LMR_November

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
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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