LMR_November

Louisiana Municipal Review
PUBLISHED BY THE LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION
VOL 83, NO. 11
NOVEMBER 2018

The Louisiana Municipal Review, the official publication of the Louisiana Municipal Association, serves as a medium for the exchange
of ideas and information for municipal officials in Louisiana. With a circulation of over 3,200, this publication is read by employees of
Louisiana municipal governments, sheriffs, parish presidents, state government officials, and members of the state legislature and
Congressional delegation, among others. Subscription rate: $24 per year; Single copy: $2. Louisiana residents, add 9% sales tax. Rates
for display, professional-listing, and classified advertising available upon request at editor@lma.org.
Statements or expressions of opinions appearing herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Louisiana Municipal
Association. Publication of any advertisement shall not be considered an endorsement of the product or service involved. No
material from this publication may be reprinted without the express permission of the editor.
Editorial offices: Louisiana Municipal Association, 700 North 10th Street, Suite 400, Post Office Box 4327, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-
4327, editor@lma.org, www.lma.org, (225) 344-5001, (800) 234-8274, FAX (225) 344-3057.
LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL REVIEW
MUNICIPAL REVIEW STAFF
(USPS 832-560) (ISSN 0164-3622)
3 rd class postage paid at Baton Rouge,
Executive Director: John Gallagher jgallagher@lma.org
Louisiana.
Managing Editor: Karen Day White kwhite@lma.org
Postmaster – Send address changes to:
Editor: Anita Tillman atillman@lma.org
LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL REVIEW
Production Coordinator: Baton Rouge Press, Inc.
Post Office Box 4327
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4327
2018-19 LMA EXECUTIVE BOARD (non-affiliate, non-advisory)
President – Harry Lewis – Mayor, Rayville
First Vice President – Jimmy Williams – Mayor, Sibley
LMA Past President – Barney Arceneaux, Mayor, Gonzales
LMA Past President – Glenn Brasseaux, Mayor, Carencro
Second Vice President– Michael Chauffe – Mayor, Grosse Tete LMA Past President – Carroll Breaux, Mayor, Springhill
Immediate Past President – Lawrence Henagan, Mayor, DeQuincy LMA Past President – Vern Breland, Mayor, Sterlington
District A Vice President – Peggy Adkins, Mayor, Sarepta
LMA Past President – David Butler, Mayor, Woodworth
District B Vice President – Roy Lewis, Mayor, Homer
LMA Past President – David Camardelle, Mayor, Grand Isle
District C Vice President – Lucy Holtzclaw, Mayor Pro Tem, Sterlington LMA Past President – Clarence Fields, Mayor, Pineville
District D Vice President – Rick Allen, Mayor, Leesville
LMA Past President – Norman Heine, Councilman, Baker
District E Vice President – Nathan Martin, Councilman, Pineville Vice President at Large – Derrick Johnson, Mayor, Cheneyville
District F Vice President – Purvis Morrison, Mayor, Scott
Vice President at Large – Jennifer Vidrine, Mayor, Ville Platte
District G Vice President – Kenneth Stinson, Mayor, Vinton
Vice President (< 1K) – Johnnie L. Natt, Mayor, Mangham
District H Vice President – David Toups, Mayor, Addis
Vice President (1K – 2.5K) – William D'Aquilla, Mayor, St. Francisville
District I Vice President – Donald Villere, Mayor, Mandeville Vice President (2.5K – 5K) – Robert Hardey, Mayor, Westlake
District J Vice President – Rodney Grogan, Mayor, Patterson
Page 2
LMR | November 2018

Inside the LMA
Director’s Viewpoint
EDUCATE, ADVOCATE, AND EMPOWER
BY JOHN GALLAGHER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In honor of this month’s theme, LMA President Harry
Lewis has dedicated his President’s Message to a
review of the rich history of our organization. The
forward-thinking municipal officials who gathered 92
years ago to form the Louisiana Conference of Mayors,
believed that combining efforts and knowledge through
one organization would promote better municipal
government. In the formative years, the organization had
to weather the Great Depression and many changes, but
despite the starts and stops and the different iterations,
the mission and vision for the association was clear from
the beginning, and was formally enunciated in 2016 when
the LMA Executive Board adopted the following mission
statement:
“The Mission of the Louisiana Municipal Association is to
Educate, Advocate and Empower progressive, effective
leadership in a united network of municipalities.”
This issue of the Louisiana Municipal Review is focused
on reminding our members what the LMA can do for you.
The LMA staff works hard throughout the year providing
educational opportunities for members through
webinars, conferences, and workshops, and through our
affiliate organizations. We advocate on behalf of our
members at the state capitol and in Washington, D.C.
Our legislative team spends many long hours during the
Louisiana legislative session to ensure that municipal
government interests are protected by working with the
LMA Executive Board and Legislative Committee, and
by partnering with other local government associations.
All of these efforts culminate in the empowerment of
Louisiana’s municipal officials and employees, enabling
them to perform their essential roles to the best of their
abilities.
In D.C., we have had several recent victories that greatly
assist in our continued recovery from the 2016 floods
and will help to address our state’s water issues. The
LMA thanks the Louisiana congressional delegation
and state officials for their hard work in winning
congressional approval to fix the duplication of benefits
issue, which now allows those persons who received
SBA loans to make full use of FEMA grant funds through
the RESTORE Homeowners Assistance Program.
Additionally, on October 10, the Senate passed a law,
subsequently signed by President Trump, entitled the
America’s Water Infrastructure Act, which authorized
$5.8 billion in funding to address flood control and
navigation issues throughout the
United States. Louisiana was a big
winner as funding was secured for
several projects benefitting north
and south Louisiana. We will also continue working with
our congressional delegation and the National League
of Cities in our continuing efforts to reform the National
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Please vote on Tuesday, November 6 – it is a grossly
under-exercised right. The LMA extends our best wishes
to all the municipal officials running for re-election.
Calendar of Events
November
7-10 NLC City Summit will be held in Los Angeles,
CA. Go to http://citysummit.nlc.org/ for more
information and to register.
11 Veterans Day
12 LMA Offices Closed (Veterans Day
Observance)
14 LMA Executive Committee, 10:00 a.m. will
be held in Meeting Room 2 of the LMA Office
Building
22-23 Thanksgiving Holiday, LMA offices will be
closed.
December
4 BOAL Training – 2014 NEC Grounding and
Bonding, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the LMA
Office Building.
5 LMA Executive Board Meeting, 10:00 a.m.
will be held in Meeting Room 2 of the LMA
Office Building.
6 LMGA Executive Committee Meeting, 10:00
a.m. will be held in Meeting Room 2 of the
LMA Office Building. The LMGA Board of
Directors Meeting will immediately follow at
11:00 a.m.
24-25 Christmas Holiday, LMA offices will be closed.
LMR | November 2018 Page 3

President’s Message
OUR RICH HISTORY
BY MAYOR HARRY LEWIS, TOWN OF RAYVILLE
How much do you know about
the rich history of this great
organization? My research has
showed that we had leaders with
vision, dedication, determination
and service. Their ultimate goal was
the same as ours is today - to provide the best service
possible to each village, town, and city in Louisiana.
LMA began in 1926 as the Louisiana Conference of
Mayors with Mayor F.L. Foisy of Alexandria as president
and Mayor L.E. Thomas as second vice president. The
organization consisted of 29 towns and cities of Louisiana.
In 1929, the stock market crashed causing economic
calamity and as a result, the organization folded.
Our organization would not be defeated. In 1937, efforts
to reorganize began with great results. By-laws and
a constitution were adopted. Mayor S.S. Caldwell of
Shreveport became president. In 1938, Leon Booth of
Shreveport became editor of the Louisiana Municipal
Review. This is still our official journal. It is an outstanding
communication tool that keeps our membership abreast
of newsworthy events and announcements around the
state.
In 1941, Joseph Reid, Jr., the first executive secretary of
the organization accomplished three major changes: (1)
the organization’s name changed to Louisiana Municipal
Association; (2) revamped dues schedule; and (3) hired a
full-time executive secretary. In addition, the concept of
regional meetings was employed to bring officers of each
area of the state together to discuss common problems.
Using this model, the LMA was successful in legislative
achievements as well as increased membership.
In the 40’s and 50’s, as the quality and scope of services
to the membership grew, so did the membership in LMA.
An increase in the number of municipal incorporations
grew. The association expanded the development of
organizations of affiliated professionals with functions
related to municipal governments. Networking and
partnering with affiliates were extremely beneficial to the
success of LMA and each affiliate.
Sidney Gray was president from 1959 to 1960. It was
during his tenure that the LMA’s headquarters was
relocated to the Jack Tar Capitol House Hotel in
downtown Baton Rouge. The Louisiana Municipal Laws,
containing over 600 pages of legal information pertaining
to municipal government, was published; and, the
Louisiana Achievement Awards and Service Awards were
instituted.
In 1963, R. Gordon Kean of Baton Rouge was appointed
LMA’s legal counsel. He rendered dedicated legal service
to the association and provided legal assistance to many
municipalities which had no other source to obtain legal
representation.
From 1969 to 1973, Marvin Lyons led the organization as
executive director and helped elevate it to new levels. In
1973, Charles Pasqua would become the LMA executive
director for the next twenty years. Under his leadership
the membership grew by leaps and bounds. As the
LMA’s presence in political affairs grew, interpersonal
relationships among municipalities, parish, state and
federal government improved. A self-insurance and
risk management program was created. Pasqua also
spearheaded efforts to plan and build an office building
for the association.
L. Gordon King assumed the executive director’s position
in 1994. His focus was on being more responsive to the
members’ needs and on the promotion of innovativeness
as a key to municipal advancement. King established the
Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities
and Community Development Authority (LCDA) and
the Louisiana Municipal Advisory and Technical Services
Bureau (LaMATS). Both were new programs designed to
assist with financing and technological needs.
Tom McHugh became executive director in 2001, and
in 2006 LMA celebrated its 80th year of existence. His
goals were to strengthen the ties between municipal
governments and state and federal government.
In 2014, Ronnie Harris of Gretna was named LMA
executive director. The association continued to grow
under his leadership.
In October 2016, John Gallagher became executive
director of the LMA. I was honored to be elected LMA
President in August, 2018.
It is now up to us to continue the legacy of these great
leaders. We are charged with the responsibility to provide
quality service to our municipalities; to help shape
positive legislation that benefits each town, village, and
city; to provide training and technology where needed; to
grow our membership; and to provide leadership second
to none.
On our watch, we want history to record that LMA is
not only a mighty organization, but also a family that
genuinely cares about our country, state, villages, town
cities, and each other. God Bless You!
Page 4
LMR | November 2018

Inside the LMA
Governor’s Column
A TIME OF THANKSGIVING
BY JOHN BEL EDWARDS, GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA
Where has the time gone? It’s hard to believe
November is already here but here it is, and what a
beautiful time of the year. This is the month when
we take time to reflect and give thanks for all of our
blessings. Of course I’m grateful for many things
including my family, friends, the hard working and
fun-loving people of our state and the LMA and all
of its members. Louisiana is seeing some of its best
days in decades and that is in part because of your
steadfast partnership with my administration in helping
municipalities across our state and consistently making
a difference. Thank you for all that you do.
There are many things that as a state we can be
thankful for as we look back on all that we have
accomplished together. No longer having to deal
with deficits, Louisiana is projected to have a $300
million surplus for the fiscal year 2018. This is exactly
what we wanted to see. It’s the direct result of an
improved job market for Louisianans, increased
success of our businesses, and an improving
economy that has allowed corporate tax receipts
to outpace expectations. Since I’ve been governor,
the unemployment rate has fallen from a high of 6.2
percent to its current rate of 5 percent. The Bureau
of Economic Analysis’ (BEA) latest report shows that
personal income in Louisiana was the second fastest
growing in the nation in the second quarter of 2018
and that our state’s economy grew faster than 35 other
states in the first quarter of 2018.
When we come together and focus on what’s best for
Louisiana, great things can happen and what we’re
experiencing today is evidence of that. Not long ago, a
coalition of Democrats, Republicans and Independent
worked with me to find ways to provide long-term
budget stability to our state – something our state
has lacked for so long. As a result, we have stabilized
funding for higher education for the
second year in a row. We have fully
funded TOPS and Go Grants. We
did all of that, and we still reduced
the tax burden on the people of
Louisiana by nearly $600 million.
In the spirit of continuing to help our people, I want
to remind you to encourage your constituents who
were impacted by the horrific 2016 floods and have an
application with the Restore Homeowner Assistance
Program to complete and submit their applications by
the November 16, 2018 deadline. It’s very important,
especially now that the unfair duplication of benefits
issue has been corrected. It was a long hard battle,
but working with our congressional delegation for the
last two years, relief is on the way to homeowners who
took out a loan with the Small Business Administration
to help recover and rebuild. In early October, Pres.
Donald Trump signed legislation allowing for the loans
to no longer be counted as a duplication and with
guidance from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban
Development, Restore will update the award amounts.
You can visit www.restore.la.gov or call 866-735-2001
Monday-Friday from 8a.m. - 6p.m. for more information.
When we empower our people, we empower our state,
and Louisiana is now on a path of prosperity that
is setting our state and our people up for the kind
of success they deserve. While we have much to be
thankful for, we are far from mission accomplished.
By continuing to work together, we can keep the
momentum going. Donna and I wish you and your
families a Happy Thanksgiving. God bless you all.
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LMR | November 2018 Page 5

Legal Briefs
RISKY BUSINESS
BY KAREN DAY WHITE, EXECUTIVE COUNSEL
In this month’s feature article, we briefly discussed the
services offered through Risk Management, Inc., a whollyowned
subsidiary of the LMA. For those who have ever
been subjected to litigation, RMI provides more than just
“insurance” – it provides outstanding legal representation
and counseling that gives members peace of mind.
For example, many LMA members were recently served
with a lawsuit that was filed in the 18th Judicial District
by a former water system contractor. The number of
defendants named in the suit is staggering, and the
nature of the litigation gives rise to complex, technical,
legal issues including venue, standing, capacity and more.
Those members who participated in the indemnification
programs offered by RMI will reap the benefits of that
agreement and will be zealously defended.
We also offer a recent example of a nearly decade-long
litigation involving a wrongful termination claim. As
the plaintiff switched counsel, causing delays in the
movement of the case, and as the nuances of the case
mandated substantial pretrial motions and hearings, RMI
provided the continuity essential to see the case through
to a successful result, while also absorbing the costs of
that prolonged litigation.
It cannot be overemphasized that the attorneys retained
by RMI are specialists in municipal defense. Defending
Louisiana’s municipalities against a broad scope of liability
is not part of RMI’s legal indemnity’s focus – it is their
sole focus. This empowers municipalities with powerful
tools to avoid liability in the first place. It also provides the
benefits of specialized knowledge regarding immunities
and defenses.
Apart from the liability coverage offered through RMI, the
LMA often files amicus (or “friend of the court”) briefs
in both state and federal courts on matters that have
important consequences for Louisiana municipalities.
Here are two recent examples where LMA members
reaped the benefits of that representation:
In HEAL v. APCOA, 2017-C-1061 (La. App. 4 Cir. 3/22/18),
241 So.3d 535, the district court allowed the plaintiff to
challenge the validity of municipal bonds decades after
issuance - a holding that would have thrown the world
of municipal bonds into complete chaos. The LMA filed
an amicus brief arguing that bonds must be challenged
within 30 days of issuance, which the appellate court
agreed with, overturning the trial court’s decision.
The LMA and RMI joined forces with other state leagues
within the Fifth Circuit for the U.S.
Court of Appeals to challenge the
district court’s ruling through an
amicus in Vann v. Southaven, 16-
60561 (U.S. App. 5th Cir. 3/5/18), 884 F.3d 307. The trial
court’s ruling would have significantly damaged the
defense of qualified immunity available to municipal
law enforcement, and by demonstrating the widespread
effects of that bad ruling, the amici were essential in
obtaining a reversal of that decision by the appellate
court.
Municipalities are tasked with managing so many aspects
of our residents’ daily lives, so the potential for liability
is unfortunately broad. You do not have to navigate
municipal defense alone. We strongly suggest that you
contact Risk Management, Inc. to discuss your liability
needs and what they can do for you.
Looking for
Salary Data?
Through a partnership with
SurveyNavigator, LMA
members can find salary data for
more than 60 jobs commonly
found in Louisiana local
government. With an easy online
interface, Louisiana’s elected and
appointed officials can make
hiring and advancement decisions
with confidence in the most
current and accurate data
Compare directly
between munis
Accurate and
timely info
Customized
search and save
available in the market.
LaMATS
CALL (225) 344-5001 or VISIT WWW.LAMATS.NET/SERVICES
Page 6
LMR | November 2018

Inside the LMA
Hometown Happenings
Greater Baton Rouge State Fair
Oct 25 - Nov 8, Baton Rouge
www.gbrsf.com
Port Barre Cracklin Festival
Nov 8-11 Port Barre
www.cracklinfest.com
State Fair of Louisiana
Oct 25 - Nov 11, Shreveport
www.statefairoflouisiana.com
Louisiana Pecan Festival
Nov 2-4, Colfax
www.lapecanfest.com
Louisiana Swine Festival
Nov 2-4, Basile
www.louisianaswinefestival.com
Ponchatoula Antique Trade Days and Crafts Fair
Nov 2-4, Ponchatoula
www.ponchatoulachamber.com
Giant Omelette Celebration
Nov 3-4, Abbeville
www.giantomelette.org
River Parishes Fall Festival
Nov 9-11, Norco
Atchafalaya Basin Festival
Nov 10, Henderson
www.basinfestival.com
Athens’ 2nd Annual Veterans Festival
Nov 11, Athens
Thibodauxville Fall Festival
Nov 11, Thibodaux
www.thibodauxchamber.com
Geeks Along the River
Nov 17, Monroe
www.downtownrivermarket.com
Fall Harvest Festival
Nov 24, Dec 1 & 8, Grant
www.grantchristmastreefarm.com
LMR | November 2018 Page 7

Page 8
LMR | November 2018

Municipalities
Attorney General’s Opinions
BY JEFF LANDRY, ATTORNEY GENERAL
Prohibited Donations
Opinion: 18-0101 La. Const. art. VII, §
14 does not prohibit the payment of
any portion of premium by the City of
Zachary or the participation by or for
the spouse and/or dependents of a deceased employee in the
City’s medical and hospitalization insurance program. Opinion
Released: 9/10/2018
Opinion: 18-0075 The 2001 transfer by the Town of Jonesboro
to the Jackson Parish Police Jury of the 3.34 acre tract of land in
the Jonesboro Industrial Park did not violate the provisions of
Article VII, § 14 of the Louisiana Constitution. Opinion Released:
10/9/2018
Opinion: 18-0090 The Louisiana Rice Research Board may enter
into an Endowment Agreement with the LSU Foundation in
order to establish the Louisiana Rice Research Chair for Excellence
in Rice Research at the LSU AgCenter as long as it has
a demonstrable, objective, and reasonable expectation of
receiving equivalent value in exchange for the expenditure of
the endowment. In addition, the Board may execute an Endowment
Agreement in order to facilitate establishing this position.
Opinion Released: 10/8/2018
Municipal Marshal
Opinion: 18-0048 The City of Oakdale is primarily responsible for
funding the operation and maintenance of the Marshal’s office.
Both the City of Oakdale and the Marshal are required to contribute
to the Marshal’s retirement. Opinion Released: 9/21/2018
Opinion: 18-0078 If the Marshal of the City Court of Oakdale/
Ward 5 of Allen Parish works at least 35 hours a week, is not a
member and not eligible to be a member of another retirement
system of the state or political subdivision that is funded in
some way by public funds, the Marshal is eligible to participate
in MERS. Opinion Released: 10/2/2018
Chiefs of Police
Opinion: 18-0058 The Chief of Police of the City of Oakdale has
a right to make any expenditures and payments contained in
the police department’s budget once funds are budgeted and
appropriated by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen; the Chief of
Police may hire a CPA to review the police department’s budget
as long as such funds have been budgeted and appropriated for
that purpose; the City’s Mayor, Board of Alderman, and Treasurer
must account for the police department’s funds pursuant
to local ordinances; and the City may include projected ticket
revenue in its budget. Opinion Released: 9/18/2018
Dual Officeholding
Opinion: 18-0136 The provisions of the Dual Officeholding and
Dual Employment Law do not prohibit a State Senator from
serving as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the St.
Mary Parish Hospital Service District No. 1. Opinion Released:
9/26/2018
Criminal Offenses
Opinion: 18-0087 The City of Bogalusa may enact an ordinance
with a criminal penalty as long as the enacted penalties do not
exceed those set forth by state law. Opinion Released: 10/8/2018
Condolences
Linda Butler
We extend our heartfelt condolences
to Woodworth mayor, LMA Past
President, RMI board member, and
LaMATS board member David
Butler. His loving wife Linda passed
away unexpectedly on Wednesday,
October 10. The Butlers had been
married for 56 years.
Linda Butler
Please keep Mayor Butler and his
family in your thoughts and prayers
during this very difficult time.
Together, the LMA family will be here to lend support in
any way that we can.
LMR | November 2018 Page 9

The HR Community Awaits You!
The inaugural October 1 st human
resources seminar entitled, “Sharing
HR Solutions,” demonstrated
the need and demand for human
resource and personnel specialists
to interact with one another to
share best practices, model policies
and checklists, and learn about
available resources and programs.
The event was very well-attended
and plans are already in the works
for a free spring seminar, too.
So how can you be part of an HR community that supports your needs and allows for the
easy exchange of important information at no cost to you? The LMA has created an online
community to fulfill these needs. To join this group, send an email to either Lisa Jones
at ljones.lmahr@gmail.com, or Gary Watson at gwatsonds@gmail.com, and ask to be
added to the community.
This group is a member-driven initiative whose destiny is 100% controlled by you, the
human resource manager. As this group grows and even more personnel specialists become
engaged, the LMA stands ready to provide support for educational opportunities, regional
meetings, publications, and more. Come see how this free community can make
your job easier!!!
One-Stop Debt Recovery
At NO COST To Your City!
DON’T LEAVE YOUR MUNICIPAL
REVENUES IN ARREARS
Collect unpaid utility bills, court
fines, fees, bonds and other
receivables with easy new
process from LaMATS.
LaMATS
CALL (225) 344-5001
WWW.LAMATS.NET/SERVICES
Page 10
LMR | November 2018

LPS Delivers the Goods
in Procurement of Muncipal Trucks
For many city jobs, only a truck will do. Municipalities everywhere
rely on these workhorses for hauling personnel, materials
and heavy equipment, often under difficult conditions.
Yet even the toughest trucks break down and can need replacing
unexpectedly. Locating and identifying vehicles for immediate
purchase and delivery is a challenge. Available budget or suitable
models may be hard to find. Ordering vehicles through State contract
can involve months of waiting for delivery or the frustration
of discovering certain vehicles are unavailable or have been discontinued.
LaMATS Purchasing Services (LPS), which
provides expert consulting and technical
assistance to Louisiana local government,
has had success this year securing
quotes and bids on trucks available for
immediate delivery that either weren’t
on State contract or were no longer available:
• On behalf of the Town of Oil City, LPS successfully located
and received quotes on a Ford F-250 Pickup Truck 4WD for
immediate delivery through the LPS GovQuote LaMATS Edition
electronic platform.
• For Grand Coteau, LPS bid, through reverse auction, a GMC
Silverado 1500 Double Cab Pickup Truck available for immediate
delivery. The reverse auction was conducted on
the EASiBUY electronic platform through LPS’s e-Auction
Services.
A Word from
Our Affiliates
• Utilizing the GovQuote LaMATS Edition electronic platform,
LPS received affordable quotes for a Ford F-250 Pickup
Truck available for immediate delivery to the City of
Carencro.
In each case, the vehicles were purchased from licensed Louisiana
dealerships that do not sell on State contract. Nonetheless,
the prices paid were well below $30,000 and comparable or below
the prices found on State contract. The key to success with
LPS is its unique competitive process to identify and locate available
vehicles at the lowest prices. Dealerships we engage are
more than happy to compete to make a
successful sale.
This month, LPS will be securing a Ford
F-550 Diesel Chassis capable of accepting
a crane bed and boom for the City
of Carencro. This hard-to-find vehicle
was desperately needed after a purchase
order filed through State contract fell
through. LPS is confident we’ve identified a suitable F-550 or similar
available for immediate and direct delivery to the crane manufacturer
in Shreveport, Louisiana. Carencro will receive a very
competitive price through the reverse auction process using the
EASiBUY electronic platform.
If securing the budget authority for a new truck proves more
challenging than finding the vehicle itself, remember that vehicle
purchases can be financed through lease-purchasing provided by
LPS-partnered Government Capital Corporation (GCC), which can
offer low monthly, quarterly or yearly
payments with low interest rates.
The next time your municipal fleet
needs a new workhorse, call the procurement
experts at LaMATS to find
one fast! LaMATS Purchasing Services
can be reached at (225) 344-5001 or
via email at paul@lamats.net.
LMR | November 2018 Page 11

LAMSA Members Tour Old and New Capitols at
Fall Conference in Baton Rouge
By Marlaine Peachey, LAMSA Conference Coordinator
The Louisiana Association of Municipal Secretaries
and Assistants recently held their 29th annual Fall
Conference at the Embassy Suites in Baton Rouge,
September 12–14. The conference began with a tour
of the Old and New State Capitols. Members were
addressed by Senator Eric LaFleur in the Senate
chambers. Everyone enjoyed learning about the history
of our state as well as the many legislative positions,
protocols and procedures that are necessary to operate
our state government.
On Thursday, LAMSA President Myra Streeter officially
opened the conference and Mayor-President Sharon
Weston Broome welcomed the 90 participants to
Baton Rouge. President Streeter introduced the twelve
conference sponsors and 20 first timers attending.
Educational sessions followed, including Brett Robinson
teaching mandatory ethics, Rick Conti on Safety in
the Workplace, Debra Gould on Communication and
Customer Service,
Drew Maranto from
Senator Cassidy’s
Office providing an
update on Senate
matters, and Marlaine
Peachey, who spoke
on Conquering
Your Fear of Public
Speaking.
During the midday
luncheon, Roxanna
Richard, Town of
Gueydan; Mary Dianne
Polk, Town of Welsh;
Debbie Mouton, City of
Central; and Kaneesha
Bellow, Town of Welsh
were awarded the
prestigious honor of
becoming Certified
Municipal Assistants.
Arnita Alexander of the
City of Mandeville and
Eselener McCoy, City
of Monroe, received
their re-certifications.
After lunch, members
enjoyed hearing
from Cliff Palmer
and Mary Joseph of
LaMATS. LaMATS
graciously sponsored
scholarships for
seven members to
attend who were most
grateful for the ability
to continue toward
their certifications and
recertifications. Palmer,
who has become
one of LAMSA’s
favorite speakers,
communicated the
benefits of LaMATS to
our city governments,
while Mary Joseph
East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President
Sharon Weston Broome
Merlyna Valentine
Page 12
LMR | November 2018

A Word from
Our Affiliates
conveyed her
experiences on a
recent international
mission trip.
On Friday morning
the conference began
with our Mayor’s
Panel. Members heard
from Mayor Darnell
Waites of Baker, Mayor
Richard Lee of Port
Allen, Mayor David
Toups of Addis, Mayor
Jimmy Watson of
Walker and, standing President Myra Streeter presents
in for Mayor-President Merlyna Valentine with a token of
appreciation for her dynamic message.
Sharon Weston
Broome, was the CAO
of East Baton Rouge Parish, Mr. Darryl Gissel. After a
short break, LAMSA participants were truly inspired by
the extraordinary life story of Mrs. Merlyna Valentine,
who has been an educator for the past 30 years and has
now dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives
of others. She had been honored as Teacher of the Year,
Principal of the Year and Louisiana Regional Principal
of the Year, but on August 17, 2007, Ms. Valentine was
faced with a medical tragedy that has changed her
life forever. She survived and lives life now as a quad
amputee. Merlyna has embraced this tragedy with an
extremely positive attitude. She truly believes that this
tragedy has allowed her to serve as an inspiration to
all to never give up. She has found strength in knowing
that ultimately her tragic story can motivate people to
embrace change and live life to the fullest. In honor of
her story of survival, courage, and hope, Ms. Valentine
was featured in a segment on the Today Show and in an
article in Ebony Magazine. We were blessed to have her
with us, motivating everyone with such a strong message
of encouragement.
After dispensing with hospitality gifts, a scholarship
drawing, evaluation forms and attendance certificates,
President Streeter closed out the conference by
reminding everyone that we would meet again in the
spring in Lafayette.
LAMSA’s mission is to provide a forum where networking
can take place, to enhance professionalism, and to
be an educational resource for its members. Since
1989, LAMSA has offered its members scholarships,
certification programs, and educational opportunities
through their annual spring and fall training conferences
throughout Louisiana. For more information, call
Marlaine Peachey at 985-630-1798.
LMR | November 2018 Page 13

Rural Development
USDA Rural Development Programs Strengthens Rural Communities
By USDA Rural Development State Director Dr. Carrie Castille
USDA Rural Development (RD) in Louisiana had a
very successful Fiscal Year 2018. Our agency invested
over $1 billion in loans, loan guarantees, and grants to
increase economic opportunities, improve the quality of
life in rural communities, and promote rural prosperity
throughout the state.
We could not do this alone. I thank you for your support
and your partnerships. You are extremely valuable
in our ability to carry out our mission. With over 40
programs, we are here to help strengthen
rural Louisiana and build thriving
communities. RD investments support
economic development, infrastructure
improvements, homeownership, and
essential community facilities and
services in rural areas.
RD invested more than $704 million,
through the Single-Family Housing
Programs, to help families buy or build
new homes or make vital improvements
to their existing homes. The Multi-
Family Housing Program received over
$70 million to help low income families,
elderly, and disabled individuals, as well
as farm laborers with affordable rental
options and rental assistance. We also
worked with developers and lenders to extend our reach
by guaranteeing loans for affordable rental housing for
low to moderate-income residents in rural communities.
The Housing Preservation Grant Program assisted in the
repair and rehabilitation of housing for very-low and
low-income families in rural areas.
Through the Business and Cooperative Programs,
we invested $112 million to assist entrepreneurs with
creating new or expanding existing businesses, creating
jobs and enhancing economic prosperity in the process.
We provided financial backing and technical assistance
to stimulate business creation and growth.
Through Community
Programs, we invested
$136.8 million through
loans and grants to
help rural residents and
communities with much
needed infrastructure
improvements in small
rural communities. Through the
Water and Environmental Programs
(WEP), we provided $94.8 million
to help communities with technical
Dr. Carrie Castille
and financial help to construct,
improve, repair, and maintain
water and wastewater systems to provide safe drinking
water and sanitary solid waste disposal. Through the
Community Facilities Program, we provided $42 million
to support constructing schools, hospitals, and provide
funding for other equipment and essential services for
public use in rural communities. These developments
will help enhance the health and safety of those who live
and work in rural areas and are especially critical given
today’s aging infrastructure and lack of funding sources
in rural towns.
Our diverse portfolio also provided $1.475 million for
funding Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Broadband
Programs. We work hard to connect households and
businesses in rural areas without adequate access to
broadband services. No town or household should be
without broadband and internet connection.
Our successes are many, and we have made a
remarkable difference in rural and even urban
communities. Moving forward, I assure you we
will continue to help our rural communities with
infrastructure investments, business needs, essential
services, and affordable housing opportunities. Please
contact me at carrie.castille@la.usda.gov or (318) 473-
7921, to let us know how we can help.
Page 14
LMR | November 2018

Hundreds of Thornton, bills move Musso, through &Bellemin the
legislative process each year, and many
I approve this ad copy for use in the following issues:
eventually become new laws. There’s
LWR-R0018
one new law in particular that deals
with the Treasury and our Unclaimed
Property Program, and I’m asking for
your help to spread the word about it.
Act 339 of the 2018 Regular Legislative
Session allowed the State Treasury and
the Louisiana Index Department Listings of Revenue
to work together to return more money
WATER TREATMENT CONSULTANTS
to more Louisiana citizens. The new law
helped us update the addresses we have on file and
clear out a backlog of unclaimed property we have on
the books.
One of the main reasons items are turned over to the
state as unclaimed property is because of incorrect or
old addresses. Businesses from all over the country are
required by law to report unclaimed property to us and
provide us with the last known address of the owner.
Sometimes, the address the company has on record is
no longer correct.
Most Louisiana residents are
required by law to file state
income tax returns each
year with their most recent
addresses. Act 339 permitted
the Department of Revenue to
share the current and correct
W
addresses of residents who file
Designed
Louisiana state tax returns with
the Department of the Treasury.
We cross-referenced our
database of individuals who are
owed unclaimed property with
the Department of Revenue’s
address information. We sent
the Department of Revenue our
list of names, and they gave us
updated addresses. As a result,
we were able to match 85,000
individuals who are owed $15
Treasury Notes
Membership Directory
2018 Roster Edition
Official Publication of the
Partner Insight
Treasury Partners with Revenue Department to Pay $15 Million in
Louisiana Rural Water Association
Unclaimed Property Claims
By State Treasurer John M. Schroder
million in unclaimed property!
Recipients on the list can expect an
official check from the State Treasurer’s
Authorized Signature:
Office in the mail beginning in October
and throughout
Date:
the months of November
and December. Refunds will range
Artwork Contact:
anywhere from $10 to $1,500. Each
check will include the state seal and the
Unclaimed Property Division’s address
and website at the top of the check. The
check stub contains a memo describing
the Act 339 initiative.
The Treasury hasn’t done a large unclaimed property
check mail-out of this magnitude since the Unclaimed
Property Division issued 165,000 “Refund the Tolls”
checks several years ago. If you have any questions
about this initiative or the unclaimed property
program, call us toll-free at 1-888-925-4127. You can
also search our website at www.latreasury.com for
unclaimed property.
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Tel:(800) 369-6220, (352
Fax: (352) 331-3
707693_Thornton.indd 1
8/21/14 8:33 PM
LMR | November 2018 Page 15

Want to Attract Residents to your Downtown?
Some Practical Tips from Personal Experience
By Neil T. Erwin, Neil Erwin Law, LLC
We all want our community’s
downtown to thrive. Large or small,
we treasure it as the “heart” of the
municipality. We all also want to
encourage more downtown residents
because retail and service businesses
follow residential growth. So how do
we attract those residents?
While New Orleans has hosted
Neil T. Erwin
downtown residents forever and Baton Rouge is
seeing significant residential investment in its core,
Shreveport (where my office is located) is fairly new
to the downtown residential game but is becoming a
player with growing enthusiasm. Bossier City’s newly
redeveloped downtown is on the rise. It now sports a
complete street with a completely protected bike lane
in front of new businesses like the former fire station
that has transformed into a microbrewery and pizza
restaurant.
Here are a few practical tips on what attracts residents
downtown. This comes from the personal experience
my wife and I, empty-nesters, have had over the past six
months of living at least three, and often four, nights a
week (we’ve kept our residence for now) in an apartment
we have rented in the same downtown Shreveport office
building as my law office. We’ve found, like most people,
that while downtowns often are a pain to drive into, once
parked you can enjoy all the advantages of walkability. I
suggest your downtown should offer residents:
A safe Downtown neighborhood
It is not surprising that downtowns often are one of the
lowest crime areas of a municipality. More people on
the sidewalks and more eyes on the street, in the more
densely developed municipal core, automatically reduce
crime. But it helps for a few regular police patrols to
swing through, especially at night.
A fairly easy place to park off the street
The argument is made that on-street parking is sufficient
for downtown apartments. I respectfully beg to differ
since it doesn’t eliminate all concerns about car break-ins
or damage overnight. Consider building a safe, centrally
located municipal owned parking lot that helps invite
people downtown for a variety of activities. New Iberia
has done this well.
Creative adaptive use of existing buildings to create
new residential spaces
The fact that the owner of our office building, One Texas
Centre, was willing to let us be guinea pigs in testing the
conversion of upstairs office space to apartment living,
shows that creative flexibility in adaptive use really can
work. It does mean that our building (a converted J. C.
Penney store, see 1953 photo) requires a little “urban
pioneering” for residential use, but it’s getting there. The
addition of a bike rack will be next to encourage rides
down to the nearby riverfront bike and running path.
A place to buy milk
A dollar store works fine for basics. Farmers Markets
add even more.
Fun destinations within walking distance
A coffee shop. A café. Hopefully a concert or cultural
event venue (or two). Shreveport’s Robinson Film
Center combines a restaurant and an art house movie
theater downtown, which is pretty ideal. Consider
that Grand Cane (pop. 244) has proudly built up its
Downtown Back Alley Theatre that plays community
productions to full houses. Downtown festivals, like
Ruston’s Peach Festival and so many others around the
Page 16
LMR | November 2018

Partner Insight
state, boost Louisiana’s branding as a place to
have an inclusive good time.
An interesting building or two to clean up and
discover their history
Here’s our apartment’s view each morning across
the street from the historic Shreve Memorial
Library (from 1912 – 1974, the former U. S.
Courthouse).
Downtown manager
Someone in municipal government needs to
be placed in charge of downtown to promote
development and handle public relations.
I hope even more of your citizens (including new ones)
get to enjoy the recommended experience of downtown
living as a new, and often invigorating, way to get in
touch with your town.
LMR | November 2018 Page 17

What Can LMA Do for You?
The Louisiana Municipal Association is a unified voice for
Louisiana’s municipal governments. Our mission is to educate,
advocate, and empower progressive, effective leadership in a
united network of municipalities.
Every incorporated municipality benefits from the representation
of the Association. Today, there are 305 LMA members
con-sisting of 127 villages, 111 towns, 65 cities, and 2 parishes.
Each local government belongs to one of the 10 LMA Districts
(A-J).
Since our inception in 1926, the Association continues to
promote local governments by shaping legislation, providing
education on municipal issues, and exchanging ideas and
experiences among elected official leaders throughout the state.
The voice of municipal government cannot be overlooked at the
State Capitol. The Association’s success is contingent upon the
support and engagement of the LMA membership.
What We Believe
Municipalities have traditionally served as centers of social,
cultural, and recreational life. Much of Louisiana’s commercial
activity also takes place within incorporated areas. Effective municipal
governing is not without its challenges, but we believe
that problems are best resolved at the local level of government
and every day we fight to preserve and enhance the ability of
Louisiana municipalities to resolve those local problems and
provide needed and desired services to our citizens.
Member Benefits
There is a famous tagline from an old credit card commercial
that says, “membership has its privileges.” Just as that advertisement
made it clear that the credit card would grant uncommon
access for its cardholders, LMA holds uncommon access to advocacy,
education, and empowerment for our members. Those
membership “privileges” include, but are not limited to:
• Municipal representation on legislative issues at state and
federal levels.
• Educational training on municipal matters, such as the Community
Leadership Training Webinar Series and LMA Grant
Writing for Municipalities Webinar Series.
• Key publications and guides, such as Louisiana Municipal
Review, LMA Grant Newsletter, Handbook for Municipal
Officials, New Mayors’ Emergency Management Guide,
Legislative Reports, and Louisiana Municipal Association
Municipal Directory.
• Municipal research data, such as Survey Navigator Wage and
Benefits and Franchise Fee Survey.
• LMA educational and networking events, such as LMA’s 10
District Meetings, Municipal Day, Mid-Winter Conference,
and Annual Convention.
• Affiliate educational events, such as Louisiana City Attorney’s
Association (LCAA), Louisiana Recreation and Park Association
(LRPA), Louisiana Municipal Clerks Institute (LCMI),
and Building Officials Association of Louisiana (BOAL) spring
and fall conferences.
• Programs and services offered by LMA’s subsidiaries and
partners, such as Risk Management, Inc. (RMI), LA Municipal
Gas Authority (LMGA), LA Municipal Association of
Unemployment Compensation (LMA-UEC), LA Community
Development Authority (LCDA), and LA Municipal Advisory
and Technical Services Bureau (LaMATS).
• Technical Assistance programs and hands-on training from
LMA staff members who travel the state to meet with
officials to assist and educate on the operation of municipal
governments.
LMA Advocates
Louisiana’s state government has historically operated according
to an inconsistent theory of the proper relationship of the government
to municipal governments. The state has on the one
hand, frequently exerted significant control of municipal affairs
according to the premise that “municipalities are creatures of the
state” and that as such, municipalities have only those powers
and privileges which have been delegated to them. We see this
through the Lawrason Act and legislative charter forms of government.
On the other hand, the state government has histor-
Page 18
LMR | November 2018

Feature
LMA Executive Director John Gallagher talks to Governor John Bel Edwards about local issues.
ically pushed down a significant level of financial responsibility
to its municipalities and other political subdivisions. Therefore,
the state has reserved to itself the authority to regulate and intervene
in municipal affairs, but has not borne the responsibility
for providing adequate financial support or technical assistance
to its municipalities.
This inconsistent policy of state-municipal relations could
benefit by the concept of home rule, in which the citizens of a
municipality define and regulate its powers and duties. Municipalities
have the ability to begin down the road of home rule
by adopting the home rule charter form of government. We
currently have about 25 municipalities of various sizes operating
under such a charter form of government. Those municipalities
wishing to exert more control of their paths can do so by taking
advantage of home rule.
Louisiana’s municipalities have generally been unable to generate
an adequate amount of revenue from locally-levied taxes
and fees because of tax exemptions and exclusions and statutory
constraints imposed by the state. For example, the state limits
the percentage of sales tax that a municipality may impose, even
though municipal taxes may only be levied after an affirmative
vote of the people. Municipalities must then seek legislative
permission to levy their own taxes that exceed the threshold. So
under the current system, municipalities are forced to receive
financial assistance from the federal and state government, especially
in the funding of K-12 education, which represents the
vast majority of state funding of local governments.
Based on the limited municipal tax base, if the federal government
reduces its role in the fiscal support of local governments,
the state government must increase its financial support of municipal
governments. If the state is unable to provide this support,
it should grant, through proper legislation, the opportunity
for local governments to raise revenues for their own needs.
As a direct result of the advocacy work by the LMA and the
Police Jury Association of Louisiana (PJAL), for the first time in
a few years, the LGAP (Local Government Assistance Program)
and CWEF (Community Water Enrichment Fund) programs have
been funded at $5 million each for FY19. Towns like Jonesboro
who have been awarded Delta
Regional Authority (DRA) grants
for water system improvement,
can now couple that with LGAP
and CWEF funds that enable them
to make critical infrastructure
improvements.
In 2018, the LMA Legislative Team
endured four different legislative
sessions over a four-month
period. Through diligence, hard
work, and partnerships with other
local government stakeholders,
LMR | November 2018 Page 19

Mayor James Bradford shows off Jonesboro’s latest piece of infrastructure.
the team was able to successfully defeat adverse legislation and
promote the passage of beneficial bills. Though the 2018 Regular
Session was an overall success for LMA members, and despite
aggressive opposition, SB 462, a preemptive measure that
would have abolished the existing right of local governments
to provide inclusionary zoning requirements in community development
projects, passed and was sent to Governor Edwards
for consideration. Because of the relationships that LMA has
forged at the capitol, the Governor heard us and vetoed the
bill with a one year “grace period” for locals to put inclusionary
zoning to use. Since then, the New Orleans Office of Community
and Economic Development has been working on behalf of
the Mayor’s Office to study the feasibility and implementation
of an inclusionary zoning policy to increase affordable housing
in the city. They are aware of both the urgent need for more
affordable housing in the community and the “grace period” that
Governor Edwards has set. They are taking steps to analyze New
Orleans’ market and identify the right mix of tools and financial
incentives the city can leverage to support affordable housing
without stifling development. Separately, the City Council has
adopted a motion directing the City Planning Commission
to consider a text amendment to the Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance (CZO) related to inclusionary zoning. They anticipate
having a framework for an inclusionary zoning policy by the end
of Q1 of 2019 ahead of the legislative session.
These are just a couple of examples of the collective impact we
make when our voices are heard at the capitol. From the smallest
village to the largest city, everyone is impacted by decisions
made in the legislature and LMA is right there, at the State Capitol
and on Capitol Hill, fighting on behalf of our members.
LMA Educates
Nelson Mandela said, “Education
is the most powerful weapon
which you can use to change the
world.” The LMA understands that
municipal officials and employees
who are well-informed on
the law and best practices across
the broad spectrum of municipal
responsibilities will provide outstanding
leadership and service
to Louisiana citizens. Between
our major training events such as
conferences and district meetings,
we are always working to
Page 20
LMR | November 2018

Feature
build meaningful training through webinars, affiliate conferences,
and local government partner events. We also take
on challenges such as disaster recovery and transportation/
infrastructure issues through special meetings and summits.
Through weekly electronic newsletters, our monthly magazine,
social media platforms, and online databases, the LMA
strives to provide every opportunity for members to find the
information essential to the outstanding performance they
desire.
The Annual Convention is the most comprehensive and
intensive educational setting. Mayor Johnny Natt was able to
provide a direct benefit to the Town of Mangham as a result
of one of the valuable education workshops that he attended
during convention. “The Mosquito Abatement workshop was
very good,” said Natt. “It provided valuable information on
when is the best time to spray for
mosquitoes as well as information
on the different types and sizes of
equipment. There is so much you
need to know about the danger of
mosquitoes and controlling their
population in our communities. I
also learned some things the town
can do as well as the residents. LMA
needs to have this workshop again.”
LMA Immediate Past President
and mayor of DeQuincy, Lawrence
Henagan, describes the conventions
as, “chock full of opportunities to
network, collaborate, and expand
your knowledge of best practices.”
When emphasizing the value of the
conventions, Henagan is quick to
point out the educational sessions,
especially for the newly elected.
LMA Empowers
LMA’s subsidiaries and technical assistance programs empower
our members with tools and resources that make for more
efficient and resourceful municipal government. The impact that
these entities make every day is tangible.
ASSISTANCE
Computer Information and Technical Assistance Program (CITAP)
–The LMA acknowledges that some of our members have no, or
at best, severely limited technology assets including computers,
municipality-specific software programs, web sites, and internet
access. This program, managed through the LMA IT Department,
was designed to help municipalities with the greatest
need acquire computer hardware and software, and internet
access. CITAP has a goal of creating a state-wide computer
The Town of Sarepta benefitted from the CITAP program (pictured: Mayor Peggy Atkins, LMA
Board Member)
LMR | November 2018 Page 21

network whereby every municipality would have, among other
things, equal and unlimited access to the internet, user-friendly
website development tools, and easier access to LMA, state,
federal, and foundation programs and assistance. CITAP also
assists mid- to large-size municipalities by serving as a clearinghouse
and technical advisor on more advanced e-government
applications.
Mentoring Program - As part of the LMA’s continued commitment
of service to our members, this program was introduced
to partner experienced elected officials with newly-elected officials
in an effort to support new officials. Newly-elected officials
benefit from the peer-to-peer interaction of this program.
Mentees find a mentor to provide guidance through their new
professional challenges. The mentors help to develop the next
generation of future municipal leaders.
Municipal Codes Online – Some of the most profound challenges
can be addressed by knowing what other communities
have done in in the same situation. Municode provides
municipal governments codes online from local governments
in the state of Louisiana as well as across the nation. The LMA
is proud to offer its membership this service with Municode
where members will receive the benefit of having hundreds of
sample ordinances to review.
Technical Assistance Program – The LMA maintains an “open
door” policy where members are encouraged to contact us
with any questions they have about municipal operations
and governance. We answer around 2,200 calls and emails
requesting technical assistance per year. We also travel around
the state on an as-requested basis to provide on-site technical
training to our members. And, true to our philosophy, our
door is always open to visitors to drop by the LMA building to
chat about any pressing issues.
LMA Legal Department – The LMA Legal Department’s primary
function is to provide legal services in a variety of liability
areas for our member municipalities. The Legal Department
handles all aspects of the cases assigned, including preliminary
litigation matters, alternative dispute resolution, trial, and any
appellate work in both federal and state courts. The cases are
assigned to the Legal Department by the fund’s third-party
administrator, Risk Management, Inc. The LMA’s Legal Department
currently consists of one senior defense counsel and one
defense counsel, who have a combined 35 years of litigation
experience, along with one paralegal, one administrative assistant,
and two law clerks.
SUBSIDIARIES
Risk Management, Inc (RMI) - RMI is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of the Louisiana Municipal Association. The organization
became fully operational on January 1, 1987 and functions as
the service agent for the LMA inter-local risk pools. The primary
purpose of RMI is to effectively market and administer the
self-funded indemnity programs, which have been developed
Page 22
to serve the municipalities of Louisiana, and to assist in the
development of new programs to meet the needs of municipal
government. To date, 64% of Louisiana municipalities have
some type of indemnification coverage through RMI. RMI also
manages Unemployment Compensation and Workers Compensation.
Louisiana Municipal Advisory and Technical Services Bureau
(LaMATS) – The mission of this wholly-owned subsidiary of the
LMA is to bring economical and efficient services that assist the
LMA membership with their day-to-day operations. LaMATS
offers two collection programs including the Insurance Premium
Tax Collection Program and the Occupational License Tax
Collection Program.
LaMATS also offers the LaMATS Delinquent Property Tax Sale
Program. This innovative program takes the worry, work, and
liability off of the municipality by providing a comprehensive
delinquent tax collection plan at no cost to the municipality.
By participating in this program, you will reap the benefits of
collecting your delinquent property taxes so you can finance
your municipal operations.
Services like LaMATS Purchasing Services (LPS) have helped
towns such as Ville Platte, Oil City, Grand Coteau, Carencro, and
more locate and receive quotes on highly-sought-after trucks
and equipment.
In July 2018, more than seventy new officers, forty patrol cars,
and twenty unmarked units rolled out across New Iberia. Helping
ready the new patrol vehicles for action, LPS contracted
with a Lafayette based company to supply dozens of essential
safety items such as lights, sirens, alarms and steel window
guards. Additionally, LPS posted a regional request for quotes
on police gear, confirming that local suppliers could provide
competitive prices on most everything the new department
would need.
PARTNERS
Louisiana Municipal Gas
Authority (LMGA) - LMGA
is a political subdivision
created by the State Legislature
in 1987. Funding
for the LMGA’s activities
is derived solely from
fees paid by its members
who control its activities.
Additionally, the LMA
provides support services
to the LMGA through accounting, operational management,
and as-needed legal guidance. The LMGA was created for the
purpose of developing, arranging, and promoting adequate,
dependable, and economical supplies of natural gas for the
public good. While the organization’s stability is key to its
success, the LMGA continues to explore innovative avenues to
SEE LMA, PAGE 24
LMR | November 2018

Feature
LMA BOARD POSITIONS ON
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
November 6, 2018 Election
AMENDMENT NO. 1 (ACT 719) – Felons Holding Public Office – No Position
Do you support an amendment to prohibit a convicted felon from seeking or holding public office or appointment
within five years of completion of his sentence unless he is pardoned? (Adds Article I, Section
10.1)
AMENDMENT NO. 2 (ACT 722) – Unanimous Jury Verdicts – No Position
Do you support an amendment to require a unanimous jury verdict in all noncapital felony cases
for offenses that are committed on or after January 1, 2019? (Amends Article I, Section 17(A))
AMENDMENT NO. 3 (ACT 717) – Donation of Public Equipment - SUPPORT
Do you support an amendment to permit, pursuant to written agreement, the donation of the use
of public equipment and personnel by a political subdivision upon request to another political
subdivision for an activity or function which the requesting political subdivision is authorized to
exercise? (Amends Const. Art. VII, §14(B))
AMENDMENT NO. 4 (ACT 720) – Transportation Trust Fund – No Position
Do you support an amendment to remove authority to appropriate or dedicate monies in the Transportation
Trust Fund to state police for traffic control purposes? (Amends Article VII, Section 27(B)(1))
AMENDMENT NO. 5 (ACT 721) – Special Tax Treatment Extended to Property In Trust - SUPPORT
Do you support an amendment to extend eligibility for the following special property tax treatments
to property in trust: the special assessment level for property tax valuation, the property tax
exemption for property of a disabled veteran, and the property tax exemption for the surviving
spouse of a person who died while performing their duties as a first responder, active duty member
of the military, or law enforcement or fire protection officer? 2 (Adds Article VII, Sections 18(G)(6),
21(K)(4) and (M)(4))
AMENDMENT NO. 6 (ACT 718) – Phase-In of Property Tax Increases of 50% or More – No Position
Do you support an amendment that will require that any reappraisal of the value of residential
property by more than 50%, resulting in a corresponding increase in property taxes, be phased-in
over the course of four years during which time no additional reappraisal can occur and that the
decrease in the total ad valorem tax collected as a result of the phase-in of assessed valuation be
absorbed by the taxing authority and not allocated to the other taxpayers? (Amends Article VII,
Section 18(A) and (F))
LMR | November 2018 Page 23

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22: LMA
provide excellent products at affordable prices.
Louisiana Community Development Authority (LCDA) - LCDA is
a group of local governments created for the purpose of assisting
local governments with their financial needs. Because the
authority is controlled by municipal government leaders, it can
serve as a much-needed “one-stop shop” for local governments
to obtain financial information and services.
Louisiana Municipal Association Unemployment Compensation
Program (LMA-UEC) – The LMA-UEC program was inaugurated
in 1979 for the sole purpose of saving municipalities
money on payments of unemployment compensation claims
and/or taxes. Reliable and efficient management makes this a
great option for municipalities.
Over the past 92 years, LMA has remained committed to
advocacy, education, and empowerment and our goal is to
continually evolve and elevate our service levels to meet the
needs of our members. We want to increase engagement by
our members and ensure that our resources reach even more
Louisiana villages, towns, and cities.
What can LMA do for you? We can ADVOCATE at the state
and federal level on your behalf. We can EDUCATE elected
and municipal officials on changes in laws, best practices, and
resources available to your municipality. We can EMPOWER
each member to provide the highest levels of service to their
constituents through utilizing the expertise within our subsidiaries
and affiliates.
PRESORT
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BATON ROUGE, LA
PERMIT #319
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LMR | November 2018