land, and to the Southwestern corner of said land and the Southeastern corner of the North Louisiana Development Co., L.L.C. land (Lincoln Parish Parcel No. 19183112001; Conveyance Book 1285, Page 552 of said public records); thence continuing Westerly, along the Southern boundary of said land, and to the Southwestern corner of said land; thence turning Northerly, along the Western boundary of said land, and to the intersection with the aforesaid Northern boundary of Section 19 and the aforesaid Southern boundary of Section 18; thence turning Westerly, along said Section line, to the Section corner common with Sections 19 (Southeast), 18 (Northeast) of Township 18 North - Range 3 West, and 13 (Northwest) and 24 (Southwest) of Township 18 North - Range 4 West; thence continuing Westerly, along the line common with said Sections 24 and 13, and to the intersection with the Northwestern right-of-way line of the existing metal structure electrical transmission line; thence turning Southwesterly, along said Northwestern right-of-way, and to the intersection with the Southern boundary of the NE ¼ of aforesaid Section 24; thence turning Westerly, leaving said right-of-way and along said Southern boundary of said NE ¼, and to the Southwestern corner of said NE ¼; thence turning Northerly, along the Western boundary of said NE ¼, and to the Northwestern corner of said NE ¼ and the Southwestern corner of aforesaid SE ¼ of Section 13; thence continuing Northerly, leaving said NE ¼ and along the said Western boundary of SE ¼, and back to the POINT-OF-BEGINNING of herein-described tract of land.

(6) One tract of land situated in Section 18-18-3 described as: Commence at the NE corner of SE of SE of Section 18-18-3; thence run North 89°30'13W 474.56' to a point on the East r/w line of the Grambling Interchange Road (R.W.E. Jones Drive); thence South 40°10'44W along said r/w line 420.58' to a point; thence South 31°40'44W along said r/w line 492.56' to a ½ rebar for the st. pt.; thence South 46°07'52E along said r/w line 189.48' to a concrete r/w monument of the North r/w line of I-20; thence North 88°44'53W along an existing fence 151.38' to a ½ rebar; thence North 05°34'10E 128.85 back to point of beginning; containing 0.223 acres or 9,710.77 square feet and a portion of the present I-20 interchange r/w. (From Dept. of T&D) 1147-002). Being identified by the Lincoln Parish Tax Assessor in 2011 as Parcel Number 18183147002.

C. Purpose. The district shall have as its purpose cooperative economic development among the city, the district, the state, owners of property within the district, and other entities as permitted by law in order to provide for the following:

(1) The construction, infrastructure, renovation, and development of certain properties within the city of Grambling, including a hotel and Legends Square and to provide for economic development for the city of Grambling and the district.

(2) The utilization of sales tax increment financing of the costs and expenses associated with infrastructure improvements constructed in accordance with the Legends Square Development Plan for the commercial development of all or any portion of the property located within the boundaries of the district as provided for in Subsection H of this Section.

D. Governance. (1) In order to provide for the orderly development of the district and effectuation of the purposes of the district, the district shall be administered and governed by a board of commissioners, referred to in this Section as the "board", comprised of nine members as follows:

(a) The mayor of the city of Grambling.

(b) The five members of the board of aldermen of the city of Grambling.

(c) One member appointed by the mayor of the city of Grambling upon the nomination of the president of Grambling State University from a list of nominees who have retired or are currently employed at Grambling State University.

(d) Two members appointed by the mayor of the city of Grambling who shall be citizens of and property owners in the city of Grambling.

(2)(a) Members of the board serving pursuant to Subparagraphs (1)(a) and (b) of this Subsection shall serve for the duration of their term of office with the city of Grambling.

(b) Members of the board serving pursuant to Subparagraphs (1)(c) and (d) of this Subsection shall serve terms of three years after the initial terms as provided in Subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph.

(c) The initial terms of the members of the board serving pursuant to Subparagraphs (1)(c) and (d) of this Subsection shall be as follows: one member shall serve a term that shall expire on December 31, 2013; one member shall serve a term that shall expire on December 31, 2014; one member shall serve a term that shall expire on December 31, 2015.

(3) Upon expiration of the term of any member of the board, such member shall continue to serve until reappointed or a successor is duly appointed. Any vacancy in the membership of the board, occurring either by reason of death, resignation, or otherwise, shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment.

(4) Any member of the board may be removed by a three-fourths vote of the remaining membership of the board for cause, which cause may include failure to attend at least one-half of the meetings of the board in a calendar year. Any vacancy caused by the removal of a board member shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment. However, should the mayor or any member of the board of aldermen be removed pursuant to this Section, then that person shall be replaced by a three-fourths vote of the remaining membership present at a duly called meeting and the replacement member shall serve on the board until the end of the term of elected office of the person the member replaced.

(5) The members of the board shall serve without salary or per diem. The board may reimburse any member for reasonable, actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of his duties pursuant to this Section.

(6) The board shall elect from its members a president, a vice president, a secretary, and a treasurer, whose duties shall be those common to such offices. At the option of the board, the offices of secretary and treasurer may be held by one person.

(7) The board shall meet in regular session once each month and shall also meet in special session as often as the president of the board convenes the board or upon the written request of three members. A majority of the members of the board of commissioners shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. All such meetings shall be public meetings subject to the provisions of R.S. 42:11 et seq. The board shall keep minutes of all meetings and shall make them available for inspection through the board's secretary or secretary-treasurer, who shall also maintain the minute books and archives of the district. The monies, funds, and accounts of the district shall be in the official custody of the board.

(8) The domicile of the board shall be established by the board at a location within the district. The official journal of the district shall be the official journal of the city of Grambling.

E. Rights and powers. The district, acting by and through its board of commissioners, shall have and exercise all powers of a political subdivision and special taxing district necessary or convenient for the carrying out of its objects and purposes including but not limited to the following:

(1) To sue and to be sued.

(2) To adopt bylaws and rules and regulations.

(3) To receive by gift, grant, donation, or otherwise any sum of money, property, aid, or assistance from the United States, the state of Louisiana, or any political subdivision thereof, or any person, firm, or corporation.

(4) For the public purposes of the district to enter into contracts, agreements, or cooperative endeavors with the state and its political subdivisions or political corporations and with any public or private association, corporation, business entity, or individual.

(5) Appoint officers, agents, and employees, prescribe their duties, and fix their compensation.

(6) To acquire by gift, grant, purchase, lease, or otherwise such property as may be necessary or desirable for carrying out the objectives and purposes of the district and to mortgage and sell such property.

(7) In its own name and on its own behalf to incur debt and to issue bonds, notes, certificates, and other evidences of indebtedness. For this purpose the district shall be deemed and considered to be an issuer for purposes of R.S. 33:9037 and shall, to the extent not in conflict with this Section, be subject to the provisions of R.S. 33:9037.

(8) Establish such funds or accounts as are necessary for the conduct of the affairs of the district.

F. Hotel Occupancy Tax. (1) In order to provide funds for the purposes of the district, the district, acting by and through its board of commissioners, is hereby authorized to levy and collect a tax upon the occupancy of hotel rooms, motel rooms, and overnight camping facilities within the area provided for in Paragraph (B)(1) of this Section. The tax rate for such tax shall be at least equal to the aggregate rate of all such taxes levied and collected within the city of Grambling by local governmental subdivisions and other political subdivisions or special taxing districts.

(2)(a) The word "hotel" as used herein shall mean and include any establishment, both public and private, engaged in the business of furnishing or providing rooms and overnight camping facilities intended or designed for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes to transient guests where such establishment consists of two or more guest rooms and does not encompass any hospital, convalescent or nursing home or sanitarium, or any hotel-like facility operated by or in connection with a hospital or medical clinic providing rooms exclusively for patients and their families.

(b) The tax shall be paid by the person who exercises or is entitled to occupancy of the hotel room and shall be paid at the time the rent or fee of occupancy is paid. The word "person" as used herein shall have the same meaning as contained in R.S. 47:301(8).

(c) The hotel shall not advertise room rates to the general public at below market rates.

(3) The tax so authorized shall be imposed by ordinance adopted by the district, acting by and through its board of commissioners, after the board has called a special election submitting the proposition for the levy of such tax to the qualified electors of the district and the proposition has received the favorable vote of a majority of the electors voting in the election; however, in the event there are no qualified electors in the district as certified by the registrar of voters, no such election shall be required. The powers and rights conferred by this Paragraph shall be in addition to the powers and rights conferred by any other general or special law and shall be construed to provide a complete and additional method for the levy of the tax. No election, proceeding, notice, or approval shall be required for the levy of the tax except as provided in this Paragraph.

(4) It is hereby recognized that without the accomplishment of the purposes of the district that there would be no collection of a hotel occupancy tax by any taxing authority within the district. Accordingly, if the district elects to levy and collect the tax authorized in this Subsection, such levy shall be deemed to supersede and be in lieu of any other non-statewide tax on hotel occupancy within the district except for any such tax which is based on a per head or per person basis.

G. Hotel Occupancy Tax Financing. (1)(a) The district may issue revenue bonds payable from an irrevocable pledge and dedication of up to the full amount of hotel occupancy tax increments, in an amount to be determined by the district, to finance or refinance any project or projects, or parts thereof, which are consistent with the purposes of the district. A hotel occupancy tax increment shall consist of that portion of the hotel occupancy tax revenues collected by the district in an amount determined by the board of commissioners and which is in lieu of other such taxes levied by other non-statewide taxing authorities.

(b) Dedication of hotel occupancy tax increments to pay the revenue bonds shall not impair existing obligations of the district and shall not include tax revenues previously dedicated by the district for a special purpose.

(2) The district may pledge the taxes collected under the authority of this Section to any financing of the hotel property in furtherance of the purposes of the district. Such financing may include but shall not be limited to loans, mortgages, the issuance of bonds, or the issuance of certificates of indebtedness.

H. Sales Tax Increment Financing. (1)(a) In addition to any other authority provided for in this Section and pursuant to a cooperative endeavor agreement authorized by R.S. 33:9038.34(A), the district may issue revenue bonds payable solely from an irrevocable pledge and dedication of up to the full amount of any sales tax increments designated by the board of commissioners of the district to finance or refinance or to pay all of or a portion of the costs of projects associated with infrastructure improvements constructed in accordance with the Legends Square Development Plan for the commercial development of all or any portion of the property located within the boundaries of the district.

(b) For purposes of this Subsection, the "costs of projects associated with infrastructure improvements" means the costs of construction, renovation or relocation of public improvements, including but not limited to public buildings and other public structures such as streets, sidewalks, streetlights, boardwalks, utilities, public works, drainage, and related works or fixtures. Such cost shall also include the costs of surveys and the professional fees associated with the preparation of plans and specifications associated with the project's development.

(2)(a)(i) A sales tax increment consisting of that portion of sales tax revenues of any and all non-statewide taxing authorities collected each year on the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption and storage for use or consumption of tangible personal property and on sales of services, all as defined in R.S. 47:301 et seq., or any other appropriate provision or provisions of law, as amended, from taxpayers located within an area of the district designated by the board of commissioners as provided for in Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph which exceeds the sales tax revenues that were collected by such taxing authorities in the year immediately prior to the year of designation of such area.

(ii) A sales tax increment consisting of that portion of sales tax revenues of the state of Louisiana and any political subdivision whose boundaries are coterminous with those of the state levied upon the same transactions in the same area which exceeds the sales tax revenues that were collected by such taxing authorities in the year immediately prior to the year of designation of such area may be dedicated to pay the revenue bonds of the district in the manner provided for in R.S. 33:9038.34(A)(6).

(b)(i) The board of commissioners of the district shall establish the area from which sales tax increments are to be pledged and dedicated to the payment of the revenue bonds, hereafter referred to as the "sales tax area". After the establishment of the boundaries of the sales tax area, the board shall designate the initial annual baseline collection rate for the sales tax area, which shall be the amount of the sales taxes collected in the sales tax area in the fiscal year of the city of Grambling most recently completed prior to the establishment of the sales tax area. In addition, a monthly baseline collection rate shall be determined by dividing the initial annual baseline collection rate by twelve.

(ii) The initial annual baseline collection rate and the monthly baseline collection rate shall be certified by the chief financial officer of the city of Grambling. The certification shall also be published one time in the official journal of the city of Grambling.

(iii) If the amounts of the initial annual baseline collection rate and the monthly baseline collection rate are not contested within thirty days after the said publication, then such amounts shall be conclusively presumed to be valid, and no court shall have any jurisdiction to alter or invalidate the designation of the amount of either the initial annual baseline collection rate or the monthly baseline collection rate.

(c) The increment of the sales taxes which are to be pledged and dedicated to the payment of the revenue bonds shall be the amount of the sales taxes which are collected in the sales tax area each year in excess of the initial annual baseline collection rate. Such pledged sales tax increment may include all or any portion of such excess as determined by the board of commissioners of the district.

(3) Dedication of sales tax increments to pay the revenue bonds shall not impair existing obligations and shall not include tax revenues of a tax authority previously dedicated for a special purpose unless a majority of the electors within the territorial jurisdiction of such tax authority voting at an election held for such purpose approves the use of such tax for the purposes provided for in this Subsection.

I. Term. The district shall dissolve and cease to exist one year after the date all bonds, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness of the district, including refunding bonds are paid in full as to both principal and interest; however, in no event shall the district have an existence of less than three years.

J. Liberal construction. This Section, being necessary for the welfare of the city of Grambling and its residents, shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes thereof.

Acts 2012, No. 798, §1, eff. June 13, 2012.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:9037 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 9037
Bonds
Status: in_force

A. As used in this Section, the term "issuer" shall mean and include a corporation or local governmental subdivision which issues bonds under this Chapter, or one or more corporations or local governmental subdivisions entering into a joint venture or cooperative endeavor as provided for in R.S. 33:9038.35(B).

B. In addition to the power to issue revenue bonds, as provided elsewhere in this Chapter, an issuer is hereby authorized to issue from time to time notes, renewal notes, refunding bonds, interim certificates, certificates of indebtedness, debentures, or other obligations or evidences of indebtedness, which together with "revenue bonds" are hereinafter referred to as "bonds", to provide funds for and to fulfill and achieve its authorized public functions or corporate purposes as set forth in this Chapter. Except as may otherwise be provided by the issuer, all bonds issued by an issuer shall be negotiable instruments. All bonds issued by a corporation may be general obligations of the corporation, secured by the full faith and credit of the corporation and payable out of any money, assets, or revenues of the corporation or from any other sources whatsoever as may be available to the corporation.

C. Bonds shall be authorized, issued, and sold by a resolution or resolutions of the issuer. Such bonds may be of such series, bear such date or dates, mature at such time or times, bear interest at such rate or rates, be payable at such time or times, be in such denominations, be sold at such price or prices, at public or private negotiated sale as the issuer shall deem advisable, be in such form, either in coupon form, registered as to principal only, or fully registered without coupons, carry such registration and exchangeability privileges, be payable at such place or places, be subject to such terms or redemption, and be entitled to such priorities on the income, revenue and receipts of, or available to, the issuer as may be provided by the issuer in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance and sale of bonds of the issuer.

D. The bonds of the issuer shall be signed by such officials of the issuer, by either manual or facsimile signatures, as shall be determined by resolution or resolutions of the issuer, and shall have impressed or imprinted thereon the seal of the issuer, or a facsimile thereof. The coupons attached to coupon bonds of the issuer shall bear the facsimile signature of such official of the agency as shall be determined by resolution or resolutions of the issuer.

E. Any bonds of the issuer may be validly issued, sold, and delivered, notwithstanding that one or more of the officials of the issuer signing such bonds, or whose facsimile signature or signatures may be on the bonds or on coupons shall have ceased to be such official of the issuer at the time such bonds shall actually have been delivered.

F. Bonds of the issuer may be sold in such manner and from time to time as may be determined by the issuer to be most beneficial, and the issuer may pay all expenses, premiums, or commissions which it may deem necessary or advantageous in connection with the issuance and sale thereof, subject to the provisions of this Chapter.

G. Any bonds issued pursuant to this Chapter may also be secured by a trust agreement by and between the issuer and one or more corporate trustees or fiscal agents, which may be any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or without this state.

H. Subject to the rights of the holders of the bonds of the issuer, the issuer is hereby authorized and empowered to issue from time to time its bonds for the purpose of refunding any bonds of the issuer then outstanding, together with the payment of any redemption premiums thereon and interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of such outstanding bonds. All such refunding bonds of the issuer shall be issued, sold or exchanged, and delivered, shall be secured, and shall be subject to the provisions of this Chapter in the same manner and to the same extent as any other bonds issued by the issuer pursuant to this Chapter, unless otherwise determined by resolution of the issuer. Refunding bonds issued by the issuer as herein provided may be sold or exchanged for outstanding bonds of the issuer and, if sold, the proceeds thereof may be applied, in addition to any other authorized purposes, to the purchase, redemption, or payment of such outstanding bonds. Pending the application of the proceeds of any such refunding bonds, with any other available funds, to the payment of the principal, accrued interest, and any redemption premiums, if any, on the bonds being refunded, and, if so provided or permitted in the trust indenture or the resolution of the issuer authorizing the issuance of such refunding bonds, to the payment of any interest on such refunding bonds and any expenses in connection with such refunding, such proceeds may be invested in direct obligations of, or obligations the principal and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America which shall mature or which shall be subject to the redemption by the holders thereof, at the option of such holders, not later than the respective dates when the proceeds, together with the interest accruing thereon, will be required for the purposes intended.

I. Bonds which are issued under this Chapter are declared to be for an essential public and governmental purpose, and together with interest thereon, income therefrom, and gain upon the sale thereof shall be exempted from all state and local taxes.

J. The state and all public officers, any parish or municipality, or other subdivision or instrumentality of the state, any bank, banker, trust company, savings bank and institution, building and loan association, savings and loan association, investment company or any person carrying on a banking or investment business, any insurance company or business, insurance associations and any person carrying on an insurance business, and any executor, administrator, curator, trustee and other fiduciary, and retirement system or pension fund may legally invest any sinking funds, monies, or other funds belonging to them or within their control in any bonds issued by the issuer pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter, and such bonds shall be authorized security for all public deposits. It is the purpose of this Section to authorize such persons, firms, corporations, associations, political subdivisions and officers, or other entities, public or private, to use any funds owned or controlled by them, including but not limited to sinking, insurance, investment, retirement, compensation, pension, and trust funds, and funds held on deposit, for the purchase of any such bonds of the issuer, and that any such bonds shall be authorized security for all public deposits. However, nothing contained in this Section with regard to legal investments or security for public deposits shall be construed as relieving any such person, firm, or corporation or other entity from any duty of exercising reasonable care in selecting securities.

K. An issuer is authorized to issue bond anticipation notes in accordance with Chapter 14-B of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

L. Any suit to determine the validity of bonds issued under this Chapter shall be brought only in accordance with R.S. 13:5121 et seq.

M. Any issuer is authorized to issue refunding bonds for the purpose of refunding outstanding bonds issued pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

N. Bonds, notes, or other debt instruments which are issued under this Chapter shall not be subject to any statutory debt limitations or restrictions; and shall not be subject to the provisions of any other act, statute, or local law relating to the authorization, issuance, or sale of bonds or notes. Notwithstanding any provision thereof, any bonds, notes, or other debt instruments authorized to be issued under this Chapter shall, before the delivery thereof, be approved by the State Bond Commission.

O. All bonds, and any interest coupons appertaining thereto, issued pursuant to this Chapter shall be and are hereby made negotiable instruments within the meaning of and for all purposes of the negotiable instruments law of Louisiana, subject to the provisions of bonds for registration.

P. Persons, firms, or corporations retained or employed by an issuer as advisors or consultants for the purpose of rendering financial advice and assistance may purchase or participate in the purchase, or in the distribution of its bonds and notes when such bonds or notes are offered at public sale.

Acts 1990, No. 1082, §1; Acts 2010, No. 536, §1, eff. June 25, 2010.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:9682 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 9682
Political subdivisions; voluntary prayer
Status: in_force

A. A political subdivision may open proceedings with a voluntary prayer. However, no official or standard prayer shall be prescribed by the political subdivision.

B. This Section is intended to reflect the tradition and practice of ceremonial invocations that are meant to lend gravity to a public occasion.

C. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit or restrict the rights of any individual who voluntarily chooses to pray at the opening of proceedings as it relates to the individual's right of freedom of speech or right of the free exercise of religion as guaranteed pursuant to the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.

Acts 2016, No. 575, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:9080.5 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 9080.5
Esprit at Stonebridge Neighborhood Improvement District
Status: in_force

A. Creation. There is hereby created within the parish of Jefferson, as more specifically provided in Subsection B of this Section, a body politic and corporate which shall be known as the Esprit at Stonebridge Neighborhood Improvement District, referred to in this Section as the "district". The district shall be a political subdivision of the state as defined in the Constitution of Louisiana.

B. Boundaries. The district shall be comprised of the area of Jefferson Parish located between the golf course and Lake Lynn Dr. on the north, excluding Square A 1-B-1 and Square A 2-A1 as shown on said plan, which said plan of subdivision is registered in Clerk of Court, Jefferson Parish Instrument 9430198 and 10022867, Manhattan Blvd. on the west, the golf course and Bayou Barataria on the south, and the Trapp Canal on the east.

C. Purpose. The district is established for the purpose of promoting and encouraging security in the area included within the district and promoting and encouraging the beautification and overall betterment of the district.

D. Governance. (1) In accordance with Article VI, Section 6 of the Constitution of Louisiana and the Jefferson Parish Charter, the Jefferson Parish Council shall be the governing authority of the district.

(2) The district shall have a six-member advisory board to advise and make recommendations to the governing authority. The advisory board shall be appointed by the governing authority from nominations by the board of directors of the Esprit at Stonebridge Homeowners' Association. These appointed advisory board members shall not be members of the Esprit at Stonebridge Homeowners' Association board of directors.

E. Powers and duties. The district, acting through its governing authority, shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To sue and be sued.

(2) To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.

(3) To receive and expend funds collected pursuant to Subsection F of this Section and in accordance with a budget adopted as provided by Subsection H of this Section.

(4) To enter into contracts with individuals or entities, private or public.

(5) To provide or enhance security patrols in the district, to provide for improved lighting, signage, or matters relating to the security of the district, to provide for the beautification of and improvements for the district, or to provide generally for the overall betterment of the district.

(6) To enter into contracts and agreements with one or more other districts for the joint security, improvement, or betterment of all participating districts.

(7) To provide for such services and make such expenditures as the governing authority deems proper for the upkeep of the district.

(8) To acquire or lease items and supplies which the governing authority deems instrumental to achieving the purposes of the district.

(9) To acquire, lease, insure, and sell immovable property within the boundaries of the district in accordance with district plans.

(10) To perform or have performed any other function or activity necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the district or for the overall betterment of the district.

F. Parcel fee. The governing authority of Jefferson Parish is hereby authorized to impose and collect a parcel fee within the district subject to and in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection.

(1) The amount of the fee shall be based upon recommendations by a duly adopted resolution of the advisory board. The fee shall be a flat fee per improved parcel of land not to exceed one hundred dollars per each improved parcel for calendar year 2010; however, once each calendar year after 2010, the governing authority may by majority vote increase the maximum by twenty-five dollars if such increase is also recommended by the advisory board.

(2) The fee shall be imposed on each improved parcel located within the district except as provided in Paragraph (4) of this Subsection.

(a) For purposes of this Section, "parcel" means a lot, a subdivided portion of ground, an individual tract, or a "condominium parcel" as defined in R.S. 9:1121.103.

(b) The owner of each parcel shall be responsible for payment of the fee.

(3)(a) The fee shall be imposed only after the question of its imposition has been approved by a majority of the registered voters of the district who vote on the proposition at an election held for that purpose in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code. The amount of the fee may be changed by a duly adopted resolution of the advisory board, not to exceed the maximum amount authorized as provided in this Subsection. No other election shall be required except as provided by this Paragraph.

(b) The initial election on the question of the imposition of the fee shall be held at the same time as a regularly scheduled election in Jefferson Parish.

(c) If approved, the fee shall expire on December 31, 2014, but the fee may be renewed if approved by a majority of the registered voters of the district voting on the proposition at an election as provided in Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph. Any election to authorize the renewal of the fee shall be held at the same time as a regularly scheduled election in Jefferson Parish. If the fee is renewed, the term of the imposition of the fee shall be as provided in the proposition authorizing such renewal, not to exceed eight years.

(4) No fee shall be imposed upon any parcel whose owner qualified for the special assessment level provided by Article VII, Section 18(G)(1) of the Constitution of Louisiana.

(5) The fee shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ad valorem taxes on property subject to taxation by the parish are collected.

(6) Any parcel fee which is unpaid shall be added to the tax rolls of the parish and shall be enforced with the same authority and subject to the same penalties and procedures as unpaid ad valorem taxes.

(7)(a) The proceeds of the fee shall be used solely and exclusively for the purpose and benefit of the district; however, the parish may retain one percent of the amount collected as a collection fee.

(b) The governing authority of Jefferson Parish shall remit to the district all amounts collected not more than sixty days after collection.

G. Additional contributions. The district is authorized to solicit and accept additional voluntary contributions and grants to further the purposes of the district.

H. Budget. (1) The district, through its governing authority, shall adopt an annual budget in accordance with the Louisiana Local Government Budget Act, R.S. 39:1301 et seq.

(2) The district shall be subject to audit by the legislative auditor pursuant to R.S. 24:513.

I. Miscellaneous. It is the purpose and intent of this Section that any additional security patrols, public or private, or any other security or other services or betterments provided by the district shall be supplemental to and not be in lieu of personnel and services to be provided in the district by the state or the governing authority of Jefferson Parish or their departments or agencies or by other political subdivisions.

J. Dissolution. (1) The district may be dissolved without the vote of the registered voters of the district if a majority of the area covered by the district becomes included in another district that serves similar purposes but includes additional parcels of property adjacent to the district, if approved by the affirmative vote of not less than five members of the governing authority. If the district is dissolved in accordance with this Paragraph, the funds of the district that relate to the portion of the district that is included in the new district, together with any other funds collected by the governing authority of Jefferson Parish pursuant to this Section that relate to such portion of the district, shall be transferred to the new district to be used for purposes of the new district. The remaining portion of funds, if any, shall be transmitted to the governing authority of Jefferson Parish and such funds shall be used only for law enforcement, security, improvement, and beautification purposes of the area that was formerly within the district but is not included in the new district.

(2) If the district is dissolved pursuant to Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, the authority for the imposition of the parcel fee provided in Subsection F of this Section shall cease.

K. Indemnification and exculpation. (1) The district shall indemnify its officers, advisory board members, and governing authority to the fullest extent permitted by R.S. 12:227, as fully as if the district were a nonprofit corporation governed thereby, and as may be provided in the district's bylaws.

(2) No advisory board member, member of the governing authority, or officer of the district shall be liable to the district or to any individual who resides, owns property, visits, or otherwise conducts business in the district for monetary damages for breach of his duties as an advisory board member, member of the governing authority, or officer, provided that the foregoing provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of an advisory board member, member of the governing authority, or officer for any of the following:

(a) Acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law.

(b) Any transaction from which he derived an improper personal benefit.

(3) To the fullest extent permitted by R.S. 9:2792 et seq., including R.S. 9:2792.1 through 2792.9, a person serving the district as an advisory board member, member of the governing authority, or officer shall not be individually liable for any act or omission arising out of the performance of his duties.

Acts 2010, No. 542, §1, eff. July 1, 2010.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:4573 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 4573
Corporate status; domicile; purpose and powers
Status: in_force

A. Any special district created under the provisions of R.S. 33:4571 shall constitute a body corporate in law, with all the powers of a corporation, and with all the powers and rights of a political subdivision of the state as provided by the laws of the state relating to the incurring of debt and the issuing of bonds therefor. Said district, through its board of commissioners, may incur debt and issue negotiable bonds in accordance with the power and authority and in the form and manner, and with the effect and security now or hereafter provided by the constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana. Such a district through its board of commissioners, may incur debt and contract obligations in accordance with law, sue and be sued, have a corporate seal, and do and perform any and all acts in its corporate capacity and in its corporate name which are necessary and proper for carrying out the purposes and objects for which it is created. It shall have the power of eminent domain and may expropriate property for all its purposes and objectives, in accordance with the constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana. All of the property of the district shall be exempt from taxation.

B. The governing authority or authorities creating a special district or districts as herein authorized shall designate the domicile of such corporation providing that in fixing the domicile the same shall be located at some place within the district.

C. The objectives and purposes of the special districts created under the provisions of R.S. 33:4571 shall be the preservation and development of historic sites or areas, recreation facilities, central business district areas and tourist attractions and to engage in activities which would tend to promote such historic sites and areas, recreation facilities, central business district areas, and tourist attractions. Each district so created is hereby granted and shall have and may exercise all powers necessary or convenient for the carrying out of such purposes including, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of this section, the following rights and powers:

(1) To acquire, purchase, lease as lessee and hold and use any franchise, property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein necessary or desirable for carrying out the purposes of the authority, and to sell, lease as lessor, transfer and dispose of any property or interest therein at any time acquired by it; provided, however, that title to all such property shall be taken in the name of the State of Louisiana;

(2) To acquire by purchase, lease or otherwise and to construct, improve, maintain, repair and operate facilities which it deems necessary or convenient to carry out its purposes;

(3) To enter into agreements of any nature with any person or persons (natural or artificial), corporation, association or other entity, including public corporations, political subdivisions, municipalities, the United States government and agencies thereof, the State of Louisiana or any of its agencies, or any combination thereof or with instrumentalities of every kind, for the operation of all or any part of the properties and facilities of the district;

(4) To make and enter into contracts, conveyances, mortgages, deeds or trusts, bonds and leases in the carrying out of its corporate objectives;

(5) To let contracts for the construction or acquisition in any other manner of property and facilities incident to the carrying out of the corporate purposes of the district, which contracts shall be let in such manner as shall be determined by the board of commissioners;

(6) To fix, maintain, collect and revise rates, charges and rentals for the facilities of the district and the services rendered thereby;

(7) To make bylaws for the management and regulation of its affairs;

(8) To cooperate and contract with the government of the United States or any department or agency thereof and with the State of Louisiana or any department or agency thereof and to accept gifts, grants and donations of property and money therefrom;

(9) To cooperate with the State of Louisiana or any political subdivision, department, agency or corporation of said for the construction, operation and maintenance of facilities designed to accomplish the purpose for which the district is created on any basis including the matching of funds and by participating in projects authorized by any federal or state law as it shall see fit; any special district created under the provisions of R.S. 33:4571 shall be specifically required to cooperate and establish a viable working arrangement with any recreation districts created by the parish governing authority or authorities under other provisions of law;

(10) To pledge all or any part of its revenues;

(11) To levy and collect a tax not to exceed ten mills on the dollar of assessed valuation on all property within the district, when authorized by a vote of a majority of the qualified electors within the territorial jurisdiction of the district voting at an election called by the district and held, insofar as practicable, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Part II of Chapter 4 of Sub-Title II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as the same now exists or may hereafter be amended, except that no voter shall be required to sign a ballot nor vote assessed valuation of property and election machines shall be used. Said tax shall be over and above all other authorizations for and any limitations on the imposition and collection of taxes within such area and shall not be included in computing any tax limitation whether fixed by the Louisiana Constitution or by law. Said tax, when levied, shall be from year to year or for such period of years as may be designated in the resolution by which the election is called on the question of the imposition of said tax; provided, however, that no person shall be exempt from payment of the tax by reason of claiming that all or a portion of the property upon which the tax is levied constitutes the homestead of the taxpayer.

(12) To incur debt and issue negotiable bonds of the district from time to time for any purpose within the authority delegated to it and to pledge for the payment of the principal and interest of such bonds the avails of taxes authorized to be imposed pursuant to this section, or the income and revenues derived or to be derived from the properties and facilities maintained and operated by it, or received by the district from any other sources whatsoever, or any combination of the foregoing, and to prescribe the conditions and details of such bonds. In addition to the pledge of the taxes, income and revenues to secure said bonds, the district may further secure their payment by a conventional mortgage upon all or any of the properties constructed or acquired or to be constructed and acquired by it. Such bonds shall be authorized by a resolution or resolutions of its board of commissioners, shall be of such series, bear such date or dates, mature at such time or times not exceeding thirty years from their respective dates, bear such rate or rates of interest payable annually or semi-annually, be in such denominations, be in such form, carry such registration and exchangeability provision, be payable in such medium of payment and at such place or places, be subject to such terms of redemption, and be entitled to such priorities on the income, revenue and taxes as such resolution or resolutions may provide. The bonds shall be signed by such officers of the district as the board of commissioners shall determine and coupon bonds shall have attached thereto interest coupons bearing the facsimile signatures of such officer or officers of the district as the board of commissioners shall designate. Any such bonds may be issued and delivered, notwithstanding that one or more of the officers signing such bonds or the officer or officers whose facsimile signature or signatures may be upon the coupons, shall have ceased to be such officer or officers at the time such bonds shall actually have been delivered.

Said bonds shall be sold to the highest and best bidder therefor at a public sale after advertisement by the district at least once a week for two consecutive weeks in the official journal of the district and in a newspaper of general circulation or a financial journal published in New Orleans, New York City or Chicago, with the first publications to be made at least fifteen days prior to the date fixed for the reception of bids, reserving to the district the right to reject any and all bids and to readvertise for bids. If, after the advertisement as hereinabove provided, no bids are received, or if such bids as are received are considered in the discretion of the district to be unsatisfactory and are therefore rejected, then the district may sell such bonds by private sale but no private sale shall be made at a price less than the highest bid which may have been received. Notwithstanding the aforesaid provisions with respect to public sale said bonds may be sold to the federal government or any agency thereof through negotiated or private sale. The board of commissioners may in any resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds enter into such covenants with the future holder or holders of the bonds as to the management and operation of facilities, the lease or rental thereof, the imposition and collection of fees and charges for services and facilities furnished by the district, the disposition of such fees and revenues, the issuance of future bonds and the creation of future liens and encumbrances against such facilities and the revenues therefrom, the carrying of insurance on the facilities, the keeping of books and records, and other pertinent matters, as may be deemed proper by the board of commissioners to assure the marketability of the bonds, provided such covenants are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section. Any holder of the bonds or of any of the coupons thereto attached may by appropriate legal action compel performance of all duties required of the board of commissioners and officials of the district by this section. If any bond issued hereunder is permitted to go into default as to principal or interest, any court of competent jurisdiction may pursuant to the application of the holder of the bond, appoint a receiver for the facilities of the district, which receiver shall be under the duty of operating the facilities and collecting and distributing the revenues thereof pledged to the payment of the bonds, pursuant to the provisions and requirements of this section and the resolution authorizing the bonds. No proceedings in respect to the issuance of any such bonds shall be necessary except such as are contemplated by this paragraph. For a period of thirty days from the date of publication of the resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds hereunder, any person in interest shall have the right to contest the legality of the resolution, the legality of the bond issue and the security therefor, for any cause, and the validity of all other provisions and proceedings in connection with the authorization and issuance of the bonds, after which time no one shall have any cause or right of action to contest the legality of said resolution or of the bonds authorized thereby or of any proceedings taken in connection therewith for any cause whatever. If no suit, action or proceeding is begun contesting the validity of the bond issue within the thirty days herein prescribed, the authority to issue the bonds and to provide for the payment thereof, the legality thereof and of all of the provisions of the resolution and other proceedings authorizing the issuance of the bonds shall be conclusively presumed, and no court shall have authority to inquire into such matters. Such bonds shall have all the qualities of negotiable instruments under the law merchant and the Negotiable Instruments Law of the State of Louisiana and the bonds and the income therefrom shall be exempt from taxation by the State of Louisiana and by any parish, municipality or political subdivision of the state.

(13) To issue refunding bonds to refund any outstanding bonds issued pursuant to this section. Such refunding bonds may be exchanged for the outstanding bonds or may be sold and the proceeds applied to the purchase, redemption or payment of the outstanding bonds or deposited in escrow for the retirement of such bonds. The refunding bonds shall be authorized in all respects as original bonds are herein required to be authorized, and the district, in authorizing the refunding bonds, shall provide for the security of the bonds, the sources from which the bonds are to be paid and for the rights of the holders thereof in all respects as herein provided for other bonds issued under the authority of this section. The district may also provide that the refunding bonds shall have the same priority of lien on the taxes, income and revenues pledged for their payment as was enjoyed by the bonds refunded.

(14) To appoint officers, agents, employees and servants; to prescribe their duties and to fix their compensation.

Added by Acts 1970, No. 605, §1; Acts 1972, No. 110, §1. Amended by Acts 1974, No. 497, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:7707 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 7707
Continuation of rights and obligations of districts
Status: in_force

The creation of a consolidated special service district hereunder shall not affect or impair in any manner contract rights enjoyed by the holders of any outstanding bonds or obligations of the underlying districts, and to the extent required by such contract rights, taxes, service charges, and assessments on the property subject to the payment of principal of and interest on such bonds or obligations shall continue to be levied and collected as above provided; however, any consolidated special service district may assume all or any indebtedness of its underlying districts in the manner and with the effect provided by R.S. 39:661 et seq. for the assumption of indebtedness by parishes.

Added by Acts 1975, No. 94, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:4146 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 4146
New Orleans; validity of bonds; repealer; severability
Status: in_force

The city of New Orleans is further relieved of its obligation to make annual appropriations for the purpose of maintaining and operating its drainage system of the city of New Orleans and shall not be required to provide funds for maintaining and operating said drainage system.

Added by Acts 1978, No. 419, §1, eff. July 1, 1978.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:3355 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 3355
Petition for payment of entire cost by property owners
Status: in_force

In lieu of the above, and upon the written petition of the owners of sixty per cent of the lineal front footage of the property abutting on any street or alley, the entire costs, of the improvements, shall be paid by the owners of the real estate abutting upon the streets or alleys, to be improved, according to the frontage of the property owned by them provided that where a railroad bed or track occupies a portion of the street or alley to be improved, the owners thereof shall pay the entire costs of paving of the space occupied by the railroad bed, including extra work made necessary by the presence of the track, and provided further that in the event the railroad bed or track, including street railroad bed or track, is owned by the municipality, it shall pay only for the extra work made necessary by the presence of the track in the street.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:9039.41 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 9039.41
Southwest Acadiana Parishes Rehabilitation District
Status: in_force

A. Short title. This Chapter shall be known and be cited as the "Southwest Acadiana Parishes Public Housing Rehabilitation District Act".

B. Creation. The Southwest Acadiana Parishes Public Housing Rehabilitation District, hereafter referred to as the "district", is hereby created as a special district of the state and shall be comprised of the territorial jurisdiction of the parishes of Acadia, Lafayette, St. Landry, and Vermilion. The district shall be a body politic and corporate and a political subdivision of the state.

C. Purpose. The purpose of the district shall be to aid in providing safe, decent and affordable housing for individuals and families who are challenged by income, disability or special need.

D. Governance. (1) The affairs of the district shall be administered and governed by a thirteen-member board of commissioners selected as follows: three members appointed to represent the parish of Acadia, three members to represent the parish of Lafayette, three members to represent the parish of St. Landry, three members to represent the parish of Vermilion and the secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services.

(a) The president of the governing authority of the parish of Acadia shall appoint three commissioners who shall be residents of the parish of Acadia, who reside within the district, and who shall serve a term of four years.

(b) Three commissioners shall be residents of the parish of Lafayette appointed by the governor from a list of nominees submitted to the governor by a majority of the members of the legislative delegation representing Lafayette Parish. Each appointment by the governor shall be subject to Senate confirmation and shall serve a term of four years.

(c) Three commissioners shall be residents of the parish of St. Landry appointed by the governor from a list of nominees submitted to the governor by a majority of the members of the legislative delegation representing St. Landry Parish. Each appointment by the governor shall be subject to Senate confirmation and shall serve a term of four years.

(d) The president of the governing authority of the parish of Vermilion shall appoint three commissioners who shall be residents of the parish of Vermilion, who reside within the district, and who shall serve terms of four years.

(e) One member shall be the secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services.

(2) The board shall elect a chairman, secretary, and treasurer and may elect such other officers as deemed necessary. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum and a majority vote of the board members constituting a quorum shall be necessary for any action taken by the board. The board shall adopt bylaws and prescribe rules to govern its meetings and shall fix the place or places at which meetings shall be held.

(3) The domicile of the district shall be determined by the board at its first meeting. The members of the board shall serve without salary or per diem allowance.

(4) Any vacancy which occurs on the board shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as provided for the initial appointment.

E. Powers and duties. The district, acting through its board of commissioners, shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To adopt bylaws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business.

(2) To maintain an office at such place as it may designate.

(3) To sue and be sued.

(4) To receive, administer, and comply with the conditions and requirements respecting any gift, grant, or donation of any property or money.

(5) To apply and contract for assistance from the United States or other public or private sources.

(6) To make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary in the exercise of the powers and functions of the district under this Chapter, including contracts with persons, firms, corporations, and others.

(7) To research, study, develop, and implement plans and programs designed to promote the district as an area into which individuals and families who are challenged by income, disability or special need may relocate.

(8) To promulgate rules and regulations for determining eligibility as an individual or family who is challenged by income, disability or special need.

(9) To direct the parish governing authorities located in the district to refund certain local sales and use taxes imposed in the district.

(10) To levy and collect any other taxes authorized by the Constitution of Louisiana for political subdivisions. Any such tax shall be levied and collected only after the question of its imposition has been submitted to and approved by a majority of the qualified voters of the district voting at a regularly scheduled election to be conducted in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code.

(11) To exercise any and all other powers necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Chapter.

F. Incentives. (1) Subject to the limitations provided in this Subsection, the district shall refund or cause to have refunded, in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the board, to eligible persons those local sales and use taxes collected as a consequence of the purchase of materials used in the restoration, renovation, or rehabilitation of an existing structure or in the construction of a new house and associated improvements in a low income approved community development area, provided:

(a) The person restoring, renovating, or rehabilitating the existing structure or building or causing the building of the new home certifies in writing that the home was purchased by an individual or family who is challenged by income, disability or special need.

(b) The person restoring, renovating, or rehabilitating the existing structure or building or causing the building of the new home presents documents sufficient to prove the amount of sales and use taxes paid and eligible for refund upon the sale of the new house.

(c) The person restoring, renovating, or rehabilitating the existing structure or building or causing the building of the new home certifies in writing that he has complied with applicable criteria, rules, regulations, and procedure established by the district and the parish governing authority.

(d) The person restoring, renovating, or rehabilitating the existing structure or building or causing the building of the new home completes and submits forms prescribed by the board and the affected parish governing authority for the refund of sales and use taxes.

(2)(a) The authority of the district pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection to cause the refund of local sales and use taxes shall be subject to approval by a majority of the electors of the district voting thereon in an election held for that purpose.

(b) The district, through its board of commissioners, shall notify each parish governing authority as to the amount of sales and use tax refund due, and each parish governing authority shall refund the tax to the person as provided in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection.

Acts 2005, No. 324, §1, eff. June 30, 2005.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:4761 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 4761
Condemnation of buildings by all parishes and municipalities
Status: in_force

A. The governing authority of any parish or municipality may condemn and cause to be demolished or removed any building or structure within the parish or municipality when it is in a dilapidated and dangerous condition which endangers the public welfare.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, in the city of Baton Rouge and parish of East Baton Rouge, the hearing officer appointed pursuant to R.S. 13:2575 and 2576 shall determine condemnations.

Acts 1987, No. 196, §1, eff. June 19, 1987; Acts 2008, No. 601, §1; Acts 2025, No. 456, §3.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:9039.64 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 9039.64
Legislative findings and intent
Status: in_force

The New Orleans medical and biosciences efforts employed approximately twenty-four thousand persons in 2004 with average salaries well above the state average and receives considerable federal research bioscience funding. The district is created for the purpose of:

(1) Facilitating the creation of high paying jobs by assisting the biomedical institutions and employees in the district with development of bioscience facilities and programs.

(2) Acting to acquire and develop real estate needed to grow the academic research institutions within the district.

(3) Receiving public and private funds for such purpose.

(4) Assisting with increasing research and training dollars for institutions within the district.

(5) Receiving public and private funds for such purpose.

(6) Assisting with increasing research dollars for health- related research and training.

(7) Increasing basic and clinical research and the health and bioscience workforce.

(8) Working to bridge commercialization opportunities from research developed within the district.

(9) Enhancing interdisciplinary biosciences.

(10) Acting as a link to private sector life sciences companies in the state, all with a view toward job growth in the district.

Acts 2005, No. 487, §1, eff. July 12, 2005.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:4690.12 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 4690.12
East Baton Rouge Parish infrastructure development districts
Status: in_force

A. Findings and purpose. (1) The legislature finds that there are pockets of East Baton Rouge Parish which possess great potential for development or redevelopment. However, before such development can take place, basic infrastructure must be provided or upgraded in the areas. The legislature finds that the traditional method of financing infrastructure development, separate taxes or assessments for each individual improvement, e.g. roads, lighting, water, sewer, etc., though very appropriate in many cases, may not be the best way to provide multiple improvements in a relatively small geographic area. The legislature finds that an effective method of financing a spectrum of infrastructure improvements in a small geographic area is to finance the entire undertaking as a single package rather than levying separate taxes for each individual improvement. It is the purpose of this Section to authorize the levy of ad valorem taxes and non ad valorem assessments for financing infrastructure improvement projects in East Baton Rouge Parish.

(2) The legislature further finds that given the complexity of such projects and the geographic compactness of the areas contemplated for such development, the governing authority of East Baton Rouge may wish to create special taxing districts having the authority to plan and execute the infrastructure development projects and to levy the ad valorem taxes and non ad valorem assessments authorized by this Section. Even if the governing authority of the parish serves as the governing authority of the district, there are proven political and legal advantages to the use of special taxing districts for carrying out governmental functions. It is further the purpose of this Section to authorize the governing authority of East Baton Rouge Parish to create special taxing districts authorized to do those things necessary, as prescribed in this Section, to finance and execute infrastructure development projects such as those described in this Subsection.

B. Creation. Without limiting any authority of the governing authority of the city of Baton Rouge and the parish of East Baton Rouge as provided in the consolidated government home rule charter, the governing authority may create special taxing districts within the parish for the purpose of infrastructure improvement subject to the provisions of this Section. The city-parish governing authority may not create such a district until it has held a public hearing on the issue. Any such district shall be a political subdivision of the state as defined in Article VI, Section 44 of the Constitution of Louisiana and shall have all authority granted by the constitution, the home rule charter of East Baton Rouge Parish, and this Section. The city-parish governing authority may serve as the governing authority of any such special district or it may provide for appointment of a governing authority in the ordinance creating the district. The city-parish governing authority may, at its discretion, require as a condition of creation of the infrastructure development district that title to, control of, and responsibility for maintenance of any or all infrastructure projects within the district be transferred to the city-parish governing authority in accordance with its existing ordinances and practices.

C. Special powers. The district may, subject to applicable regulatory jurisdiction and permitting authority of other public entities and officials, finance, fund, plan, establish, acquire, construct or reconstruct, enlarge or extend, equip, operate, and maintain systems, facilities, and basic infrastructures for the following:

(1) Water management and control for the lands within the district and to connect some or any of such facilities with roads and bridges.

(2) Water supply, sewer, and wastewater management, reclamation, and reuse, or any combination thereof, and may construct and operate connecting intercepting or outlet sewers and sewer mains and pipes and water mains, conduits, or pipelines in, along, and under any street, alley, highway, or other public place or way, and dispose of any effluent, residue, or other byproducts of such system or sewer system.

(3) Bridges or culverts that may be needed across or in any drain, ditch, canal, floodway, holding basin, excavation, public highway, tract, grade, fill, or cut, and roadways over levees and embankments, and may construct any and all of such works and improvements across, through, or over any public right-of-way, highway, grade, fill, or cut.

(4) District roads equal to or exceeding parish specifications and street lights.

(5) Transit shelters, ridesharing facilities and services, parking improvements, and related signage.

D. Taxing authority. (1)(a) The governing authority of a special taxing district created as provided in this Section may levy and collect, in the same manner and at the same time as all other ad valorem taxes in the parish are levied and collected, a special ad valorem tax, not to exceed twenty mills, upon all taxable, immovable property situated within the boundaries of the district. The ad valorem tax provided for herein shall be in addition to all other ad valorem taxes provided for by law.

(b) The proceeds of the tax authorized by this Paragraph may be used for any lawful purpose of the district. However, not more than three mills shall be dedicated to or used for ordinary operating expenses of the district.

(2) To plan, establish, acquire, construct or reconstruct, enlarge or extend, and equip the facilities and projects of the district and to pay expenses associated with and related to the issuance of bonds for such facilities and projects, the district governing authority may levy a benefit special assessment. The district governing authority shall determine the amount of the assessment based upon a report of the district's engineer and shall assess lands benefited by the improvement, such assessment to be apportioned in proportion to the benefits received by each tract of land. The benefit special assessment shall be levied and payable in equal annual installments for each year for which bonds secured by the assessment are outstanding. The tax collector shall collect and enforce assessments in the same manner and at the same time as ad valorem taxes. Benefit special assessments shall be a lien on the property against which assessed until paid.

(3) To maintain, operate, and preserve the facilities and projects of the district, the district governing authority may levy a maintenance special assessment. The district governing authority shall determine the amount of the assessment based upon a report of the district's engineer and shall assess lands benefited by the improvement, such assessments to be apportioned in proportion to the benefits received by each tract of land. Assessments shall be collected and enforced by the tax collector in the same manner and at the same time as ad valorem taxes. Maintenance special assessments shall be a lien on the property against which assessed until paid.

E. General powers and duties. The governing authority of the district shall have the following additional powers and duties:

(1) To adopt bylaws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business.

(2) To adopt an official seal and alter the seal at its pleasure.

(3) To maintain an office at such place as it may designate and to occupy space for such purposes as may be made available by the city-parish governing authority.

(4) To sue and to be sued.

(5) To receive, administer, and comply with the conditions and requirements respecting any gift, grant, guarantee, subsidy, or donation of any property or money.

(6) To acquire, by any lawful means, property, including rights-of-way, and to hold and use any franchise or property, whether real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible, necessary or desirable for carrying out the objects and purposes of the district.

(7) To borrow money and issue bonds or obligations of the district in the manner provided by this Section and to refund the same.

(8) To make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary in the exercise of the powers and functions of the district under this Section.

(9) To pledge or assign any monies, fees, charges, or other revenues and any proceeds derived by the district from the sale of bonds and other contracts or rights of the district.

(10) To employ such employees, to make use of such persons as the city-parish governing authority may make available to the district for its use, and to employ or otherwise retain the services of accountants, financial advisors, underwriters, attorneys, engineers, and such other consultants as may be required, in the judgment of the governing authority, and to fix and pay their compensation.

(11) To exercise any and all other powers necessary to accomplish the purposes set forth herein.

F. Authority to incur debt. (1) For any of its lawful purposes, the district governing authority may issue bonds secured by and payable from a pledge of the proceeds of the ad valorem taxes and the non ad valorem assessments authorized by this Section. The bonds shall have such form, characteristics, and details and shall be issued in accordance with this Subsection and all other laws applicable to the issuance of bonds by political subdivisions including but not limited to Article VI, Section 35 of the Constitution of Louisiana and Part IV of Chapter 11 and Chapters 13, 13-A, 14, and 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

(2) The district governing authority shall authorize the issuance of bonds by adoption of a resolution. It may not adopt a resolution authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds until a proposition authorizing the funding of the tax or assessment into bonds and stating the purpose or purposes for which the bonds will be issued is approved by a majority of the qualified district electors voting on the proposition at an election held for that purpose and conducted in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code.

(3) The bonds shall be of such series, bear such date or dates, be serial or term bonds, mature at such time or times no later than thirty years from their date, bear interest at such rate or rates payable on such date or dates, be in such denomination, be in such form, carry such registration and exchangeability provisions, be payable in such medium of payment and at such place or places, be subject to such terms of redemption, and be entitled to such priorities on the tax or assessment as the resolution authorizing such bonds may provide.

(4) The bonds shall be executed in the name of the district by the manual or facsimile signatures of such official or officials as may be designated in the resolution authorizing their issuance. If any officer whose manual or facsimile signature appears on any bond ceases to be such officer before the delivery of such bonds, such signature nevertheless shall be valid and sufficient for all purposes as if he had remained in office until such delivery. The resolution may provide for authentication of the bonds by the fiscal agent thereunder.

(5) The commissioners, officers, or employees of the district or any other person executing the bonds of the district, while acting within the scope of their authority, shall not be personally liable for the bonds nor be subject to any personal liability or accountability by reason of the issuance, sale, and delivery thereof.

(6) The holders of any bonds issued hereunder shall have such rights and remedies as may be provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds, including but not by way of limitation, appointment of a trustee for bondholders and any other available civil action to compel compliance with the terms and provisions of the bonds and the resolution.

(7)(a) Until all bonds issued pursuant to this Subsection have been retired as to principal and interest or irrevocable provision otherwise made for their complete redemption and payment in principal, interest, and redemption premium if any, neither the legislature, the district, nor any other authority may act to:

(i) Impair any obligation of contract for the benefit of the holders of the bonds.

(ii) Discontinue or decrease the tax or assessment or permit to be discontinued or decreased the tax or assessment in anticipation of the collection of which such bonds have been issued.

(iii) Make any change in the allocation and dedication of the proceeds of such tax which would diminish the amount of the tax revenues to be received by the district.

(b) There is hereby vested in the holders of such bonds a contract right in the provisions of this Subsection.

(8) Bonds issued pursuant to this Subsection shall have all the qualities of negotiable paper and shall constitute negotiable instruments under applicable state law. They shall not be invalid for any irregularity or defect in the proceedings for the issuance and sale thereof and shall be incontestable in the hands of bona fide purchasers or holders for value.

(9) All bonds and the income therefrom shall be exempt from taxation by the state and any political subdivision thereof. The bonds shall be legal and authorized investments for banks, savings banks, insurance companies, homestead and building and loan associations, trustees, and other fiduciaries and may be used for deposit with any officer, board, or political subdivision of the state in any case where, by present or future laws, deposit of security is required.

(10) All bonds issued shall be advertised for sale on sealed bids. The district may reject any and all bids. If the bonds are not sold pursuant to the advertisement, they may be sold by the commission at private sale within sixty days after the date advertised for the reception of sealed bids, but no private sale shall be made at a price less than the highest bid received. If not so sold, the bonds shall be readvertised as prescribed by this Paragraph.

(11) The proceeds derived from the sale of bonds shall be used exclusively by the issuer for the purpose or purposes for which the bonds are authorized to be issued, but the purchasers of the bonds shall not be obligated to see to the application thereof.

Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 106, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:9038.35 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 9038.35
Cooperative endeavors
Status: in_force

A. A local governmental subdivision or other authorized entity electing to carry out the purposes of this Chapter without the necessity of creating and organizing an economic development corporation, and in addition to other powers granted by this Chapter, may enter into a joint venture or cooperative endeavor for a public purpose with a federal, state, or local governmental agency or with a private or public firm, partnership, corporation, or other entity.

B. Any local governmental subdivision, economic development corporation, tax increment finance district, or other authorized entity electing to carry out the purposes of this Chapter, referred to hereafter in this Subsection as "TIF districts", may enter into a joint venture or cooperative endeavor for a public purpose with one or more such TIF districts to utilize all or a portion of the tax increments generated within the tax increment areas of the TIF districts in order to jointly finance or refinance in the manner provided for in this Chapter one or more economic development projects located within such TIF district areas. The TIF districts may issue revenue bonds payable with a pledge and dedication of tax increments from revenues generated by economic development projects within such TIF districts in the same manner as provided for individual TIF districts in this Chapter.

Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 147, §1, eff. April 23, 2002; Acts 2006, No. 850, §4, eff. July 11, 2006; Acts 2010, No. 536, §1, eff. June 25, 2010.

NOTE: See Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 147, §3, providing that Part II is an alternative to other provisions of Chapter 27 of Title 33 and does not conflict with, repeal, or supercede other provisions of Chapter 27.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:130.157 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 130.157
Securities
Status: in_force

Bonds, certificates, or other evidences of indebtedness issued by the district under this Subpart are deemed to be securities of public entities within the meaning of Chapters 13 and 13-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and shall be subject to defeasance in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and may be refunded in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14-A and 15 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and may also be issued as short term revenue notes of a public entity under Chapter 15-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

Acts 1988, No. 633, §1, eff. July 14, 1988.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:4108 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 4108
New Orleans; proceedings following hearing relating to drainage area
Status: in_force

If, after hearing the objections of the owners of property in the defined drainage area, the sewerage and water board shall determine to proceed with the drainage of the defined area, it shall file a petition in the Civil District Court for the Parish of Orleans and shall annex to the petition a copy of the report of the board of appraisers and a copy of the plea for the drainage of the defined area including any modification thereof, and ask for the confirmation or modification of the report in the manner specified in the petition. Immediately upon the filing of the petition in the district court, the clerk of court shall give notice thereof by causing publication of the notice to be made once a week for four consecutive weeks in a daily newspaper published in the city of New Orleans.

It shall not be necessary in the notice for the clerk of court to name the parties interested, but it shall be sufficient to say: "Notice of Filing of Suit to Confirm Appraisers' Report for __________ Drainage Area

"Notice is hereby given to all persons interested in the lands embraced within __________ Drainage Area which drainage area is described as follows (here describe boundary lines of drainage area) that the appraisers heretofore appointed to assess benefits to the property and lands situated in the drainage area have filed their report, and that suit to confirm the same has been filed in this office on the ______ day of ______, 20__, under the No. ______, and you and each of you are hereby notified that you may examine the report and file exceptions or contests to all or any part thereof, or to the suit, as provided by law, within forty days of the date of the first publication of this notice.

______________________________

Clerk of the Civil District Court for

the Parish of Orleans, Louisiana"

Not less than twenty (20) days prior to the date fixed for the hearing the clerk of the court shall mail a copy of said notice to all owners of property and lands in the drainage area whose names and addresses are known or may be ascertained with reasonable diligence, and he shall file with the court, prior to the hearing, his certificate evidencing compliance with this direction.

The judge of the district court shall without delay set the suit for hearing by the court for a date not earlier than fifty days from and after the date of the first publication of the notice. On the day set for the hearing of the suit, the judge shall proceed by preference to hear and determine in a summary manner and without the intervention of a jury all issues tendered in said suit, and it shall not be necessary to enter defaults against any property owners who have not answered or contested the suit.

If it appears to the satisfaction of the court after having heard and considered the report of the board of appraisers, the petition of the sewerage and water board, and all objections and contests that have been filed, that the percentage of the estimated cost of the drainage works provided in the plan which is to be assessed against the owners of lands in the drainage area is not greater than the benefits assessed against the lands and other property in the drainage area as such assessment of benefits may have been modified by the court, then the court shall approve and confirm the plan and the report of the board of appraisers as the same may have been modified and amended by the court. The report as so confirmed shall be incorporated in and made a part of the court's decree.

In the event of contest over the confirmation of the report, the court shall apportion the costs as may seem equitable.

Appeal may be taken from the decree of the court by the sewerage and water board or any party in interest who has filed contest in the proceedings as in other cases, and all appeals shall be tried in a summary manner and by preference.

The decree of the district court or the decree as affirmed or amended upon any appeal therefrom, shall be conclusive upon every person of the legality in every respect of the report of the board of appraisers as the report shall have been confirmed by the decree and shall be conclusive of the right of the sewerage and water board to carry out the plan for drainage of the defined area, and to levy assessments and issue drainage certificates as hereinafter provided.

Added by Acts 1976, No. 167, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:3387 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 3387
Acceptance of work; assessment and lien
Status: in_force

Upon final and satisfactory completion of the work, the governing authority shall accept the same by ordinance or resolution and provide for the assessment of all abutting real estate, railroad tracks, and road beds in the amount due by the owners thereof, according to the rules of apportionments adopted under the provisions of this Sub-part. A copy of the ordinance containing the assessment, certified by the clerk, shall within thirty days after its passage be filed for record in the office of the recorder of mortgages of the parish, and when so filed and recorded it shall operate as a lien and privilege in favor of the municipality or its transferees against the property therein assessed, and shall be enforceable against the property assessed regardless of any changes of ownership.

Amended by Acts 1954, No. 604, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:1967.2 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 1967.2
Manning of fire fighting apparatus in Fire District Number Two of Rapides Parish
Status: in_force

A. As used in this Section, the term "fire fighting apparatus" shall mean any type of automotive equipment specially designed for fire fighting purposes and shall not include standard passenger vehicles.

B. Each unit of fire fighting apparatus operated by Fire District Number Two of Rapides Parish shall at all times be manned by a fire fighter holding the rank of captain and a fire fighter holding the rank of engineer or driver. Such a minimum crew shall be provided on each shift for each unit of fire fighting apparatus in service in the department. Each such unit shall be under the control of the captain assigned to that unit and shall be operated by the engineer or driver so assigned.

Acts 1986, No. 592, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:3813.3 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 3813.3
N.E.W. Carroll Water District
Status: in_force

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 33:3812, the governing authorities of the parishes of East Carroll and West Carroll may create and provide, by resolution duly adopted by each governing authority, the N.E.W. Carroll Water District, hereinafter referred to as the "district". The district shall be comprised of the following territory in the parishes of East Carroll and West Carroll:

(1) An area bound on the North by the Arkansas-Louisiana State Line and on the West by Boeuf River and on the South by the following roads: Beginning at the intersection of Highway 585 and Allen Road extension continue East to the intersection of Allen Road and Highway 586, following Highway 586 East to the intersection of Highway 586 and Old Kilbourne Road North, then South on Old Kilbourne Road North to Oak Grove city limits, then East on Percy Martin Road to the intersection of Percy Martin Road and Highway 17 North, then North on Highway 17 to the intersection of Highway 17 and Stanford Road, then East on Stanford Road to the intersection of Philley Lane and Stanford Road, then South on Philley Lane to the intersection of Highway 2 and Philley Lane, then East on Highway 2 to the Bayou Macon River.

(2) An area bound on the North by the Arkansas-Louisiana State Line and on the West by the Bayou Macon River, on the South by the Schrock Road and on the East by the Bayou Macon Wildlife Area.

(3) An additional area bound on the East by the Mississippi River Levee and the South boundary being the community of Shelburn.

(4) The village of Kilbourne, including all of the area within the city limits of Kilbourne.

B.(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 33:3812, the district shall be governed by a seven-member board of commissioners. The board of commissioners shall be appointed by the governing authorities of the parishes of East Carroll and West Carroll, with the governing authorities appointing a majority of the seven-member board from residents of the parish of West Carroll.

(2) The term of each initial appointee to the board of commissioners and any subsequent appointee shall be for three years. The members of the board of commissioners shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing governing authority.

Acts 1995, No. 71, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:2740.70.9 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 2740.70.9
Railroad Avenue Historic Cultural Economic District
Status: in_force

A. There is hereby created within the city of Jeanerette, as more specifically provided in Subsection B of this Section, a body politic and corporate which shall be known as the Railroad Avenue Historic Cultural Economic District, referred to in this Section as the "district". The district shall be a political subdivision of the state as defined in the Constitution of Louisiana.

B. The boundaries of the district shall encompass the area included within the Railroad Avenue Historic Cultural District.

C. The district is created to provide for cooperative economic and community development among the district, the city, the state, and the owners of property in the district; to enhance the development of and improvement to the property within the area of the district; to provide for cultural enrichment and preservation; to develop stable and more extensive employment opportunities, to improve infrastructure; and to promote the overall welfare of the citizens of the district.

D.(1) In order to provide for the orderly development of the district and effect the purposes of the district, the district shall be administered and governed by a board of commissioners, referred to in this Section as the "board", composed of seven voting members and one nonvoting member as follows:

(a) The governing board of the Jeanerette Chamber of Commerce shall appoint one member who is a member of the chamber and a resident of Iberia Parish.

(b) The governing authority of the city of Jeanerette shall appoint one member from the governing authority who represents Ward 1 or Ward 2.

(c) The member of the Louisiana House of Representatives whose district encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district shall appoint one member.

(d) The member of the Louisiana Senate whose district encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district shall appoint one member.

(e) The member of the governing authority of the parish of Iberia who represents District No. 12 shall appoint one member.

(f) The mayor of the city of Jeanerette shall appoint one member who is a resident of the Railroad Avenue Historic Cultural District.

(g) The governing board of the Small Town Arts and Festival Foundation shall appoint one member.

(h) The mayor shall be a nonvoting member of the board.

(2) Appointed board members shall serve three-year terms after initial terms as provided in this Paragraph. Three members shall serve an initial term of three years; two shall serve an initial term of two years; and two shall serve an initial term of one year, as determined by lot at the first meeting of the board.

(3) Any vacancy which occurs prior to the expiration of the term for which a member of the board has been appointed shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.

(4) The board shall elect from its members a president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer, and such other officers as it may deem necessary. The duties of the officers shall be fixed by the bylaws adopted by the board.

(5) The minute books and archives of the district shall be maintained by the secretary of the board. The monies, funds, and accounts of the district shall be in the official custody of the board.

(6) The board shall adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or advisable for conducting its business affairs. It shall hold regular meetings as shall be provided for in the bylaws and may hold special meetings at such times and places within the district as may be prescribed in the bylaws.

(7) A majority of the voting members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The board shall keep minutes of all meetings and shall make them available through the secretary of the board to residents of the district.

(8) The members of the board shall serve without compensation; however, they may be reimbursed for expenses incurred while attending to the business of the board or the district.

E. The district, acting by and through its board, shall have and exercise all powers of a political subdivision necessary or convenient for carrying out its objects and purposes, including but not limited to the following:

(1) To sue and to be sued.

(2) To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.

(3) To adopt bylaws and rules and regulations.

(4) To receive by gift, grant, or donation any sum of money, property, aid, or assistance from the United States, the state of Louisiana, or any political subdivision thereof, or any person, firm, or corporation.

(5) To enter into contracts, agreements, or cooperative endeavors with the state and its political subdivisions or political corporations and with any public or private association, corporation, business entity, or individual.

(6) To appoint officers, agents, and employees; prescribe their duties; and fix their compensation.

(7) To acquire by purchase, gift, grant, donation, or lease property as may be necessary or desirable for carrying out the objectives and purposes of the board.

(8) To fund and host festivals, parades, and other arts and cultural activities.

(9) To perform any other necessary and ancillary acts to effectuate its functions, to perform its duties, or to give effect to its powers in accordance with this Section.

F.(1) In addition to the authority provided to the district by this Section, the district may levy and collect a sales and use tax within the boundaries of the district not to exceed one percent.

(2) The tax shall be imposed by resolution of the board and shall be levied upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, the distribution, and the storage for use or consumption of tangible personal property or digital products and upon the sales of services within the boundaries of the district, all as defined in R.S. 47:301 et seq. However, the resolution imposing the tax shall be adopted only after the proposition authorizing the levy of the tax is approved by a majority of the qualified electors of the district voting on the proposition at an election held for that purpose and conducted in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code. The purpose and rate of the tax shall be as provided in the resolution.

(3) Except where inapplicable, the procedure established by R.S. 47:301 et seq. shall be followed in the imposition, collection, and enforcement of the tax, and procedural details necessary to supplement those Sections and to make them applicable to the tax authorized in this Subsection shall be fixed in the resolution imposing the tax.

(4) The tax shall be imposed and collected uniformly throughout the jurisdiction of the district.

(5) The tax levied pursuant to this Subsection shall be in addition to all other taxes other political subdivisions within the jurisdiction of the district are authorized to levy and collect.

(6) Any monies received by the district shall be used exclusively for the benefit of the district.

G.(1)(a) In addition to any authority provided to the district by this Section, the district shall have the authority provided to an economic development district by Part II of Chapter 27 of this Title to implement tax increment financing and may issue revenue bonds payable from an irrevocable pledge and dedication of up to the full amount of tax increments available to an economic development district as provided in this Section and in such Part to be derived from any project or projects of the district as provided for in this Section, or parts of the projects, in an amount to be determined as provided for in this Section, in order to finance or refinance any project or projects, or parts thereof, which are consistent with the purposes of the district.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any portion of the tax of any local governmental subdivision or other tax recipient body may only be used as a tax increment for tax increment financing purposes with the consent of the local governmental subdivision or other tax recipient body expressed by ordinance or resolution and upon approval of a majority of the qualified electors voting at an election held for that purpose and conducted in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code.

(2) For purposes of the tax increment financing authority derived from Part II of Chapter 27 of this Title which is conferred upon the district by this Section, and only for purposes of this Section, "local governmental subdivision" as defined in such Part shall include the parish of Iberia and all political subdivisions within the parish.

(3) For purposes of this Section, a tax increment shall consist of that portion of any tax levied within the district by a local governmental subdivision or other tax recipient body determined and pledged in the manner provided for in Part II of Chapter 27 of this Title. However, if the proceeds of the tax have been expressly dedicated to another purpose set forth in a proposition approved by the electorate of the local governmental subdivision or other tax recipient body, then the tax proceeds may not be used as a tax increment until a proposition which authorizes the use is submitted to and approved by the electorate.

H. The district shall dissolve and cease to exist one year after the date that all bonds, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness of the district, including refunding bonds, are paid in full as to both principal and interest.

Acts 2025, No. 138, §1, eff. June 8, 2025.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:130.474 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 130.474
Economic, industrial, tourism, and recreational development
Status: in_force

A.(1) The district may construct and acquire facilities, including the acquisition of sites and other necessary property or appurtenances thereto within the district, or outside the district if the project is undertaken conjointly with other local units of government, under the authority of the local services law, R.S. 33:1321 et seq., or other authorizing authority, and to acquire, construct, improve, operate, maintain, and provide improvements and services necessary therefor, including but not limited to recreational facilities, tourism facilities, roads, street lighting, bridges, rail facilities, drainage, sewerage disposal facilities, solid waste disposal facilities, waterworks, and other utilities and related properties.

(2) The district may sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of, by suitable and appropriate contract, to any enterprise locating or existing within the district all or any part of a site, building, or other property owned by the district. In determining the consideration for any contract to lease, sell, or otherwise dispose of lands, buildings, or other property of the district, the board may take into consideration the value of the lands, buildings, or other properties involved as well as the potential value of the economic impact of the enterprise being induced to locate or expand within the district. Such economic impact shall include increased employment, increased use of local labor, wages and salaries to be paid, consumption of local materials, products, and resources, and special tax revenues to be generated by the enterprise acquiring or leasing lands, buildings, or other property from the district. The district may enter into leases.

(3) The resolution adopted by the board authorizing any lease, sale, or other disposition of lands, buildings, or other property of the district or any attachment thereto shall set forth, in a general way, the terms of the authorized lease, sale, or other disposition, and such resolution shall be published as soon as possible in one issue of the official journal of the district. For a period of thirty days from the date of publication of any such resolution, any interested person may contest the legality of such resolution or the validity of the authorized lease, sale, or other disposition of district property, after which time no one shall have any cause of action to contest the legality of said resolution or to draw in question the legality of the authorized lease, sale, or other disposition of district property for any cause whatsoever, and it shall be conclusively presumed thereafter that every legal requirement has been complied with and no court shall have authority to inquire into such matters after the lapse of said thirty days.

B. The district shall have the following additional powers, together with all powers incidental thereto or necessary for the performance of those hereinafter stated:

(1) To acquire, whether by purchase, expropriation, exchange, gift, lease, or otherwise, and to construct and improve, maintain, equip, and furnish one or more economic development projects, including all immovable and movable properties which the board may deem necessary in connection therewith.

(2) To lease or to contract for the use of any or all of its authorized projects and to charge and collect rent, fees, or charges therefor, and to terminate any such lease or contractual arrangement upon the failure of the lessee or contracting party to comply with any of the obligations thereof all as may be provided for in the lease agreement to which the district may become a party.

(3) To sell, exchange, donate, and convey any or all of its projects upon such terms and conditions as the board may deem advisable, including the power to receive for any such sale the first mortgage note or notes of the purchaser of a project representing unpaid installments of the purchase price due by the purchaser to the district whenever the board finds any such actions to be in furtherance of the purposes for which the district was organized.

(4) As security for the payment of the principal of and interest on any bonds, notes, or other obligations of the district and any agreements made in connection therewith, to mortgage and pledge any or all of its projects or any part or parts thereof, whether then owned or thereafter acquired, and to pledge the revenues and receipts therefrom or from any other source.

(5)(a) To enter into any cooperative financing associated with economic and industrial development between or among the district and the state, any of its local governmental subdivisions, political corporations, or public benefit corporations, the United States or its agencies, or any public or private association, corporation, or individual.

(b) To enter into economic or industrial development, or recreational or tourism projects between or among the district and the state, any of its local governmental subdivisions, political corporations, or public benefit corporations, the United States or its agencies, or any public or private association, corporation, or individual. Said methods of cooperative development shall include but not be limited to any number of joint development agreements and cooperative ownership, limited partnerships, and investment syndicates not prohibited by the Constitution of Louisiana. Regardless of the method of financing, the district shall attempt to obtain the most favorable arrangement available in order to protect and ensure economic and industrial development.

(c) To cooperate with and to engage in cooperative endeavors with other persons and entities as provided by Article VII, Section 21(H) of the Constitution of Louisiana to provide a means by which owners of such properties who expand, restore, improve, and develop them may pay ad valorem taxes for five years based upon the assessed valuation of the property for the year prior to the commencement of the expansion, restoration, improvement, or development.

Acts 1993, No. 807, §1, eff. June 22, 1993.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:140.9 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 140.9
General purpose of the plan
Status: in_force

In the preparation of the master plan, the commission shall make careful and comprehensive surveys and studies of the existing conditions and probable future growth of the municipality. The plan shall be made with the general purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the metropolitan planning area which will, in accordance with existing and future needs, best promote public health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, or the general welfare, as well as efficiency and economy in the process of development.

Acts 1962, No. 52, §9; Acts 2020, No. 294, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:3073 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 3073
Continued levy of tax by East Baton Rouge Parish
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, upon incorporation of Central, the parish may continue to levy and collect the parish tax within the corporate limits of the municipality, pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement between the parish and municipality, for the purpose of providing essential public services to, or funding essential public services for, the citizens within Central until the Central Transition District levies and collects a two percent sales and use tax, the municipality levies and collects a two percent sales and use tax, the end of the quarter following the election to impose the municipal tax if the proposition is not approved by the electorate, or twelve months after the incorporation becomes final, whichever occurs first.

Acts 2005, No. 10, §1, eff. June 9, 2005.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:1261.7 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 1261.7
Federal and state aid
Status: in_force

Ambulance service districts created hereunder shall have full power to do such things and enter into such contracts and agreements with the United States of America or with any state or federal agency or instrumentality as may be necessary to procure aids and grants to assist such districts in carrying out the purposes for which they are created.

Added by Acts 1982, No. 39, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:1404 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 1404
Enabling authority for emergency interim successors for local offices
Status: in_force

With respect to local offices for which the legislative bodies of municipalities, parishes and other units of local government may enact resolutions or ordinances relative to the manner in which vacancies will be filled or temporary appointments to office made, such legislative bodies are hereby authorized to enact resolutions or ordinances providing for emergency interim successors to offices of the aforementioned governmental units. Such resolutions and ordinances shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the Part.

Acts 1963, No. 114, §4.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:9091.6 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 9091.6
Upper Hurstville Security District
Status: in_force

A. Creation. There is hereby created within the parish of Orleans, as more specifically provided in Subsection B of this Section, a body politic and corporate which shall be known as the Upper Hurstville Security District, referred to in this Section as the "district". The district shall be a political subdivision of the state as defined in the Constitution of Louisiana.

B. Boundaries. The boundaries of the district shall be that area aligned within the following perimeter: Exposition Boulevard to Prytania Street to Nashville Avenue to Magazine Street and back to Exposition Boulevard.

C. Purpose. The district is established for the primary object and purpose of promoting and encouraging security in the area included within the district and promoting and encouraging the overall betterment of the district.

D. Governance. (1) The district shall be managed by a nine-member board of commissioners, referred to in this Section as the "board". The board shall be composed as follows:

(a) The president of the Upper Hurstville Residents Association.

(b) The board of directors of the Upper Hurstville Residents Association shall appoint four members.

(c) The mayor of the city of New Orleans shall appoint one member to the board from a list of nominations submitted by the Upper Hurstville Residents Association.

(d) The state representative for the House of Representatives district which encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district shall appoint one member from a list of nominations submitted by the Upper Hurstville Residents Association.

(e) The state senator for the Senate district encompassing all or the greater portion of the area of the district shall appoint one member from a list of nominations submitted by the Upper Hurstville Residents Association.

(f) The member of the governing authority of the city of New Orleans whose council district encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the security district shall appoint one member from a list of nominations submitted by the Upper Hurstville Residents Association.

(2) All members of the board shall be residents of the district.

(3)(a) Board members serving pursuant to Subparagraphs (1)(b) through (f) of this Subsection shall serve four-year terms after initial terms as provided in this Subparagraph. Two members shall serve an initial term of one year; two shall serve an initial term of two years; two shall serve an initial term of three years; and two shall serve an initial term of four years, as determined by lot.

(b) The member serving pursuant to Subparagraph (1)(a) of this Subsection shall serve during his term of office as president of the Upper Hurstville Residents Association.

(c) Any vacancy which occurs prior to the expiration of the term for which a member of the board has been appointed shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment. Board members shall be eligible for reappointment.

(4) The board shall elect from its members a chairman, a vice chairman, a secretary, a treasurer, and such other officers as it may deem necessary. The duties of the officers shall be fixed by the bylaws adopted by the board.

(5) The minute books and archives of the district shall be maintained by the secretary or the treasurer of the board. The monies, funds, and accounts of the district shall be in the official custody of the board.

(6) The board shall adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary or advisable for conducting its business affairs. Rules and regulations of the board relative to the notice and conduct of meetings shall conform to applicable law, including laws relative to open meetings. The board shall hold regular meetings as shall be provided for in the bylaws and may hold special meetings at such times and places within the district as may be prescribed in the bylaws.

(7) A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The board shall keep minutes of all meetings and shall make them available through the secretary of the board to residents of the district.

(8) The members of the board shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the governance of the district.

(9) Each member of the board shall have one vote. The vote of a majority of the members of the board present and voting, a quorum being present, shall be required to decide any question upon which the board takes action.

E. Powers and duties. The district, acting through its board, shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To sue and be sued.

(2) To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.

(3) To receive and expend funds collected pursuant to Subsection F of this Section and in accordance with a budget adopted as provided by Subsection H of this Section.

(4) To enter into contracts with individuals or entities, private or public.

(5) To provide or enhance security patrols in the district, to provide for improved lighting, signage, or matters relating to the security of the district, to provide for the improvements of the district, or to provide generally for the overall betterment of the district.

(6) To enter into contracts and agreements with one or more other districts for the joint security, improvement, or betterment of all participating districts.

(7) To provide for such services and make such expenditures as the board deems proper for the upkeep of the district.

(8) To acquire or lease items and supplies which the board deems instrumental to achieving the purposes of the district.

(9) To acquire, lease, insure, and sell real property within the boundaries of the district.

(10) To procure and maintain liability insurance against any personal or legal liability of a board member that may be asserted or incurred based upon his service as a member of the board or that may arise as a result of his actions taken within the scope and discharge of his duties as a member of the board.

(11) To perform or have performed any other function or activity necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the district or for the overall betterment of the district.

F. Parcel fee. The governing authority of the city of New Orleans is hereby authorized to impose and collect a parcel fee within the district subject to and in accordance with the provisions of this Subsection:

(1) The amount of the fee shall be as requested by duly adopted resolution of the board. The fee shall be a flat fee per parcel of land. The fee shall not exceed six hundred fifty dollars per year.

(2)(a) The fee shall be imposed on each parcel located within the district except as provided in Paragraph (4) of this Subsection.

(b) For purposes of this Section, "parcel" means a lot, a subdivided portion of ground, an individual tract, or a "condominium parcel" as defined in R.S. 9:1121.103.

(c) The owner of each parcel shall be responsible for payment of the fee.

(3)(a) The fee shall be imposed only after the question of its imposition has been approved by a majority of the registered voters of the district who vote on the proposition at an election held for that purpose in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code. The amount of the fee may be changed by duly adopted resolution of the board, not to exceed the maximum amount authorized as provided in this Subsection. No other election shall be required except as provided by this Paragraph.

(b) The fee shall expire eight years after its initial levy but may be renewed if approved by a majority of the registered voters of the district voting on the proposition at an election as provided in Subparagraph (a) of this Paragraph. Any election to authorize the renewal of the fee shall be held for that purpose in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code. If the fee is renewed, the term of the imposition of the fee shall be as provided in the proposition authorizing such renewal, not to exceed eight years.

(4) No fee shall be imposed upon any parcel whose owner qualifies for the special assessment level provided by Article VII, Section 18(G)(1) of the Constitution of Louisiana.

(5) The fee shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ad valorem taxes on property subject to taxation by the city are collected.

(6) Any parcel fee which is unpaid shall be added to the tax rolls of the city and shall be enforced with the same authority and subject to the same penalties and procedures as unpaid ad valorem taxes.

(7)(a) The proceeds of the fee shall be used solely and exclusively for the purpose and benefit of the district; however, the city may retain one percent of the amount collected as a collection fee.

(b) The city of New Orleans shall remit to the district all amounts collected not more than sixty days after collection.

G. Additional contributions. The district is authorized to solicit and accept additional voluntary contributions and grants to further the purposes of the district.

H. Budget. (1) The board of commissioners shall adopt an annual budget in accordance with the Local Government Budget Act, R.S. 39:1301 et seq.

(2) The district shall be subject to audit by the legislative auditor pursuant to R.S. 24:513.

I. Miscellaneous provisions. It is the purpose and intent of this Section that any additional security patrols, public or private, or any other security or other services or betterments provided by the district shall be supplemental to and not be in lieu of personnel and services to be provided in the district by the state or the city of New Orleans or their departments or agencies or by other political subdivisions.

J. Merger and dissolution. (1) A majority of the area covered by the district may be merged with the majority of the area covered by another district that serves similar purposes without the vote of the registered voters of the district, if such merger is approved by resolution of the board of each such district by the affirmative vote of not less than five members of each respective board. Such merger may create a new district comprised of the majority of the area of each district or provide that the merged portion of one district shall become a part of the other district. If the merger creates a new district, the resolution of each board shall also provide for the dissolution of the respective district. If the merger merges a part of one district into another district, the resolution of the district of which part is being merged into another district shall also provide for the dissolution of the district. Such resolutions shall provide for the effective date of the merger and the dissolution of the district or districts and for the imposition of a uniform fee as levied pursuant to Subsection F of this Section. If a major portion of the area of a district is merged into a new district or into another district in accordance with this Paragraph, the funds of the district that relate to the portion of the district that is included in the new district or the other district, as the case may be, together with any other funds that relate to such portion of the district that are collected by the city of New Orleans pursuant to law relative to the district, shall be transferred to the new or other district to be used for purposes of such district. The remaining portion of funds, if any, shall be transmitted by the board to the city of New Orleans, and such funds shall be used only for law enforcement, security, improvement, and beautification purposes of the area that was formerly within the district but is not included in the merged district.

(2) The legal authority for any district created by merger or for the merger of a part of a district into an existing district, as authorized by Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, shall terminate sixty days after the next regularly scheduled mayoral primary election after such merger is effective unless such merger is approved by a majority of the voters of the merged district voting on the proposition at a regularly scheduled election prior to such termination date.

K. Indemnification and exculpation. (1) The district shall indemnify its officers and board members to the fullest extent permitted by R.S. 12:227, as fully as if the district were a nonprofit corporation governed thereby, and as may be provided in the district's bylaws.

(2) No board member or officer of the district shall be liable to the district or to any individual who resides, owns property, visits, or otherwise conducts business in the district for monetary damages for breach of his duties as a board member or officer, provided that the foregoing provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a board member or officer for any of the following:

(a) Acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law.

(b) Any transaction from which he derived an improper personal benefit.

(3) To the fullest extent permitted by R.S. 9:2792 et seq., including R.S. 9:2792.1 through 2792.9, a person serving the district as a board member or officer shall not be individually liable for any act or omission arising out of the performance of his duties.

Acts 2003, No. 447, §1, eff. June 20, 2003; Acts 2009, No. 148, §1; Acts 2010, No. 28, §1, eff. May 26, 2010.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:9034 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 9034
Direct participation by local governmental subdivisions
Status: in_force

A local governmental subdivision may by resolution or ordinance propose to carry out the purposes of this Chapter without the necessity of creating and organizing an economic development corporation. Any local governmental subdivision that proposes to carry out the purposes of this Chapter in such a manner shall have all of the powers, rights, duties, and obligations of such a corporation under this Chapter and may do any act or take any action which such a corporation is authorized to do under this Chapter.

Acts 1990, No. 1082, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:4546.13 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 4546.13
Refunding bonds
Status: in_force

A. The authority is hereby authorized to provide by resolution for the issuance of revenue refunding bonds of the authority for the purpose of refunding any revenue bonds then outstanding and issued under the provisions of this Chapter, whether or not such outstanding bonds have matured or are then subject to redemption. The authority is further authorized to provide by resolution for the issuance of a single issue of revenue bonds of the authority for the combined purposes of:

(1) Paying the costs of any project, and

(2) Refunding revenue bonds of the authority which shall theretofore have been issued under the provisions of this Chapter and shall then be outstanding, whether or not such outstanding bonds have matured or are then subject to redemption.

B. The issuance of such bonds, the maturities, and other details thereof, the rights and remedies of the holders thereof, and the rights, powers, privileges, duties, and obligations of the authority with respect to the same, shall be governed by the foregoing provisions of this Chapter insofar as the same may be applicable.

Acts 1988, No. 412, §1.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:1349 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 1349
Excess insurance
Status: in_force

A. An interlocal risk management agency shall maintain at all times a contract or contracts of specific excess insurance or aggregate excess insurance in an amount as may be stipulated or approved by the commissioner of insurance for any or all forms of insurance risks, except as otherwise stated in this Section.

B. The agency shall provide statutory workers' compensation benefits and shall maintain at all times a contract or contracts of specific excess of at least two million dollars per occurrence and a contract or contracts of aggregate excess of at least two million dollars. The effective date for such excess and aggregate amounts shall be the first day of the fund year following the effective date of this bill.

C. Nothing herein shall be construed to in any way reduce or limit a participant's rights or obligations with respect to his or its employees under the other provisions of this Subpart.

D. An interlocal risk management agency shall maintain at all times a contract or contracts of specific excess insurance of at least one million dollars and aggregate stop loss insurance of at least one million dollars with respect to accident and health coverage claims.

E. An interlocal risk management agency may pool any excess funds, if any, after payment of claims and cost of administration of a fund, as determined at the end of each fund year, with excess funds of another fund, and use such pooled excess funds to establish a special loss reserve fund for the purpose of reinsuring all or any part of the excess insurance amounts otherwise required by Subsections A, B, and D of this Section. Such special loss reserve fund shall not constitute doing insurance business or be deemed to constitute insurance as defined by R.S. 22:46, nor shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 1 of Title 22 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

F. An interlocal risk management agency may, either in its own name or jointly with another such interlocal risk management agency, use such pooled excess funds to form an insurance company under the provisions of Title 22 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 for the purpose of reinsuring the risks of the interlocal risk management agency or agencies whose pooled excess funds are so used.

Added by Acts 1979, No. 462, §1. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 808, §1, eff. Aug. 2, 1981; Acts 1982, No. 454, §1; Acts 1983, 1st Ex.Sess., No. 1, §6; Acts 1985, No. 230, §1; Acts 1986, No. 640, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1084, §1; Acts 2008, No. 415, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2009.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:130.544 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 130.544
Industrial development
Status: in_force

NOTE: R.S. 33:130.544 repealed by Acts 2001, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 2, §3, eff. upon transfer to the military department of the state pursuant to R.S. 29:33.2. See Section 5 of Act 2.

A.(1) The district shall have the power to construct and acquire aviation facilities, industrial parks and industrial plant buildings, and subordinate and related facilities, including the acquisition of sites and other necessary property or appurtenances thereto within the district, or outside the district if the project is undertaken conjointly with another state or with other local units of government, under the authority of the Local Services Law, R.S. 33:1321 et seq., or other authorizing authority, and to acquire, construct, improve, operate, maintain, and provide improvements and services necessary therefor, including but not limited to roads, street lighting, bridges, rail facilities, aviation facilities, drainage, sewers, sewerage disposal facilities, waterworks, and other utilities and related properties.

(2) The district shall also have the authority to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of, by suitable and appropriate contract, to any enterprise locating or existing within the district all or any part of a site, building, or other property owned by the district. In determining the consideration for any contract to lease, sell, or otherwise dispose of lands, buildings, or other property of the district, the board of commissioners may take into consideration the value of the lands, buildings, or other properties involved as well as the potential value of the economic impact of the enterprise being induced to locate or expand within the district. Such economic impact shall include increased employment, increased use of local labor, wages and salaries to be paid, consumption of local materials, products, and resources, and special tax revenues to be generated by the enterprise acquiring or leasing lands, buildings, or other property from the district. The board shall not dispose of any property of the district for less than the fair market value of the property as defined in R.S. 47:2321, at the time of the sale, lease, or contract arrangement without the prior approval of the State Bond Commission. The district shall be empowered to enter into leases having a term, including all renewal terms, not to exceed fifty years in the aggregate. The approval of the State Bond Commission shall be conclusive for purposes of compliance with the requirements of this Paragraph.

(3)(a) The board shall authorize any lease, sale, or other disposition of lands, buildings, or other property of the district or any attachment thereto by resolution or ordinance. Any such resolution or ordinance adopted by the board of commissioners shall set forth, in a general way, the terms of the authorized lease, sale, or other disposition, and such resolution or ordinance shall be published as soon as possible in one issue of the official journal of the district.

(b) For a period of thirty days from the date of publication of any such resolution or ordinance, any interested person may contest the legality of such resolution or ordinance or the validity of the authorized lease, sale, or other disposition of district property, after which time no one shall have any cause of action to contest the legality of said resolution or ordinance or to draw in question the legality of the authorized lease, sale, or other disposition of district property for any cause whatsoever, and it shall be conclusively presumed thereafter that every legal requirement has been complied with and no court shall have authority to inquire into such matters after the lapse of said thirty days.

B. The district shall have the following additional powers, together with all powers incidental thereto or necessary for the performance of those hereinafter stated:

(1) To acquire, whether by purchase, expropriation, exchange, gift, lease, or otherwise, and to construct and improve, maintain, equip, and furnish one or more economic and/or industrial development projects, including all immovable and movable properties which the board of commissioners may deem necessary in connection therewith.

(2) To lease or to contract for the use of any or all of its authorized projects and to charge and collect rent, fees, or charges therefor, and to terminate any such lease or contractual arrangement upon the failure of the lessee or contracting party to comply with any of the obligations thereof all as may be provided for in the lease agreement to which the district may become a party.

(3) To sell, exchange, donate, and convey any or all of its projects upon such terms and conditions as the board of commissioners may deem advisable, including the power to receive for any such sale the first mortgage note or notes of the purchaser of a project representing unpaid installments of the purchase price due by the purchaser to the district whenever the board of commissioners finds any such actions to be in furtherance of the purposes for which the district was organized.

(4)(a) To enter into any cooperative financing of an economic development project between or among the district and the state, any of its local governmental subdivisions, political corporations or public benefit corporations, the United States or its agencies, or any public or private association, corporation, or individual. Said methods of financing shall include loans, loan guarantees, land write-downs, grants, lease guarantees, or any form of financial subsidy or incentive that complies with the provisions of Article VII, Section 14 of the Constitution of Louisiana.

(b) To enter into any cooperative development between or among the district and the state, any of its local governmental subdivisions, political corporations or public benefit corporations, the United States or its agencies, or any public or private association, corporation, or individual. Regardless of the method of financing, the district shall attempt to obtain the most favorable security available in order to protect and ensure recovery of sums loaned or paid pursuant to such financing.

(c) "Cooperative endeavor" means any form of economic or industrial development assistance between or among the district and the state, any of its local governmental subdivisions, political corporations or public benefit corporations, the United States or its agencies, or any public or private association, corporation, or individual. The term "cooperative endeavor" shall include but not be limited to cooperative financing, cooperative development, or any other form of cooperative economic development activity.

Acts 1995, No. 986, §1; Acts 2001, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 2, §3.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:2021 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 2021
Municipalities and persons affected
Status: in_force

R.S. 33:2022 through 33:2042 apply to any municipality, whether existing under special charter or under general law, having a population of less than twenty-five thousand and maintaining a regular fire department with equipment of the value of not less than one thousand dollars.

As used in R.S. 33:2022 through 33:2042, the word "fireman" includes persons employed or engaged by the municipality in fire fighting or fire prevention services, including operators of fire alarms or signal systems, and the chief of the department. It does not include employees of privately owned and operated fire fighting or fire prevention services.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:461 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 461
Assessment and collection of municipal taxes; tax sales; sale to municipality
Status: in_force

A.(1)(a) The municipal assessment of property for taxation shall be made by the clerk or tax collector, by copying from the parish assessment rolls that portion which embraces property or persons within the corporate limits. The copy may be made at any time after the assessment rolls are approved, and all changes in the parish assessment thereafter made shall likewise be made in the copy. The copy shall be placed in the hands of the municipal tax collector and be his warrant for the collection of municipal taxes.

(b) Notwithstanding any other laws to the contrary, the city of Lake Charles may prorate municipal ad valorem taxes on property which has been annexed into the city for the year in which the taxes are first applicable and due. The taxes shall be prorated based upon the effective date of the annexation in order to reflect that portion of the year that the property was actually within the corporate limits.

(2) In all cases where persons or property have escaped taxation for a previous year, the clerk shall assess the same for taxation, and his assessment, when approved by the mayor and board of aldermen, on notice to the person assessed, shall be binding and conclusive, unless appealed from within five days after their approval.

(3) The mayor and board of aldermen shall levy the municipal taxes at the regular meeting in September of each year, or, in case of failure to do so, at any other regular meeting thereafter.

(4)(a) The tax collector shall collect municipal taxes during the time and in the same manner and under the same penalties as the state and parish taxes are collected. He shall, where not otherwise provided, in all particulars, be governed by the general revenue laws of this state, so far as applicable, in making such collection; but he shall make the reports thereby required to the mayor and board of aldermen, and shall pay over the money collected to the municipal treasurer; and shall receive only such commission or compensation as may be allowed by ordinance.

(b) Notwithstanding any other laws to the contrary, property taxes for the city of Westwego shall be due and payable each year on March thirty-first. The tax collector for the city of Westwego shall collect municipal taxes for each year no later than March thirty-first of the year following the calendar year for which the assessment rolls are approved. Otherwise, he shall collect them as provided in this Section and other applicable laws.

B.(1) Sales for the nonpayment of municipal taxes shall be made by the tax collector at such place, within the corporate limits as the mayor and board of aldermen may direct. The sale of real estate and the distraint and sale of personal property shall be made upon the same notice, at the same time, and in the same manner as provided by law for sale of like property for unpaid state and parish taxes.

(2) The deed to the purchasers for lands so sold shall be filed with the parish clerk of court, and there remain subject to redemption for the same length of time, and in the same manner as prescribed for the redemption of land sold for state and parish taxes.

(3) Where lands are offered for sale for unpaid municipal taxes, and a person will not bid therefor, the amount of taxes, damages, and costs due the same shall be struck off to the municipality, and otherwise dealt with as lands which are sold to the state for delinquent state and parish taxes. The board may pay the state and parish taxes on lands thus acquired by it, and collect the money thus paid, with the damages and interest allowed individuals in similar cases under the general revenue laws of the state thereon, from the date of such payment, upon the redemption of the lands from the municipal sale.

(4) The deeds of the tax collectors to individuals and a list of the lands sold to the municipality, which shall be made as required to be made by the state and parish collector, shall be filed within ten days after the tax sale, with the municipal clerk. Each shall have the same force and effect, and confer the same right, and be entitled to the same remedies, as deeds and lists made for delinquent taxes by the state and parish tax collector, but such title shall be subject to a title acquired under a sale for state and parish taxes.

C.(1) If the governing authority of the town of Sterlington or Richwood enters an agreement pursuant to R.S. 47:2051.1, the provisions of Subsections A and B of this Section shall not apply to the municipality to the extent they are in conflict with R.S. 47:2051.1 and any agreement authorized by and entered into pursuant thereto.

(2) If the governing authority of the city of Denham Springs enters an agreement pursuant to R.S. 47:2051.2, the provisions of Subsections A and B of this Section shall not apply to the municipality to the extent they are in conflict with R.S. 47:2051.2 and any agreement authorized by and entered into pursuant thereto.

Acts 1997, No. 1044, §2; Acts 1999, No. 1106, §2; Acts 2003, No. 284, §1, eff. June 10, 2003; Acts 2003, No. 1112, §1, eff. July 2, 2003.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:2740.39 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 2740.39
Opelousas Downtown Development District
Status: in_force

A. There is hereby created a body politic and corporate of the state which shall exist in perpetuity and be known as the Opelousas Downtown Development District, hereinafter referred to as the "district." The boundaries of the district shall include the following perimeter: beginning at I-49, Exit 19 Ramp where ramp crosses over E. Grolee Street; then proceeding south along I-49 S. Service Road to the intersection of E. Laurent Street; then proceeding west to the intersection of Vincent Street; then proceeding north to the intersection of E. South Street; then proceeding west to the intersection of S. King Street; then proceeding south to the intersection of E. Madison Street; then proceeding west to the intersection of S. Walnut Street; then proceeding south to the intersection of Leonard Street; then proceeding east to the intersection of Edith Street; then proceeding south to the intersection of Creswell Lane; then proceeding west to the intersection of Joyce Drive; then proceeding south to the intersection of Abdalla Blvd.; then proceeding south to Hemlock Drive; then proceeding south to the intersection of Heather Drive; then proceeding west to the intersection of Heather Drive and the eastern boundary line of the Parcel No. 10579100; then continuing south approximately 210 feet along the eastern boundary to the southeast property corner of Parcel No. 10579100 located in the southeast quadrant of the S. Union Street and Heather Drive intersection; then proceeding west approximately 400 feet along the southern boundary of Parcel No. 10579100 to the intersection with South Union Street; then proceeding south along South Union Street for approximately 140 feet to the intersection with the southern boundary line of Parcel No. 101858300 located in the southwest quadrant of the S. Union Street and Heather Drive intersection; then proceeding west approximately 525 feet along the southern boundary to the southwest property corner of Parcel No. 101858300; then proceeding north for approximately 800 feet along Parcel No. 101858300 and 0105789500 western boundary line to northwest property corner located in the northwest quadrant of the S. Union Street and Heather Drive intersection; then proceeding east along the northern boundary of Parcel No. 0105789500 for approximately 850 feet to the western right-of-way line of S. Union Street; then proceeding in a northern direction along the western right-of-way line of S. Union Street for approximately 3,300 feet to the southern boundary of Parcel No. 9110421578; then proceeding west along the southern boundary of Parcel No. 9110421578 to the intersection with Bayou Tesson; then proceeding north along Bayou Tesson to the intersection with the northern boundary of Parcel No. 9110421578; then proceeding east along the northern boundary of Parcel No. 9110421578 to the intersection with the western right-of-way line of S. Union Street; then proceeding in a northern direction along the western right-of-way line of S. Union Street to the intersection with E. Bertheaud Ave.; then proceeding west to the intersection of S. Court Street; then proceeding north to the intersection of W. South Street; then proceeding west to the intersection of S. Bullard Street; then proceeding north to the intersection of W. Bellevue Street; then proceeding east to the intersection of S. Court Street; then proceeding north to Redmond Street; then continuing north to the intersection of E. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive; then proceeding east to the intersection of Main Street; then continuing east to the projected intersection of E. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Cherokee Drive; then proceeding north along Cherokee Drive until intersection with Natchez Blvd.; then proceeding west along Natchez Blvd. to the intersection with a line located 350 feet east and parallel to Main Street; then proceeding south along said line running parallel to Main Street to the intersection of E. Prudhomme Lane; then proceeding west to the eastern right-of-way line of Main Street; then proceeding south along the eastern right-of-way line of Main Street to the intersection of E. Church Street; then proceeding east to the intersection of N. Union Street; then proceeding south to the intersection of Perry Lane; then proceeding east to the intersection of N. Walnut Street; then proceeding south to the intersection of E. Bellevue Street; then proceeding east to the intersection of N. Cane Street; then proceeding north to the intersection of E. Grolee Street; then proceeding east on E. Grolee Street until street crosses under I-49, Exit 19 Ramp. The district shall be a political subdivision of the state as defined in the Constitution of Louisiana. The district, acting through its board of commissioners as the governing authority of the district, is hereby granted all of the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities accorded by laws and the Constitution of Louisiana to political subdivisions of the state, including but not limited to the power to incur debt and issue revenue and general obligation bonds, to issue certificates of indebtedness, to issue bonds and certificate anticipation notes, to issue refunding bonds, and the power of taxation, subject to the limitations hereinafter provided.

B. The district is created for the objectives and purposes of:

(1) Reversing the deterioration in property value in the district to ensure the public health, safety and welfare of the city of Opelousas, and to strengthen downtown as the city's center of commercial, civic and cultural activity.

(2) Accepting title from or contracting with the city of Opelousas or the parish of St. Landry concerning any or all immovable and movable property and improvements owned or acquired by the city of Opelousas or the parish of St. Landry.

(3) Acquiring land, real and personal property, and improvements from any other sources, entities, or persons.

(4) Utilizing any land, real or personal property, and improvements to enhance economic benefits generated in the city of Opelousas through diversified activities, including but not limited to:

(a) Planning land use and development to foster creation of new jobs, economic development, industry, health care, commerce, manufacturing, tourism, relocation of people and businesses to the area, shipbuilding, aviation, military, warehousing, transportation, offices, recreation, housing development, conservation, residential development, and subdivision development.

(b) Constructing, operating, and maintaining facilities, improvements, and infrastructure, including buildings, roads, bridges, drainage, and utilities.

(c) Planning, developing, building, constructing, operating, regulating, maintaining, selling, and transferring any residential or subdivision land, real and personal property, and improvements.

C.(1) The district shall be governed by a board of commissioners, hereinafter referred to as the "board," consisting of seven members. The members shall be appointed as follows:

(a) One member appointed by the mayor of the city of Opelousas from the office of the City of Opelousas Tourism, the Opelousas Historic District, or the Opelousas Main Street, Inc.

(b) One member appointed by the St. Landry Economic Industrial Development District, who shall be an active member of the St. Landry Parish Economic Industrial Development District and reside within the city of Opelousas.

(c) One member appointed by the member of the Louisiana Senate who represents the area which comprises the district.

(d) One member appointed by the member of the Louisiana House of Representatives who represents the area which comprises the district.

(e) One member appointed by the city council of Opelousas who owns property in the district and has general experience in business management.

(f) One member appointed from the membership of Vision St. Landry.

(g) One member appointed by the St. Landry Parish president with experience in the profession of engineering or community planning.

(2)(a) The St. Landry Parish Economic and Industrial Development District director or his designee shall serve as interim Downtown Development director until the district is financially able to permanently hire a director. The interim director shall be responsible for all administrative duties such as but not limited to the daily operation as authorized by this Section.

(b) Notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, eight percent of the district's annual revenue shall be paid to the St. Landry Parish Economic and Industrial Development District.

(3)(a) Each member appointed to the board shall be a citizen of the United States, a domiciliary of and a qualified voter in the parish of St. Landry and shall remain a domiciliary of and a qualified voter in the parish of St. Landry during the entirety of the term of office.

(b) No elected official shall be a member of the board during his service in elective office.

(4)(a) The initial appointees shall draw lots to determine their terms of office as follows:

(i) One member shall serve a two-year term.

(ii) One member shall serve a three-year term.

(iii) One member shall serve a four-year term.

(iv) Two members shall serve a five-year term.

(v) Two members shall serve a six-year term.

(b) The term of office of members of the board shall be four years.

(5) Any member who misses fifty percent of the board's meetings, regular or special, in any calendar year shall be disqualified and removed automatically from office and that person's position shall be vacant, as of the first day of the next calendar month. The vacated position shall be filled by appointment of the entity that appointed the member for the balance of the vacated term. The former member shall not be eligible for reappointment until expiration of the balance of the vacated term.

(6) Any vacancy in the membership of the board occurring by reason of the expiration of the term of office, death, resignation, disqualification, or otherwise shall be filled by appointment of the entity that appointed the member within sixty days after receipt of written notification of the vacancy. In the event that the entity that appointed the member fails to fill the vacancy within sixty days after receipt of written notification of the vacancy, the board shall appoint an interim successor to serve on the board.

(7) Members of the board shall serve without compensation, shall have the power to organize and reorganize the executive, administrative, clerical, and other departments and forces of the district, and to fix the duties, powers, and compensation of all employees, agents, and consultants of the district. The board may reimburse any member for expenses actually incurred with the authorization of the board in the performance of duties on behalf of the district.

(8) The board shall elect yearly from its number, a chairman, vice chairman, secretary, and treasurer and shall establish their duties as may be regulated by rules adopted by the board. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be held by the same person. The board shall meet in regular session once each month and also shall meet in special session as convened by the chairman or upon written notice of three members. A majority of the commission members, not including vacancies, shall constitute a quorum. All actions of the board shall be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting. However, no action of the board shall be authorized on the following matters unless approved by a majority of the total board membership:

(a) Adoption of bylaws and other rules and regulations for conduct of the district's business.

(b) Hiring or firing of the district's administrator.

(c) The incurring of funded, general, or bonded debt.

(d) Levying of taxes and call for any tax or other election.

(e) Adoption or amendment of the annual budget.

(f) Sale, lease, or alienation of real property or improvements.

(9) Vote by proxy shall not be permitted. Any member may request a recorded vote on any resolution or action of the district.

(10) The hiring or firing of the district's administrator shall be authorized by a super majority of two-thirds of the total board membership.

(11) The board shall cause minutes and a record to be kept of all its proceedings, and it shall select a newspaper of general circulation within its territorial jurisdiction as its official journal in which it shall publish its minutes, and in which it shall publish all official notices as are required by law.

(12) All meetings of the board shall be subject to state laws relative to open meetings, including R.S. 42:14.

D. The exercise by the board of the powers conferred shall be deemed and held to be an essential governmental function of the state. As the exercise of the powers granted hereby will be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the state, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions, the district shall not be required to pay any taxes, including but not limited to sales and use taxes, ad valorem, occupational licensing, income, or any other taxes of any kind or nature, or assessments upon any property acquired or used by the district under the provisions of this Section, or upon the income therefrom, and any property acquired or used by the district under the provisions of this Section and the income therefrom. Any bonds, certificates, or other evidences of indebtedness issued by the district and the income therefrom shall be exempt from taxation by the state and by any parish, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state. The district shall not be deemed to be a public utility and shall not be subject in any respect to the authority, control, regulation, or supervision of the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

E. In addition to the powers and duties elsewhere granted in this Section, the board is hereby granted and shall have and may exercise all powers necessary or convenient for the carrying out of its objectives and purposes, including but not limited to the following:

(1) To sue and be sued, and as such, to stand in judgment.

(2) To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.

(3) To acquire by gift, grant, purchase, lease, or otherwise and to hold and use any property, real, personal, mixed, tangible, or intangible, or any interest therein, necessary or desirable for carrying out the objects and purposes of the district.

(4) To sell, transfer, or convey any property acquired by it, or any interest therein, at any time to accomplish the objects and purposes of the district subject to applicable law. Any such sale, transfer, or conveyance shall provide for a fair and equitable return of revenue to the district.

(5) To lease or sublease all or any portion of any property for a term not exceeding ninety-nine years at a fixed or variable rental subject to applicable law. Any such lease entered into shall provide for a fair and equitable return of revenue to the district.

(6)(a) To sell, lease for a term of up to ninety-nine years, exchange, or otherwise dispose of or transfer to or with other political corporations of this state or private persons at public or private sale any residential or subdivision land, property, improvements, or portions thereof, including real property, which is, in the opinion of the board of commissioners, appropriate to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the district.

(b) Prior to any disposition or transfer of property pursuant to this Paragraph, a majority of the total board membership shall approve the disposition or transfer and fix the price and terms of the sale, lease, exchange, or other contract to be made with reference to the property. Such disposition or transfer shall not require advertisement or public bids nor require any notice to be published in a newspaper or to be posted in any public place.

(c) Any sale of industrial land shall be in accordance with laws providing for the disposition or transfer of such land.

(7) To convey to the United States, the state, or to any political subdivision of the state, any land, property, right-of-way, easement, servitude, or other thing of value, which the district may own or acquire, for use by said governmental entity to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the district.

(8) To make and collect reasonable charges for the use of property of the district and for services rendered by the district; and to regulate fees or rentals charged for use of privately owned facilities located on property owned or sold by the district when such facilities are offered for use by the public or by a private industrial, commercial, research, or other economic development entity or activity.

(9) To enter into contracts to achieve the district's objectives and purposes, including but not limited to contracts for professional and other services and for the purchase, lease, acquisition, sale, construction, operation, maintenance, and improvements of land, public works, and facilities, as the district may deem necessary or convenient to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the district, subject to the Public Bid Law, R.S. 38:2211 et seq.

(10) To plan, develop, regulate, operate, and maintain activities and planned land uses to foster creation of new jobs, economic development, industry, health care, commerce, manufacturing, tourism, relocation of people and businesses to the area, shipbuilding, aviation, military, warehousing, transportation, offices, recreation, housing development, and conservation.

(11) To acquire land and improvements to construct, operate, and maintain facilities, improvements, and infrastructure, including buildings, roads, bridges, drainage, and utilities, and to perform other functions and activities on property owned or leased by the district to accomplish the objectives and purposes of the district and to protect the public health and welfare.

(12) In its own name and behalf, to incur debt, and issue general obligation bonds, under the authority of and subject to the provisions of Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of Louisiana, and Subpart A of Part III of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, for the establishment, operation, and maintenance of district property or to carry out the other public purposes of this Section, and to issue revenue bonds, borrow money, and issue certificates of indebtedness, notes, and other debt obligations as evidence thereof and provide for the manner and method of repayment.

(13) To require and issue licenses.

(14) To levy annually and cause to be collected an ad valorem tax, provided that the amount, term, and purpose of said tax, as set out in a proposition submitted to a vote in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code, shall be approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting in an election held for that purpose.

(15)(a) To levy and collect a sales and use tax within the boundaries of the district for such purposes and at such rate as provided by the proposition authorizing its levy, not exceeding one percent, which tax may exceed the limitation set forth in the Constitution of Louisiana, provided the proposition submitted to a vote in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code shall be approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting in an election held for that purpose.

(b) The tax shall be levied upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, the distribution, and storage for use or consumption of tangible personal property, and upon the sales of services within the district, all as presently defined in R.S. 47:301 et seq.

(c) Except where inapplicable, the procedure established by R.S. 47:301 et seq. shall be followed in the imposition, collection, and enforcement of the tax, and procedural details necessary to supplement those Sections and to make them applicable to the tax herein authorized shall be fixed in the resolution imposing the tax.

(d) The tax shall be imposed and collected uniformly throughout the district.

(e) Any tax levied under this Paragraph shall be in addition to all other taxes which the parish or any other political subdivision within St. Landry Parish are now or hereafter authorized to levy and collect.

(16) To develop, activate, construct, exchange, acquire, improve, repair, operate, maintain, lease, mortgage, sell, and grant a security device affecting the movable and immovable property, servitudes, facilities, and works within the district under such terms and conditions as the district may deem necessary or appropriate for any public purpose, including industrial, residential, subdivision, and commercial development.

(17) After notice and public hearing, to designate one or more project areas within the boundaries of the district, each of which designated project areas shall constitute a political subdivision of the state, governed by the board with the power to incur debt, issue certificates, issue revenue and general obligation bonds, as well as refunding bonds, and levy sales and use taxes within its boundaries, in the same manner and on the same conditions as the district is authorized to do within the boundaries of the district. Each designated area shall be given a name and designated as "Opelousas Downtown Development Subdistrict No. ".

(18) To borrow money and to pledge or grant a security device affecting all or part of its revenues, leases, rents, and other advantages as security for such loans.

(19) To appoint officers, agents, and employees, prescribe their duties, and fix their compensation.

F.(1) In addition to the authority contained herein or granted by other law, the district and any subdistrict of the district may issue revenue bonds to acquire, purchase, lease, construct, or improve housing, residential development, subdivision development, commercial, research, industrial, or other plant sites and buildings, or other capital improvements authorized in this Section, including energy and pollution abatement, and control facilities and necessary property and appurtenances thereto; and may sell, lease, sublease, or otherwise dispose of by suitable and appropriate contract to any enterprise locating or existing within the jurisdiction of the district, or the respective subdistrict, such sites, buildings, or facilities and appurtenances thereto, all or severally. The funds derived from the sale of such bonds may be disbursed in whole or in part upon delivery of the bonds as shall be provided in the contract between the district, or respective subdistrict, and the residential, commercial, research, industrial, or other enterprise to be aided, encouraged, or benefitted.

(2) Bonds issued under this Section shall be authorized by resolution of the district, or respective subdistrict, and shall be limited obligations of the district, or respective subdistrict, the principal of and interest on which shall be payable solely from the income and revenue derived from the sale, lease, or other disposition of the project or facility to be financed by the bonds issued hereunder, or from the income and revenue derived from the sale, lease, or other disposition of any existing project or facility acquired, constructed, and improved under the provision of this Section. However, in the discretion of the district, or respective subdistrict, the bonds may be additionally secured by mortgage or other security device covering all or part of the project from which the revenues so pledged may be derived. Any refunding bonds issued pursuant to this Subsection shall be payable from any source described above or from the investment of any of the proceeds of the refunding bonds authorized under this Section and shall not constitute an indebtedness or pledge of the general credit of the district, or respective subdistrict, within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation of indebtedness and shall contain a recital to that effect. Bonds of the district, or respective subdistrict, shall be issued in such form, shall be in such denominations, shall bear interest, shall mature in such manner, and shall be executed by one or more members of the board of the body as provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance thereof. The bonds may be subject to redemption at the option of and in the manner determined by the board in the resolution authorizing the issuance thereof.

(3) No bonds or other evidences of indebtedness may be issued under this Subsection without the prior approval of the State Bond Commission of the terms and provisions thereof.

(4) Bonds issued under this Subsection shall be issued, sold, and delivered in accordance with the terms and provisions of a resolution adopted by the board. The resolution shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the jurisdiction of the district, or respective subdistrict, and for a period of thirty days after said publication, any interested citizen may bring an action to contest the bonds and the security therefor, as provided in the Constitution of Louisiana. If, after the expiration of thirty days, no suit has been filed, the issuance, sale, and security of the bonds shall be incontestable, and no court shall have authority to entertain any action questioning or contesting such matters.

(5) Bonds, certificates, or other evidences of indebtedness issued by the district or any subdistrict of the district, under this Section are deemed to be securities of public entities within the meaning of Chapters 13 and 13-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and shall be subject to defeasance in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and may also be issued as short term revenue notes of a public entity under Chapter 15-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.

G. No bonds, other debt obligations, or contracts of the district shall be a charge upon the income, property, or revenue of the city of Opelousas; nor shall any obligations of the district be obligations of the city of Opelousas.

H. The board shall be the appropriate governing body for all purposes provided in the Louisiana Enterprise Zone Act, R.S. 51:1781 et seq., within the area comprised of property owned and formerly owned by the district, and shall have the power to perform all acts specified by applicable laws and regulations to achieve such purpose.

Acts 2005, No. 318, §1, eff. June 29, 2005; Acts 2017, No. 326, §1, eff. June 22, 2017.
La. Rev. Stat. § 33:9040 — LA Code / Code revised-statutes / Title 33 / Section 9040
Municipal ambulance service districts
Status: in_force

Municipal governing authorities are authorized and empowered, upon their own initiative, to form and create one or more ambulance service districts within and without their respective municipalities. The municipal governing authorities are further authorized to alter the boundaries of any ambulance service district, provided that no such boundary change shall cause an impairment of the obligations of any contract of the ambulance service district.

Added by Acts 1980, No. 304, §1.