LMR_April_2019

Louisiana Municipal Review 

PUBLISHED BY THE LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION 

VOL 84, NO. 4 

APRIL 2019

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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 publicationis 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) 

Executive Director: John Gallagher jgallagher@lma.org 

3 rd class postage paid at Baton Rouge, 

Managing Editor: Karen Day White kwhite@lma.org 

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LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL REVIEW 

Post Office Box 4327 

Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4327 

2018-19 LMA EXECUTIVE BOARD (non-affiliate, non-advisory) 

President – Harry Lewis – Mayor, Rayville 

District J Vice President – Rodney Grogan, Mayor, Patterson 

First Vice President – Jimmy Williams – Mayor, Sibley 

Second Vice President– Michael Chauffe – Mayor, Grosse Tete 

Immediate Past President – Lawrence Henagan, DeQuincy 

District A Vice President – Peggy Adkins, Mayor, Sarepta 

District C Vice President – 

, Mayor, 

District D Vice President – Rick Allen, Mayor, Leesville 

District E Vice President – Nathan Martin, Councilman, Pineville 

District F Vice President – 

, Mayor, 

District G Vice President – Kenneth Stinson, Mayor, Vinton 

District H Vice President – David Toups, Mayor, Addis 

District I Vice President – Donald Villere, Mayor, Mandeville 

LMA Past President – Glenn Brasseaux, Mayor, Carencro 

LMA Past President – David Butler, Mayor, Woodworth 

LMA Past President – David Camardelle, Mayor, Grand Isle 

LMA Past President – Clarence Fields, Mayor, Pineville 

LMA Past President – Norman Heine, Councilman, Baker 

Vice President at Large – Derrick Johnson, Mayor, Cheneyville 

Vice President at Large – Jennifer Vidrine, Mayor, Ville Platte 

Vice President (< 1K) – Johnnie L. Natt, Mayor, Mangham 

Vice President (1K – 2.5K) – William D'Aquilla, Mayor, St. Francisville 

Vice President (2.5K – 5K) – Robert Hardey, Mayor, Westlake 

Page 2 

LMR | April 2019

Inside the LMA 

Director’s Viewpoint 

SESSION IS NEXT ON THE AGENDA 

BY JOHN GALLAGHER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Spring is here and our Legislative 

Committee, chaired by Pineville 

mayor and former LMA President 

Clarence Fields, is already in high 

gear as we look ahead to the 2019 

Regular Legislative Session. The legislative team has been 

busy evaluating bills and solidifying strategies and will 

work diligently with local government partners on matters 

of import to our members. The LMA is always ready to 

fight to protect local authority from preemption and to 

insure sustained recognition of municipal interests, and 

during this session we will remain focused on those efforts. 

We need your help to oppose a proposed constitutional 

amendment that would take a major step toward removal 

of the authority of local governments to collect their 

own sales and use taxes. If the amendment passes, 

the measure would allow the legislature to mandate 

centralized collection of all local sales and use taxes, either 

by the State of Louisiana or some other unspecified entity. 

We believe that the solution to Louisiana’s complicated 

tax system is not divesting locals of this constitutionallyprotected 

right. Indeed, there are already several boards, 

commissions, and initiatives whose members are already 

hard at work to accomplish this herculean task, including 

the Louisiana Sales Tax Streamlining and Modernization 

Commission, the Louisiana Uniform Local Sales Tax Board, 

and the Louisiana Sales and Use Tax Commission for 

Remote Sellers. We also ask that you pass a resolution at 

your next board meeting opposing any legislation which 

will take away the authority of local 

governments to collect their own 

sales taxes. As sample resolution 

was sent to LMA members last week. 

Please make sure that you read the 

weekly legislative reports that will 

be forwarded to our members every 

Friday and respond to our legislative 

calls to action that arise during this 

fiscal session. 

Last month a delegation of LMA 

leaders traveled to Washington, 

D.C. for the National League of 

Cities (NLC) Congressional City 

Conference, March 10 – 13. We 

received a briefing from the NLC 

staff on federal legislative priorities 

for the remainder of this year. As 

evidenced by the theme, “Rebuild 

with Us,” the focus this year was 

on municipalities partnering with 

state and federal authorities 

to repair and improve critical 

infrastructure. LMA officers met 

with Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy as well as 

Representatives Garret Graves and Mike Johnson. The 

team also had productive meetings with Representative 

Ralph Abraham’s legislative director and Minority Whip 

Representative Steve Scalise’s legislative director. We 

are always grateful for the time and attention that our 

congressional delegation gives to the concerns of the LMA 

members. 

I want to thank the almost 200 attendees of the inaugural 

Mayors Court training sessions in Natchitoches and 

Baton Rouge. A special appreciation goes out to the 

Louisiana Judicial College and Louisiana Supreme Court 

Justice Scott Crichton for working with the LMA staff to 

put this training together and to the speakers for their 

participation, including Gretna Mayor Belinda Constant 

and Jerry Guillot, our longtime Mayors Court expert. We 

hope to announce additional training sessions later this 

year. 

Finally, the 42nd Annual LMA Municipal Day will be in 

Baton Rouge on May 8. This is an incredibly impactful 

event that gives our members the opportunity to educate 

legislators on municipal government issues and to dispel 

misconceptions about local government. The event 

culminates in a crawfish boil that encourages networking 

with legislators and statewide officials in a relaxed setting. 

We encourage you to attend so that we can have a strong 

contingent at the state capitol. Registration information 

can be found in this issue of the Louisiana Municipal 

Review or at www.lma.org. 

Before digging, call 811 at least two full work days in advance to protect 

your community’s underground systems and enhance public safety. 

That’s all it takes to notify LA One Call members, so they can mark nearby 

utility lines and pipelines to prevent injury and costly accidents. 

IT’S THE LAW. IT’S FREE. Call or click www.LAOneCall.com 

LMR | April 2019 Page 3

President’s Message 

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME 

BY MAYOR HARRY LEWIS, TOWN OF RAYVILLE 

What an extraordinary time we 

had at the National League of 

Cities, 2019 Congressional City 

Conference in Washington D.C. The 

LMA delegation was joined by more than 2000 leaders 

from towns and cities from all across this great country. 

This conference is one I will remember for years to come. 

As a veteran of the United States Army, one of the 

highlights of this visit was when Mayor Jennifer Vidrine, 

Mayor Michael Chauffe, Executive Director John 

Gallagher and I had the distinct honor to lay a wreath at 

the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Located in beautiful 

Arlington Cemetery, the monument is dedicated to 

United States service members who died without their 

remains being identified. This ceremony is precise, 

organized and solemn. We watched the awesome 

Changing of the Guard, where everything that dedicated, 

well-trained guards do is a series of 21. Additionally, to 

see the graves of thousands of men and women who 

made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom makes me 

proud and appreciative to be an American. 

Another highlight was Capitol Hill Advocacy Day. 

The LMA delegation was able to speak directly to 

Representatives Mike Johnson and Garret Graves and 

representatives from Rep. Ralph Abraham’s office, as 

well as Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy. We 

discussed the numerous challenges Louisiana faces. 

They were genuinely engaged in our conversations and 

took notes as we spoke. They shared Federal Legislative 

briefings that affect Louisiana. These gentlemen are truly 

advocates for Louisiana. 

This conference confirmed that states all across our 

country are plagued with similar problems, including 

infrastructure, opioid addictions, housing, public safety 

and crime, technology, economic growth, flooding, 

erosion and natural disasters. This conference presented 

an opportunity for us to share solutions, tips and 

strategies that have worked in other towns and cities. It 

was good to know, too, that our LMA conferences mirror 

many of the topics covered at the Congressional City 

Conference. 

I am convinced that we must work closely with the state 

and federal government. LMA is a powerful organization 

that works diligently with both to ensure quality of life 

for our citizens. It is imperative that we all develop and 

maintain positive relationships with our local, state and 

federal representatives. We must communicate our 

concerns through attendance at legislative committee 

meetings (beginning in April) and town hall meetings 

whenever 

possible. 

Our website 

can give you 

updated 

information 

by logging 

on to 

‘Legislative 

Links’. 

Washington 

D.C. is a 

fascinating 

place to visit, 

with its amazing monuments, historic sites, museums 

and restaurants. But there is no place like Louisiana! I 

was glad to get back to Rayville, Louisiana. There is no 

place I’d rather be! 

Page 4 


Spring has sprung and fortunately, Louisiana is 

experiencing progress the likes of which we have not 

seen in generations. Thornton, We’ve Musso, had &Bellemin 12 straight months 

of job creation, our economy has improved, and our 

revenue has I stabilized. approve this ad We copy for have use in the following highest issues: Gross 

Domestic Product in the state’s history and a state 

general fund surplus rather than a deficit. None of this 

happened by accident. Rather, it happened because 

of hard, bipartisan work which is evidence of the 

good that can be accomplished for our state and our 

people when we work together. And I’m grateful to 

the Louisiana Municipal Association for always being 

Index Listings 

supportive of efforts by my administration to move our 

state forward. WATER TREATMENT CONSULTANTS 

Monday, April 8th, marks the beginning of the 2019 

Regular Legislative Session where we will once again 

have the opportunity to put policies in place that will 

truly show how much we value our families. My top 

priorities will include giving our teachers and support 

personnel a pay increase as well as increasing the perpupil 

classroom funding level, both of which have only 

seen one increase in the last ten years. Teachers are 

helping to mold our future leaders. We ask so much of 

them but don’t give them the 

resources they need to produce 

the results we all desire and 

expect. We can and must do 

better. In addition, I will keep 

pushing to raise the minimum 

wage and end pay secrecy to 

close the gender wage gap. 

Louisiana has not seen a raise 

in the minimum wage since it 

was changed by the federal 

government in 2009. The 

current rate of $7.25 is an hour 

is simply inadequate for 2019. 

According to the United Way 

of Louisiana ALICE (Asset 

Limited, Income Constrained 

Employed) Report, 48 percent 

of households in Louisiana 

could not afford basic needs 

such as housing, childcare, food, 

transportation, health care and 

technology in 2016. If ever our 

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Official Publication of the 

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working individuals and families 

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need help it is now. I am going to 

ask state lawmakers to listen to the 

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an increase in the minimum wage. It’s the right thing 

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I will continue working to advance a bill that eliminates 

pay secrecy. No employee should be threatened with 

losing their job for talking about their salary, which can 

happen today. We should do everything possible to 

ensure that Louisiana is a fair and equitable place to 

work. 

Still, there is a lot to be excited about in Louisiana. 

And the great news is, we have another chance to 

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Legal Briefs 

STAGING FOR SUCCESS 

BY KAREN DAY WHITE, EXECUTIVE COUNSEL 

It’s been said that opportunities don’t happen - you create them. 

On the eve of the 2019 Regular Legislative Session – a fiscal session 

– the LMA is positioning itself for full engagement on the 

myriad of issues likely to arise during the 60-day term. 

Once again, the LMA is united with our local government partners 

– the Police Jury Association of Louisiana, the Louisiana School 

Board Association, the Louisiana Sheriffs Association, and others 

– to combat the maligning of local governments as the cause 

of the state’s budgetary woes. As discussed many times before 

in this publication, between a limited tax base through mandated 

exemptions and exclusions, and unfunded mandates, local 

governments struggle to provide essential services and critical 

infrastructure to Louisiana citizens. Despite these challenges, 

municipal governments are succeeding at expanding economic 

development and improving their residents’ quality of life through 

innovative strategies (see our “Small Towns, Big Ideas” feature in 

this magazine). 

This session, we will also address proposals to take steps toward 

centralized collection of all local sales and use taxes. The current 

system of single parish collectors, supported by a parish e-file 

system, is an effective and efficient one. Aside from concerns regarding 

enforcement, auditing, and fund availability, local tax collectors 

have an inherent geographic connexity with area taxpayers 

that cannot be duplicated by the state or some other central 

bureaucratic body – at least not without significant increases in 

bureaucratic size and cost. 

Far from simply being reactionary, the LMA has worked closely 

with stakeholders to present package bills and actively support 

others. In addition to urging for a clarification in the Local Government 

Budget Act and a recodification 

of the Public Records Law (also for clarity’s 

sake), we are advocating for a minor expansion 

of the scope of mayor’s courts to 

include the collection of municipal utility debt. Municipalities 

have a constitutional mandate to pursue debtors, so empowering 

mayor’s courts to hear these cases will assist municipalities in 

fulfilling that obligation while also putting funds back into critical 

infrastructure systems. 

The LMA website contains a listing of all tracked bills by subject 

matter under “Legislative Advocacy,” which will be updated at the 

session goes forward. And as key moments in the legislative process 

arise, the LMA Legislative Team will reach out to our membership 

to in a call to action to request that you contact your legislators 

regarding certain measures. Your voice matters and the LMA 

would not have the same level of success at the Capitol without 

your support. 

Each Friday, LMA members will also receive weekly updates regarding 

the legislative goings-on for the week using the LMA’s mobile 

app. If you have any questions about a particular bill or questions 

about the legislative session, please feel free to contact the LMA offices 

through either Executive Counsel Karen White (kwhite@lma. 

org) or Legislative Liaison Brandon Brewer (bbrewer@lma.org). 

Editor’s Note: the information provided in this column is not a replacement 

for consultation with your own municipal attorney, and 

it should not be considered legal advice for any particular case or situation. 

You are encouraged to use the contents of this column as a 

platform to have meaningful discussions with your municipal counsel 

regarding possible litigation issues. 

The LMA family is heartbroken over the loss of 

former Vinton mayor and LMA Past President David 

Riggins who departed from this life on March 28, 

2019. He was mayor of Vinton from 2000 until 2007, 

when he accepted a position as financial advisor with 

Government Consultants, Inc. Riggins had served 

the Vinton community in different roles over the 

years, including Mayor, City Councilman, Justice of 

the Peace, board member of the Ward 7 Recreation 

Center, and President of the Louisiana Municipal 

Association. 

We offer our sincerest condolences to the Riggins 

family and the Town of Vinton as we remember David 

Riggins as a great servant leader. 

Page 6 



Technical Assistance Announcement 

Due to the 2019 Regular Session, the LMA legislative 

team will be largely out of the office through June 6. 

They will be at the Capitol focusing on the issues that 

affect municipal government, and zealously advocating 

on behalf of our members. Unfortunately, this means 

that they will not be readily accessible by telephone to 

respond to requests for technical assistance on a daily 

basis. 

The LMA encourages you to consult with your municipal 

attorney in the event of such a need. The LMA works 

closely with the Louisiana City Attorney’s Association 

to provide continuing education regarding matters 

pertaining to municipal government. Furthermore, 

there is an abundance of resources available on our 

website under “Publications,” including information 

on the Lawrason Act, public records, open meetings, 

mayor’s court, public bid law, annexation, and dual 

office-holding, among other topics. You are encouraged 

to review that information for assistance with any issues 

that you encounter. 

Otherwise, please email any technical assistance 

questions to John Gallagher (jgallagher@lma.org), 

Karen White (kwhite@lma.org), or Brandon Brewer 

(bbrewer@lma.org). We will do our best to respond 

to any such written inquiries in a timely fashion. We 

appreciate your understanding and accommodation 

during this hectic time. 

2019 District Meetings 

As the legislative team fights to protect municipal 

interests and coffers, we will keep you apprised of 

any relevant developments and will reach out for your 

assistance when needed through email and One Call 

initiatives 

These annual meetings allow the LMA membership to re-elect or elect their representatives 

in the form of District Vice Presidents, who will sit on the LMA Executive Board 

for the upcoming year. These meetings also serve as an opportunity to network with 

legislators and state dignitaries, as they are also invited to attend. You will soon receive 

a formal invitation from your District Vice President with detailed information about 

the event. Please save the date for your upcoming district meeting. 

District J - Wednesday, June 5th 

116 Cotton Road 

Patterson, LA 

VP: Mayor Rodney Grogan, Patterson 

District G - Thursday, June 6th 

Knights of Columbus Hall 

1601 Horridge Street 

Vinton, LA 70668 

VP: Mayor Kenneth Stinson, Vinton 

District H - Wednesday, June 12th 

Addis Community Center 

7520 LA Highway 1 

Addis, LA 

VP: Mayor David Toups, Addis 

District F - Thursday, June 13th 

Carencro Community Center 

5112 N. University 

Carencro, LA 

VP: Mayor Charles James, Sunset 

District E - Tuesday, June 18th 

Main Street Community Center 

708 Main Street 

Pineville, LA 

VP: Councilman Nathan Martin, Pineville 

District I - Wednesday, June 19th 

Benedict’s Plantation 

1144 N Causeway Boulevard 

Mandeville, LA 

VP: Mayor Donald Villere, Mandeville 

District C - Monday, June 24th 

The Thomas Jason Lingo Community 

Center 

10284 Hwy 17 

Oak Grove, LA 

VP: Mayor Adam Holland, Oak Grove 

District A - Tuesday, June 25th 

Springhill Civic Center 

101 Machen Drive 

Springhill, LA 

VP: Mayor Peggy Adkins, Sarepta 

District B - Wednesday, June 26th 

Historic Fire Station 

200 E. Mississippi Avenue 

Ruston, LA 

VP: Mayor Ronny Walker, Ruston 

District D - Thursday, June 27th 

West Louisiana Forestry Festival Fairground 

276 HM Stevens Blvd. 

Leesville, LA 

VP: Mayor Rick Allen, Leesville 


Notice to Those Seeking 

LMA Office 

In accordance with Article 3 of the Constitution of the 

Louisiana Municipal Association, we give the following 

notice: 

All individuals who intend to run for Executive Office 

(President, First Vice President, and Second Vice 

President) of the LMA must provide a written Letter of 

Notification to the LMA Executive Director by May 1 of 

the year in which they are running (must be postmarked 

by May 1). Published reminders of “Notice of Office 

Seeking” with the specified May 1 qualifying date will be 

broadcast to the LMA membership via three sources: 

email, the Louisiana Municipal Review, and also by 

general mailout beginning in March/April of each year. A 

copy of each qualifying letter received will be published 

within the July issue of the Louisiana Municipal Review. 

All said individuals are strongly encouraged to attend at 

least 7 of the 10 LMA District Meetings in that year. Any 

individual who will not be attending any specific LMA 

District Meeting is asked to place a courtesy call to the 

LMA President and hosting District Vice President in 

order to allow for appropriate accommodations at that 

meeting. After May 1, no nominations from the floor will 

be allowed at the Annual Business Meeting except under 

extreme circumstances and specific criteria including 

but not limited to: Death, Resignation, Non-Reelection, 

Health Issues, Vacancy in Office Legal Matters: Pending 

Indictments, On-Going Investigations, Criminal Activity In 

the event an officer or candidate should find themselves 

or be found to be in a questionable position regarding 

their eligibility as the Annual Convention approaches, 

the LMA Active Past Presidents will approach said officer 

or candidate to discuss their situation. The LMA Active 

Past Presidents shall then report to the LMA Executive 

Board at its meeting at the Annual Convention (prior to 

the Annual Business Meeting) if nominations from the 

floor will be opened or not for that given year. If more 

than two individuals run for a position and one does 

not receive more than 50 percent of the vote for that 

office, then there shall be a run-off between the two 

top candidates with the most votes. Details: If you have 

additional questions, please contact the LMA staff at 

(225) 344-5001. 

Calendar of Events 

APRIL 

8 2019 Regular Legislative Session convenes at 

noon. 

Hometown Happenings 

Boggy Bayou Festival 

April 4-6, Ville Platte 

Third Street Songwriter’s Festival 

April 5-7, Baton Rouge 

www.thirdstreetsongwritersfestival.com 

Boudin Festival 

April 5-7, Scott 

www.scottboudinfestival.com 

Ritas on the River 

April 6, Monroe 

www.downtownrivermarket.com 

French Quarter Festival 

April 11-14, New Orleans 

www.frenchquarterfest.org 

LA Railroad Days Festival 

April 11-13, DeQuincy 

www.larailroaddaysfestival.com 

Battle of Pleasant Hill 

April 12-14, Pelican 

www.battleofpleasanthill.com 

Strawberry Festival 

April 12-14, Ponchatoula 

www.lastrawberryfestival.com 

Franklin Parish Catfish Festival 

April 13, Winnsboro, 

www.franklinparishcatfishfestival.com 

Louisiana Forest Festival 

April 26-27, Winnfield 

www.louisianaforestfestival.com 

The Italian Festival 

April 26-28, Tickfaw, 

www.theitalianfestivalorg.com 

Lecompte Pie Festival 

April 26-28, Lecompte 

Etouffee Festival 

April 26-28, Arnaudville 

www.johnfrancisregis.net 

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 

April 26-28, May 2-5, New Orleans 

www.nojazzfest.com 

Crawfish Cook-Off 

April 27, Slidell 

www.crawfishtickets.com 

Westlake Family, Fun, and Food Festival 

May 3-5, Westlake 

www.stjohnboscochurch.com 

Page 8 



LMA’s Community Achievement Award Competition 

The LMA is now accepting submissions for the Community 

Achievement Awards Competition. These prestigious 

awards recognize municipalities for starting or completing 

an outstanding project or accomplishment during the 

2018 calendar year. Each municipality may enter only one 

project per year. There are four population categories in 

which your municipality will fall. Each entry should be 

within one of these three categories: 

• Basics Services - Water, sewer, streets, drainage, 

municipal buildings, fire, police, emergency services, 

municipal management, solid waste management, 

recycling, communication systems. 

• Community Development – Public transportation, citizen 

participation, public buildings, main street improvements, 

development plans, parks and recreation, beautification, 

promotion of community projects, strategic planning, 

cultural enrichment. 

• Economic Development – Industrial development, 

industrial parks, location/expansion of business and/or 

industries, tourism, community promotion, workforce 

Dual Officeholding 

Opinion: 19-0008 The provisions of the Dual Officeholding and 

Dual Employment Law do not prohibit a full-time employee of 

the City of Broussard from serving as a member of the Lafayette 

Parish School Board or as a member of the Lafayette City Parish 

Consolidated Government Council. Opinion Released: 2/19/2019 

Prohibited Donations 

Opinion: 18-0157 The Ward One South Gravity Drainage District 

No. 1 may expend funds on projects beyond its boundaries so 

long as the project will provide a direct benefit to the District 

or its inhabitants. In addition, while the District may not loan its 

funds, it may enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with 

another entity. Opinion Released: 2/28/2019 

Opinion: 18-0165 The West Carroll Parish Ambulance Service 

District may enter into an agreement with AirMedCare Network 

to provide air ambulance services to the District so long as it has 

a demonstrable, objective, and reasonable expectation of receiving 

equivalent value in exchange for the expenditure of public 

funds. Opinion Released: 2/26/2019 

Opinion: 19-0005 The donation of accumulated leave by a public 

employee does not violate La. Const. art. VII, §14 because the 

accumulated leave belongs to that employee, not the public 

entity. Opinion Released: 2/26/2019 

development. 

Attorney General’s Opinions 

BY JEFF LANDRY, ATTORNEY GENERAL 

In addition to the winners of each category per population, 

there is a Best of Show award given to most notable and 

impressive community achievement submission. Last 

year, the Town of Jean Lafitte garnered the LMA 17th Best 

of Show award for its “Phase III of the Fisher Basin Tidal 

Levee Protection Project” - an initiative that completes 

the final phase in a ring protection levee that will protect 

almost all of the town’s government and civic buildings, 

schools, health center, fire department, police station, 

three churches and over 300 residential homes from tidal 

flooding. 

All Community Achievement Awards applications are to 

be submitted by June 13th at 5:00 p.m. These entry forms 

can be submitted electronically by email, or mailed to the 

LMA’s physical address. Faxed entries will not be accepted. 

Info: Nikki Samrow, LMA Events Director, nsamrow@lma. 

org, (225) 344-5001; LMA Office, Attention: Nikki Samrow, 

P.O. Box 4327, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. Please visit www. 

lma.org or see your mailed packet for more detailed 

information about this competition. 

Public Bids 

Opinion: 18-0162 A contract with a 

third-party contractor for the operation 

and maintenance of the water and sewer 

system in the Town of St. Joseph is not 

subject to the public bid process. Opinion 

Released: 2/28/2019 

Incorporation 

Opinion: 18-0065A All elements of La. R.S. 18:3(A) must be contained 

on a petition for incorporation in order for the registrar to 

accept the elector’s signature. Opinion Released: 3/12/2019 

Civil Service 

Opinion: 18-0073 In appointing board members to its civil service 

board, the governing authority must request a list of nominees 

from the executive head of the legally chartered and established 

four-year institution of higher education which is closest to St. 

Tammany Fire Protection District No. 3’s service area in radial 

miles or “as the crow flies.” Opinion Released: 3/12/2019 

Municipal Attorneys 

Opinion: 18-0138 If the city attorneys of Bastrop are public 

officers, then La. R.S. 42:2 provides that they are to continue to 

discharge the duties of the office until their successor is inducted 

into office. Opinion Released: 3/12/2019 


- REGISTRATION FORM- 

Louisiana Municipal Association 

4 2 nd Annual Municipal Day at the Capitol 

May 8 , 2019 

Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge 

4728 Constitution Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 

NAME 

BADGE NAME 

TITLE 

MUNICIPALITY 

ADDRESS 

(STREET OR P.O. BOX) (CITY) (STATE) (ZIP CODE) 

TELEPHONE ( ) FAX ( ) 

EMAIL 

GUEST NAME 

Is this your first LMA Municipal Day at the Capitol Conference? Yes No 

DELEGATE REGISTRATION FEE: $75 per delegate, elected/appointed 

* The de legate registration fee includes crawfish boil. official or municipal employee 

NON-MEMBER/GUEST REGISTRATION FEE: 

$100 per non- municipal participant & 

* The non-member registration fee includes crawfish boil. guest 

CRAWFISH BOIL ONLY: $25 per participant 

*This fee is for those who wish to attend ONLY the crawfish boil. 

If you have a guest that would like to participate in the complete 

program, please register them as Non- Member/Guest above. 

ACCOMMODATIONS: 

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at a rate of $109 

Single/Double. Please call (225) 925- 2244 to make your reservations and mention 

that you are with Louisiana Municipal Association’s Municipal Day to secure this 

special rate. The reservation cut- off date is April 7 , 2019 . Reservations made 

after this date are subject to higher prevailing nightly rates. Hotel check-in time 

is 4:00 p.m. and check- out is 11:00 a.m. unless special arrangements are made 

in advance. For conference purposes, suggested arrival for hotel reservations 

would be May 8 with departure set for May 9 . 

M April 21 st . 

REFUND POLICY: 

Guest Registration f ees and Delegate Crawfish Boil Only fees are nonrefundable. 

An administrative fee of $45 per delegate/participant will be 

charged for all cancellations, including medical emergencies. No refunds will be 

given after April 24 (two weeks prior to the start of the event). Refunds will be 

issued only if the LMA office receives your cancellation request in the form of a 

letter on your official letterhead mailed, emailed, faxed, or delivered to our office 

with a postmark date no later than April 24. Telephone requests for refunds are 

not accepted. There will be no exceptions to this policy. 

Complete this form and return with 

your registration fee payment in full, 

no later than April 24 , 2019 . 

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: 

Louisiana Municipal Association 

Municipal Day 

P.O. Box 4327 

Baton Rouge, LA 70821 

REGISTER ONLINE: 

WWW.LMA.ORG 

HAVE A QUESTION? 

Contact: Nikki Samrow, P.O. Box 4327, Baton Rouge, LA 70821, (225) 344- 5001 Phone, (225) 344- 3057 Fax, nsamrow@lma.org 

. 

Page 10 


Clerks Corner 

LMCA 2019 SPRING CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS 

LORA W. JOHNSON, CMC, LMMC 

LMCA PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, CLERK OF COUNCIL, NEW ORLEANS 

On March 7 and 8, the Louisiana Municipal Clerks Association 

gathered for its 59th Annual Spring Conference in 

2019-2020 LMCA Executive Officers 

Bossier City at the Horseshoe Casino & Hotel. Members 

in attendance gained valuable insight from educational 

workshops and enjoyed a tour of Bossier City’s newest 

entertainment and shopping area in the city’s East Bank 

District. The LMCA wishes to thank Bossier City for their 

kind hospitality during our conference. 

President Anne-Marie Eaves of Grand Cane presided over 

the conference. Following the LMCA candidates’ forum 

and sponsor recognition, the Friday began with an inspiring 

presentation by motivational speaker and consultant, 

Merlyna Valentine, who spoke on leadership and perseverance. 

Over the course of the day, other workshops focused 

on sexual harassment prevention (Karen White, LMA 

Executive Counsel), public-private partnerships (Justin 

Haydel and Ben Rauschenbach, Bossier City P3), blighted 

properties and zoning (Neil T. Erwin, JD), and partnering 

to improve image (Lisa Johnson and Jessica Hemingway, 

Bossier City Chamber of Commerce). 

The conference concluded with the annual banquet, installation 

of new board members, and the presentation of 

service awards. The LMCA was honored to host the Honorable 

Don Williams, District 3 Councilman from Bossier 

City, who presided over the installation of the 2019-2020 

executive officers and new trustees: 

President, Phyllis McGraw, MMC, Bossier City 

Vice President, Douglas Schmidt, LCMC, Mandeville 

Secretary/Treasurer, Dolores Quebedeaux, LMMC, Arnaudville 

Public Relations Officer, Lora W. Johnson, CMC, LMMC, 

SEE CLERKS PAGE 13 

Gay Nell (pictured right) received her service pin from 

LMCA President Phyllis McGraw, Bossier City Clerk of 

Council during the LMCA Conference. 

The pin notes her 30 years as a municipal clerk for the 

Town of Farmerville. Gay 

Nell has been serving 

on the LMCA Executive 

Board in leadership roles 

for almost 20 years. She 

served as the 2006-2007 

LMCA President and has 

since been serving on the 

LMCA Executive Board as 

a past president. She has 

A Word from 

Our Affiliates 

From left to right, LMA Public Relations Officer Lora Johnson 

(New Orleans), LMCA President Phyllis McGraw (Bossier City), 

LMCA Vice President Douglas Schmidt (Mandeville) and LMCA 

Secretary Dolores Quebedeaux (Arnaudville). 

LMCA Service Awards Recipients 

From left to right, LMCA President Phyllis McGraw, Mary Vice of 

Vinton, Gay Nell Pepper of Farmerville, Dolores Quebedeaux of 

Arnaudville, Tonya Pennywell of Montgomery, Lynn Thibodaux 

of Lake Charles, Ann-Marie Eaves of Grand Cane, Shannon 

Sturgeon of St. Francisville, and Gwen Martin of Carencro. 

LMA Congratulates Gay Nell Pepper of Farmerville for her 30 Years of Faithful Service! 

also served as a board member for LaMATS since 2015. 

The Louisiana Municipal Clerks Association (LMCA) 

was established on April 22, 1955 and is governed by 

the LMCA Executive Board of Directors. The Board 

of Directors consists of local municipal clerks from 

across the state of Louisiana. The LMCA provides its 

membership with educational opportunities through 

their Louisiana Municipal Clerks spring conference and 

fall institute. The purpose of the Institute is to provide 

educational opportunities for its members for them to 

earn points toward their Louisiana Certified Municipal 

Clerks (LCMC) and Louisiana Master Municipal Clerk 

(LMMC). Clerks may participate in the International 

Institute of Municipal Clerks Association. 


The Power of Cooperative Purchasing 

Back when “neighbor” was a verb as well as a noun, folks 

shared the work and expense of living as a matter of 

course. Today, the same efficiencies and economies of 

scale that once went into fence-building or barn-raising 

can be harnessed by municipalities to bring down prices 

on commonly used materials or services and reduce the 

labor involved in their procurement. 

A key tool for this comes from the often overlooked 

Local Services Law (R.S. 33:1322), which provides wide 

latitude to political subdivisions to share funds, facilities, 

personnel and property, and specifically to purchase 

“materials, supplies and equipment for use in the 

maintenance of governmental services.” 

Consider the power of cooperative purchasing this law 

makes possible: Local governments can plan jointly for 

how materials, supplies and equipment will be procured 

for similar needs. Municipalities may team on joint 

solicitations, effectively lowering the price by raising 

the volume. After a purchase, they may grant other 

municipalities the right to use the same competitively 

bid contract. Sometimes called “piggy-backing,” this is 

an example of cooperative purchasing. 

LaMATS Purchasing Services (LPS) helps municipalities 

organize and promote cooperative purchasing under 

the Local Services Law without municipalities having 

to incur additional cost or expenses assisting another 

municipality. For example, LPS recently assisted the 

City of Crowley in establishing a term contract for 

personal fire fighter gear—helmets, hoods, coats and 

pants. Crowley had the foresight to ask LPS to create 

a contract for itself and to allow other municipal fire 

departments to use the contract also. Crowley benefits 

from lower prices because the supplier expects to sell 

more equipment to additional buyers; other municipal 

buyers benefit by not having to place their own 

solicitations. With LPS administration, Crowley incurs 

no cost to extend piggy-back opportunities to other 

municipalities. 

As another example of cooperation, LPS is working 

with the Louisiana Municipal Gas Authority (“LMGA”), 

a political subdivision established to accommodate 

cooperation between publicly-owned gas distributors. 

LMGA is looking to sponsor an option contract for 

AMR (automatic meter read) technology for LMGA 

members who want to both upgrade and standardize 

their AMR capabilities. LPS looks to work with the 

LMGA to contract on other types of equipment used 

by the natural gas distribution industry. Because 

some equipment is not unique to the industry, local 

government may jointly use some of the same contracts. 

In its next move, LaMATS is taking its cooperative 

contract experience to water distributors. Look for us 

at the upcoming Louisiana 

Rural Water Association 

Conference in Lake Charles, 

Louisiana. LaMATS hopes 

to spark interest in water 

distributors to cooperate and 

jointly purchase technology 

and other equipment unique 

to their membership. 

To find available joint-use 

and cooperative contracts in 

existence or in progress, go 

to www.lamats.net/bidding 

and click the “Piggy-back 

Contracts” button*. There 

you will find the LPS listing of 

available opportunities. 

THE LaMATS CONGRATS! 

LaMATS would like to 

recognize and thank our 

friend, LMCA past 

President Anne-Marie 

Eaves, LMMC, for her 

years of service and 

support. We also 

welcome and wish great 

tidings to new LMCA 

President Phyllis 

McGraw, MMC. LaMATS 

stands ready to serve the 

deserving members of 

your great Association! 

[Learn More] 

*OR: Use the camera on your 

smartphone to scan the below 

QR Code and go directly to the 

LPS list of available “piggyback” 

contacts. 

Anne-Marie Eaves, LMMC 

Phyllis McGraw, MMC 

Page 12 


A Word from 

Our Affiliates 

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11: CLERKS 

LCMC, New Orleans 

New three-year trustees: Meshaun 

Arcenaux, LMMC (Napoleonville), 

Patti Gregory, LCMC (Mer Rouge), 

Deborah Nealon, LCMC (Rayville) 

New two-year trustee: Jeffrey Douglas 

(Ponchatoula) 

Please join us in congratulating the 

following clerks to whom the LMCA 

proudly presented service awards 

this year: 

5 years 

Tonya Pennywell, LCMC – Montgomery 

Shannon Sturgeon, LCMC – St. Francisville 

Veronica Williams, LCMC – Lafayette 

Jonathon Williams, LCMC – Zwolle 

Janelle Laborde – Plaucheville 

10 years 

Jennifer Morvant, LMMC – Thibodaux 

Lisa Cormier, LMMC – Fordoche 

Suzanne Belleau – Krotz Springs 

15 years 

Dolores Quebedeaux, LMMC - Arnaudville 

Ann-Marie Eaves, LMMC – Grand Cane 

Gwen Martin, LMMC – Carencro 

Lynn Thibodeaux – Lake Charles 

20 years 

Mary Vice, LMMC – Vinton 

Lynette Nelson, CMC – New Roads 

30 years 

Gay Nell Pepper, CMC - Farmerville 

This year, the International Institute 

of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) 

celebrates the 50th anniversary of 

Municipal Clerks Week. Don’t forget 

to show your clerk how much you 

value their contributions to your 

municipality during May 5-11, 2019 

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Registration 

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

Networking and Desserts 

Gather in the lounge lobby and outdoor 

patio area for networking and desserts. 

12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Board Charter Bus 

1:00 p.m. Depart Crowne Plaza 

Crowne Plaza Hotel 

4728 Constitution Avenue 

Atrium 


Lounge Lobby and 

Outdoor Patio 


Location: Through Atrium 

Entryway 

Louisiana State Capitol 

900 North 3 rd Street 

1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Legislative Update 

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Lobby at State Capitol 

4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Board Charter Bus 

Louisiana State Capitol 

Location: Spanish Town Road (in 

front of State Capitol) 

4:30 p.m. Depart State Capitol Crowne Plaza Hotel 

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

Stay Connected! 

Louisiana-style Crawfish Boil 

Transportation will not be provided. 

Drusilla Place Catering 

3482 Drusilla Lane 

Download the LMA App! 

Available for all Android and iOS devices. 


LOUISIANA 

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LOUISIANA ASSET MANAGEMENT POOL Call 800-249-LAMP or visit www.lamppool.com to learn more. 

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JOHN M. SCHRODER, SR. 

Louisiana State Treasurer 

LAMP, Inc. President 

Page 14 

00874-LAMP 25th Anniversary Muni Assoc Mag ad 2019-01-23.indd 1 

LMR | April 2019 

1/23/19 9:27 AM

Partner Insight 

CDBG Public Facilities assistance funds 

The Office of Community Development has announced the 

deadlines for applications to obtain CDBG Public Facilities 

assistance funds for FY 2020/2021. The types of projects that 

would qualify for these CDBG funds are water, sewer, and streets 

projects, including potable water, new sewerage, rehabilitation 

and treatment of existing sewerage, and roadways. OCD is expert 

at assisting applicants to comply with all application mandates, 

and members are encouraged to take advantage of the potential 

funding source. 

The a summary of this grant resource is below. 

For more information on CDBG funding, including contact 

information for OCD, please visit: https://www.doa.la.gov/Pages/ 

ocd/CDBG/about_lcdbg.aspx. 

CDBG FY 2020 / 2021 Information 

What kind of project can be completed with CDBG Public 

Facilities assistance? 

• Water, Sewer (three types), and Streets 

o Potable Water – Eligible activities include water wells; 

disinfection equipment/facilities; elevated and/or ground 

storage tanks, pump stations, etc.; new water lines and/ 

or water line replacement; new treatment facilities or improvements 

to existing treatment facilities. 

o New Sewer – Eligible activities consist of providing improvements 

for a non-sewered area. The improvements 

may include new sewer lines, manholes, lift stations, force 

mains, house connections, and may include the construction 

of a new sewage treatment plant or the expansion of 

an existing treatment plant made necessary by the additional 

sewage from the non-sewered area. 

o Sewer Rehabilitation – Eligible activities include line 

replacement, pipe bursting, lining, manhole replacement/ 

rehabilitation, and lift station replacement/rehabilitation. 

o Sewer Treatment – Eligible activities include the rehabilitation 

and/or expansion of existing treatment facilities 

and/or construction of new treatment facilities to serve an 

existing collection system. 

o Streets – Eligible activities include reconstruction of previously 

paved streets, rehabilitation of previously paved 

streets, new construction (paving of aggregate surfaced 

streets or other unpaved streets. 

What are the different sizes of grants/grant ceilings? 

• $1,200,000 – Sewer Treatment 

• $1,000,000 – New Sewer Collection 

• $1,000,000 – Existing Sewer Collection Rehabilitation 

• $1,000,000 – Potable Water 

• $800,000 – Streets 

• Note: Municipalities with a population of more than 

12,000 and parishes with an unincorporated population 

of more than 25,000 may submit an application for a 

maximum request of up to $2 million for water/sewer 

projects and $1.6 million for street projects. 

What is the process and when are the important dates? 

• Project Severity packages for the FY 2020/2021 cycle 

will be accepted by the OCD on June 7, 2019. OCD 

will score the project severity packages. These project 

severity packages will be reviewed for funding under 

the FY 2020 – FY 2021 program years. 

• FY 2020 – All applicants that meet the past performance 

threshold criteria for FY 2020 will be put on the FY 2020 

Project Severity List, and the top sixty percent of the 

project severity scores will be invited to submit a full 

application to the Public Facilities program. Project 

severity applicants that do not meet past performance 

threshold criteria for FY 2020 will not be included in the 

calculation to determine the top sixty percent of the 

applicants. 

• FY 2020 important dates: 

o June 7, 2019 – Project severities are due for FY 2020 and 

FY 2021. 

o July 12, 2019 – Threshold deadline for FY 2020 

o July 26, 2019 – Invitations to apply for FY 2020 

o August 5, 2019 – Application Workshop (Baton Rouge) 

o August 6, 2019 – Application Workshop (Pineville) 

o October 25, 2019 – Application submittal deadline for 

FY 2020 

• FY 2021 – All applicants that meet the past performance 

threshold criteria for FY 2021 will be put on the FY 2021 

Project Severity List, and the top sixty percent of the project 

severity scores will be invited to submit a full application 

to the Public Facilities program. Full applications received 

in the FY 2020 program year that meet past performance 

threshold criteria for FY 2021 and receive a project severity 

score that is in the top sixty and were not funded under 

the FY 2020 program year will be considered under the FY 

2021 program year. Project severity applicants that do not 

meet past performance threshold criteria for FY 2021 will 

not be included in the calculation to determine the top sixty 

percent of the applicants. 

• FY 2021 important dates: 

o July 10, 2020 – Threshold deadline for FY 2021 

o July 24, 2020 – Invitations to apply for FY 2021 

o August 3, 2020 – Application Workshop (Baton Rouge) 

o August 4, 2020 – Application Workshop (Pineville) 

o October 23, 2020 – Application submittal deadline for 

FY 2021 

Potential applicants are currently in the planning, procurement, 

and citizen participation phase(s) of the process, where they are 

procuring administrative consultants and engineers (according 

to Program guidelines) and conducting their required public 

notice to achieve citizen participation. 

For further information, including contacts, please visit the 

LCDBG website: https://www.doa.la.gov/Pages/ocd/CDBG/ 

SEE CDBG PAGE 20 


Rural Development 

USDA Rural Development is Here to Serve You 

By USDA Rural Development State Director Dr. Carrie Castille 

It was a great honor to speak at this year’s Louisiana 

Municipal Association Mid-Winter conference. Special 

thanks to John Gallagher, the LMA Executive Board, 

and members of the Association for the opportunity 

to discuss the many programs and services that USDA 

Rural Development offers. This conference afforded 

my team and I the opportunity to meet with municipal 

leaders, hear their concerns, and make them aware that 

USDA Rural Development (RD) can help with improving 

the quality of life in rural areas. 

The investments we make in rural communities support 

rural growth, which is vital to the overall growth of 

Louisiana. 

RD along with partners from the State, Delta Regional 

Authority, and the Louisiana Rural Water Association 

presided over the Managing Aging Water Infrastructure 

workshop. The discussion focused on the role each 

agency plays in collaborating and providing resources to 

assist municipalities in addressing water system issues 

from fiscal assistance, to guidance on setting rates, and 

continued maintenance. After the discussion, municipal 

leaders were given the opportunity to ask questions to 

help address their local challenges. The questions ranged 

from upgrading old water systems to identifying funding 

opportunities and navigating funding requests. 

The Broadband Opportunities Workshop was a chance 

to present the long-awaited USDA Broadband Pilot 

Program, better known as the ReConnect Loan and 

Grant Program that is now available for application. 

Last year, we had numerous discussions regarding 

the deployment of broadband in rural Louisiana and 

the difficulties that prove to be a hindrance to the 

overall ability to offer better quality broadband to rural 

communities. While acknowledging these difficulties, 

I also emphasized that language was being drafted to 

support new opportunities in broadband deployment. 

The ReConnect program offers those opportunities. 

ReConnect is a robust program with over $600 

million available for projects across the country. The 

first application deadline is May 31, 2019 and will give 

potential applicants adequate time to access technical 

assistance from USDA staff and its partners. https:// 

reconnect.usda.gov. 

On April 9th, RD will host a Rural Broadband Roundtable 

at the Louisiana Delta Community College in Monroe. 

The discussion will start at 10:00 

am. Please join us to learn more 

about the funding opportunity 

Dr. Carrie Castille 

available under the ReConnect Program. For additional 

information or to RSVP, please email John.Thompson2@ 

la.usda.gov or call (318) 473-7952. 

Discussed during the USDA Funding and Available 

Programs Workshop, RD staff highlighted assistance 

including direct and guaranteed loans, grants, and 

technical assistance to help expand economic 

opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This 

assistance supports infrastructure improvements, 

business development, housing and community facilities 

such as schools, public safety and healthcare. It is 

imperative that we serve our communities through the 

expansion of rural business opportunities, affordable 

housing, improved infrastructure, and support for 

workforce development. 

Furthermore, as State Director, I am encouraged to 

pursue outreach avenues such as roundtables, listening 

sessions, etc. where RD programs can be discussed in 

greater detail. If you are hosting events in your areas 

and would like a representative from USDA to speak to 

your constituency regarding RD programs, please let me 

know. 

Again, I appreciate the opportunity to showcase RD 

services at the LMA Mid-Winter Conference. We look 

forward to working with our municipal leaders to 

enhance the overall quality of life and to help identify 

opportunities for our rural communities to prosper in 

the days to come. Please feel free to contact me at 

carrie.castille@la.usda.gov or (318) 473-7921. For more 

information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. 

Safety Consulting and Programs 

16260 Airline Highway, Suite B 

Prairieville, LA 70769 

chris@riskwise.biz 

Chris Conti 

Board Certified Safety Professional 

Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter 

www.riskwise.biz 

O 225.313.4448 

C 225.413.7542 

F 225.313.4518 

Page 16 



Treasury Notes 

Savings Program Helps Individuals with Disabilities Improve Quality of Life 

By State Treasurer John M. Schroder 

As a State Representative, I worked 

with my colleagues and advocates 

on several bills aimed at improving 

the quality of life for individuals 

with disabilities in their homes and 

communities as well as their schools. I’m extremely 

proud of the bills I carried in the Legislature to help 

students with disabilities have an alternative pathway 

to a high school diploma and to have an opportunity 

to earn a diploma retroactively. I worked closely with 

advocates and my colleagues to ensure that there was 

adequate funding for waivers every year. I was always 

open to hearing and listening to what advocates’ needs 

were for their families. 

During this time, I learned that many Louisiana families 

struggled to pay the high costs associated with caring 

for loved ones with disabilities. Health care, education, 

and other expenses really add up, especially when 

private insurance doesn’t cover everything. 

Now as Treasurer, I am pleased to be part of a 

program that helps parents and caregivers bridge 

the gap between insurance, benefit programs, and 

personal savings. The Louisiana Achieving a Better 

Life Experience (LA ABLE) program helps parents of 

individuals with disabilities save money for the future 

without being penalized or losing services. 

In 2015, the Louisiana Legislature passed Act 411 to 

offer LA ABLE to Louisiana residents. Rep. Franklin Foil 

sponsored the legislation creating the program and Sen. 

Dan Claitor was instrumental in its passage. LA ABLE has 

been accepting deposits for one year now. We currently 

have 155 active accounts and $589,945 invested. 

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance, 

which oversees the successful START 529 savings plan, 

administers LA ABLE. Parents can save up to $14,000 

a year (up to $100,000 total) in LA ABLE and continue 

receiving Medicaid and Social Security. 

Earnings in LA ABLE accounts grow free from federal 

taxes as long as money is spent on approved disability 

related expenses. Qualified expenses include education, 

housing, transportation, employment training, and health 

and wellness. 

LA ABLE funds are dispersed and received like the 

START college savings program. If you already have a 

START account, Louisiana offers flexibility in moving 

funds in and out of your START and LA ABLE accounts. 

Vanguard, the investment firm that handles START 

investments, oversees investments in LA ABLE as 

well. My office has worked with Vanguard to provide a 

number of short, intermediate, and long-term investment 

options for the program, allowing individuals to choose 

the option that best suits their needs. 

The goal of LA ABLE is to make it as easy as possible for 

parents and families to save money to pay for disability 

related expenses. We hope more individuals can benefit 

from the program to gain independence, maintain health, 

and improve their quality of life. For more information 

about the program or to open a LA ABLE account, visit 

www.able.osfa.la.gov. 

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 

available in the market. 

Compare directly 

between munis 

Accurate and 

timely info 

Customized 

search and save 

Searching for the right fit? 

THAT IS OUR SPECIALTY. 

Comprehensive Executive Recruitment 

focused on matching professional skills, 

management style and core values to fit your 

organization’s specific requirements. 

waters-company.com 800.899.1669 

LaMATS 

CALL (225) 344-5001 or VISIT WWW.LAMATS.NET/SERVICES 


Insurance Mandate for Federal Disaster Grant Areas 

If your municipality received 

FEMA grant money 

since 2005 through 

the Stafford Act, you are 

obligated to “obtain and 

maintain” property insurance 

in the full amount 

of the FEMA grant for 

the peril that caused the 

damage; alternatively, 

you may request that 

the Commissioner of 

Insurance reduce the 

amount of insurance 

required and then obtain 

and maintain that level 

of insurance. The consequences 

of failing to 

comply with the Stafford 

Act mandate means that 

municipalities may be 

denied future funding to 

rebuild subject property 

damaged by another 

disaster. Further, access 

to Stafford Act grant 

money is also tied to a 

mandate to obtain NFIP 

insurance regardless of 

whether the previous disaster 

was a flood event. 

A copy of the important 

notification letter from 

Commissioner Jim Donelon 

of the Department 

of Insurance is available 

on our home page at 

www.lma.org. Please review 

the letter to ensure 

that your municipality is 

in compliance and that 

your standing for future 

funding is protected. If 

you have any questions, 

please contact Deputy 

Commissioner Warren 

Byrd at (225) 342-5203 

or by email at warren. 

byrd@ldi.la.gov. 

Page 18 



Accessing Funds for Capital Improvements 

BY DAVID MEDLIN, GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS 

When a governmental entity explores opportunities to 

borrow funds for projects, there are numerous options to 

consider that can make a difference in borrowing costs, 

the amount of time allowed for repayment of the debt, 

and how their transaction is viewed by lenders. 

Banks are often willing to participate in transactions 

in their community to assist local governments. Many 

will also loan funds outside their local area. They 

usually offer shorter repayment options (a maximum 

of twelve to fifteen years) and lower costs of issuance 

than in a market transaction. You may also be able to 

negotiate some terms not generally available in a market 

transaction. 

A bond market transaction offers more flexibility on the 

term of repayment, from short-term loans to those going 

out to twenty-five years or more, provided this does not 

GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS, INC. 

Specializing in Bond Issues and Financing 

extend beyond the useful life of the asset being financed. 

These transactions generally result in higher costs of 

issuance for items including a bond rating, preparation 

of an official statement, and commissions paid to an 

underwriter for selling the bonds. Governments often 

choose a market transaction when the repayment term, 

amount of the loan, or interest rate is more favorable 

than a bank will offer. 

The Louisiana Community Development Authority 

(LCDA) assists borrowers in obtaining funds with a 

pledge of lawfully available funds. They are the issuer of 

the debt, which they then loan to a government. Lawfully 

available funds normally include any revenues that are 

not restricted as to use by a law, grantor, or vote of the 

taxpayers. This pledge of revenues differs from other 

types of loans, which normally have a rather limited 

SEE FUNDS PAGE 20 

L. Gordon King 

Dede Riggins 

Nnamdi I. Thompson 

Shaun B. Toups 

David M. Medlin 

James R. Ryan 

Stephen Holley 

(MSRB Registered Municipal Advisors) 

700 North 10 th Street Annex Bldg. 

Baton Rouge, LA 70802 

(225) 344‐2098 (Phone) (225) 344‐5952 (Fax) 

gcla@gc‐la.net (email) 

OVERVIEW 

Modern day government has become a large financial 

enterprise, handling millions of dollars and facing 

service and revenue pressures. The governing 

authority and Administrator(s) face complex financial 

decisions ranging from the impact of property and 

sales taxes to the financing of capital improvements. 

As government finance has become more complex, 

the need for financial advice to base decisions upon 

has. The services of an expert Municipal Advisor are 

being used by more and more grown governmental 

units. 

A Municipal Advisor (or “MA”) serves as a 

consultant advising the governing authority on 

matters relating to the following: 

Financial feasibility of projects; 

Total cost analysis of financing alternatives; 

Review of capital improvement financing 

programs; 

Advice on the structuring and marketing of debt 

securities. 

The MA is an integral member of the governing 

authority’s management team, providing advice and 

analysis to assist in financial decision‐making. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

FINANCE ANALYSIS 

• Analyzing available alternatives in relation to 

cost to the governing authority and providing 

financial guidance and recommendations; 

• Analyzing from a cost/benefit standpoint the 

use of incentives (free land, subsidy of bond 

issues, utility improvements) to attract 

industry; 

• Providing a detailed upfront and long‐term 

financial analysis of costs to the governing 

authority versus benefits of the specific 

project; and 

• Serving as an economic development finance 

resource for the Governing Authority. 

We Have The Experience! 


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19: FUNDS 

source of repayment such as a sales tax, ad valorem tax, 

or utility revenues. The LCDA is a frequent issuer of debt 

on behalf of governmental entities and is well known to 

lenders. Their participation may provide savings to an 

entity that is not as well known by potential lenders. 

Many governments utilize the services of a bond rating 

agency when participating in a market transaction. The 

agency will evaluate various characteristics of the issuer 

and assign a rating that helps lenders understand their 

risk when loaning funds. Some items considered include 

financial condition, reserves available for emergencies, 

budgets, litigation, strength of management, high 

percentages of revenues received from a limited number 

of taxpayers, debt per capita, and earnings per capita. 

Bond insurance is available to some issuers and can 

result in lower interest rates. It should be considered 

on a case by case basis. An example is where the issuer 

has an A rating and purchases bond insurance from a 

company that has a AA rating, which allows the bonds 

to be sold based on the AA rating. The insurer pledges 

to make timely payment of principal and interest in the 

event the issuer does not. 

You should discuss any questions you have relative to 

these matters with your municipal advisor and bond 

attorney when you decide to incur debt. 

(Editor’s Note: Mr. Medlin is the former Finance Director 

of the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton 

Rouge, with over 30 years of service in municipal 

government.) 

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15: CDBG 

about_lcdbg.aspx 

Relevant documents on the website: 

o Proposed FY 2020 Method of Distribution (found on the 

“About LCDBG” tab) 

o 2020/2021 Project Severity Package (found on the 

“Applications and Forms” tab) 

o Citizen Participation Requirements (found on the 

“Applications and Forms” tab) 

o 2018-2019 Procurement Procedures for the Selection 

of Administrative Consulting and Engineering- 

Architectural Services (found on the “Applications and 

Forms” tab) 

“I am so proud to know that you all work 

diligently to make your program the best. 

Please keep up the good work and thank 

you all so much.” 

- Pamela 

Marked Tree, Arkansas 

CenterPoint ® 

Fund Accounting 

and Payroll Software 

Distributed By 

www.csasoftwaresolutions.com • 800.264.4465 

To get your FREE guide visit: www.csasoftwaresolutions.com/fundaccounting 

Page 20 


Feature 

Louisiana Municipal Black Caucus Association 

The Louisiana Municipal Black Caucus (LMBCA) is 

an affiliate organization of the Louisiana Municipal 

Association (LMA). Its mission is to provide African- 

American municipal elected officials, staff and colleagues 

with forums to share ideas; discussion groups to develop 

strategies for improving municipal governance; advocacy 

on policy issues; and programs that contribute to the 

success of the state of Louisiana’s cities, towns, and 

villages. 

LMBCA was founded in 1982 by former Mayor Mike 

Thibodeaux (Opelousas), former Mayor Marc Morial (New 

Orleans), Dr Charles Hudson (Opelousas), and former 

Councilman Dr. Chris Williams (Lafayette). 

L to R: Mayor Darnell Waites (Baker), Mayor Alma Moore (Boyce), Mayor 

and LMBCA President Derrick Johnson (Cheneyville), Councilwoman 

Gloria Kates (Bogalusa), Mayor Edward Jones (Grambling) and Alderman 

Robert Lee Gardner, Jr. (Vidalia) 

Benefits of LMBCA 

LMBCA members participate in pre-conference seminars 

and workshops, roundtable discussions on key issues, 

and networking meetings. LMBCA Board of Directors 

also meet for an Annual Convening during the LMA 

Annual Convention each summer. 

LMBCA meets four times a year and the Executive Board 

of Directors meets monthly. LMBCA brings prominent 

speakers and state government leaders to present on 

current issues at quarterly meetings and annual sessions. 

An e-news publication is distributed by LMBCA to keep 

the membership and colleagues abreast of current and 

pressing matters. 

How to Join LMBCA? 

LMBCA offers its membership through a city’s 

membership to LMA - with an opportunity to get 

involved with several policy issues and advocate 

on behalf of local 

government at the state 

level. 

1. Elected officials may 

enroll by completing 

a membership 

application 

and submitting 

membership fees 

directly to LMBCA. 

2. Who can join? Mayors, Aldermen/Councilmen, Clerks 

and other essential municipal staff. 

3. Only financially active members are authorized to 

vote at annual meetings of LMBCA. 

When called upon by LMA’s “One Call” Committee, 

LMBCA members take part in lobbying activities to 

oppose unfunded mandates and the pre-emption of 

local authority, or to prevent burdensome regulations. 

LMBCA Elects 2019-21 Leadership 

Mayor Derrick 

Johnson 

Congratulations to Mayor Derrick 

Johnson of the Town of Cheneyville 

on his election as President of the 

Louisiana Municipal Black Caucus 

Association for 2019- 2021. 

Mayor Johnson was elected in 

2013. Before serving as mayor of 

the town, Johnson served for four 

years as an alderman. He is an 11- 

year military veteran, having served 

in Iraq from 2004-2005. He has 

attended Louisiana State University 

at Alexandria and University of Louisiana at Lafayette 

where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business 

Management and Business Informatics (BI), respectfully. 

Mayor Johnson is dedicated to his studies and is 

currently in his second year as a law student at Southern 

University Law Center. 

Since Johnson’s first election, he has successfully taken 

on the challenge of attacking blight in his town. His 

administration has worked with property owners and has 

been able to demolish over 30 blighted structures. 

Johnson’s administration has been able to secure more 

than 2.5 million dollars in funding from various sources 

for drainage improvement, sewer plant improvement, 

road repairs, brand new street signs, (new) outdoor 

restroom facility, and new police cars. 

Mayor Johnson’s goals while serving as President 

SEE LMBCA PAGE 22 


Small Towns, Big Ideas: 

New Llano 

The Town of New Llano is 

seated in Vernon Parish and 

has always purchased their 

water from the neighboring 

municipality of Leesville. 

When Mayor Freddie Boswell 

took office in July of 

1998, he came in with the big 

idea that New Llano could 

have its own water wells. 

After almost a decade of 

planning and preparing, the 

town brought two water wells online in September 2017. 

These two wells resulted in an improvement in the town’s 

water pressure and increased the ability to maintain the 

supply of water to customers in the event of a breaks. 

The cost of the project was $1,646,400 which was 

funded through $896,400 from capital outlay and a 

$750,000 loan from the Department of Health and Hospitals 

(DHH). 

The small town of 2,504 residents can now not only be 

self-sufficient, but if the need ever arises, they can also 

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21: LMBCA 

of the LMBCA include working closely with all small 

town mayors, and with LMBCA members especially, 

in identifying solutions to similar issues in their 

communities and bridging partnerships to help one 

another be successful. 

2019-2020 Officers 

LMBCA President, Mayor Derrick Johnson; 

Parliamentarian, Councilwoman Gloria Kates (Bogalusa); 

and Secretary, Alderman Robert Gardner (Vidalia) 

were all sworn into office by John Gallagher, Executive 

Director of the LMA during the November 2018 LMBCA 

Board of Directors meeting in Baton Rouge. 

(Pictured left) 1st Vice President, Mayor Darnell Waites 

(Baker); 2nd Vice President, Mayor Edward R. Jones 

(Grambling); and Treasurer, Mayor Alma Moore (Boyce); 

who all were sworn-in by Attorney Cedric Upshaw at the 

February 2019. 

Past Presidents of the LMBCA are: Councilwoman 

Barbara O’ Bear (White Castle), Councilman Glenn 

Green, President Emeritus (Westwego), Councilman 

Vernon “Step” Martin (Crowley), Councilwoman Laurita 

D. Pete (Crowley), Mayor Jennifer Vidrine (Ville Platte), 

former Councilman Charles F. Smith (Alexandria), former 

Councilman Christopher Williams (Lafayette), Mayor 

Michael Thibodeaux (Opelousas), and the late McClurie 

be a back-up water source for the City of Leesville. In 

2018, New Llano won the LMA Community Achievement 

Award in the Basic Services category for a town with 

a population under 3,000. The New Llano Water Well 

Construction Project was indeed a big idea and we congratulate 

Mayor Boswell and the entire town for demonstrating 

that patience and perseverance pays off. 

Sampson, Sr., President Emeritus (Bogalusa). 

“I express my deepest gratitude to LMBCA’s Immediate 

Past President, Councilman Vernon “Step” Martin, for his 

support and leadership over the years and especially this 

past year,” said Johnson. “I look forward to his continued 

involvement and guidance to the LMBCA.” 

If you are interested in becoming a member of the 

LMBCA, and would like more information, please contact 

the Mayor Derrick Johnson at cell (318) 229-8947 or 

email: djjohnson2431@yahoo.com. 

You are invited to attend the next meeting on May 9, 

2019 in Baton Rouge at the Embassy Suites. More details 

will be provided soon. 

Page 22 


Feature 

Annexation by Petition: Required Certificates and Permissions 

ANNEXATION PART 3 OF 4 (CONTINUED FROM DECEMBER 2018 AND MARCH 2019 ISSUE) 

BY PATRICIA A. DOANE, NEIL ERWIN LAW, LLC 

As outlined in Parts 1 and 2, having 

performed a pre-annexation cost-benefit 

analysis, having obtained signatures from 

property owners and registered voters, 

prepared a good map and legal description, 

and drafted an annexation ordinance 

for introduction, your municipality is now 

ready to obtain required certificates and 

permissions. Here’s how: 

Certificates Required by La. R.S. 33:172: 

Patricia A. Doane 

Ask the Registrar of Voters and the Parish 

Assessor whether they require any special 

format for their certificates for annexations (it may be easier for 

them if you prepare a certificate for their signature because you 

can drop in the legal description you used for the ordinance), then 

attach copies of the signed petitions, the map, and your draft ordinance 

and map of the annexation. You will need the following 

certificates: 

• Registrar of Voters certificate that the petitions contain 

signatures of a majority of the registered voters in the area 

to be annexed; and 

• Parish Assessor’s certificate should certify: 

1. that the petitions contain the signatures of the majority 

of the resident property owners. (Resident property 

owner means those who live on the property in 

question, and this is why being able to see homestead 

exemption information will help you meet that 

requirement.) 

2. that the petitions contain the signatures of at least 

25% in value of the resident property owners. 

• Municipal Zoning: If your municipality has zoning, consider 

assigning the zoning within the annexation ordinance; ditto 

for future land use, if your municipality has a master plan. 

Advertise the annexation and the zoning and future land 

use changes to the strictest notice requirements, which for 

most municipalities is three (3) times at least 15 days prior 

to the public hearing by the Planning and Zoning Commission. 

Doing these things concurrently saves you at least one 

month of public hearings for amendment of the zoning and 

the master plan. If your municipality doesn’t have zoning, 

you can skip to introduction of the ordinance by the Board 

of Aldermen. 

• Parish Zoning: If the property is subject to parish zoning 

at the time of annexation the uses allowed by the municipal 

zoning cannot be less restrictive for two (2) years after the 

annexation, unless the Parish consents by resolution to the 

less restrictive zoning. 

• Parish Roads: The municipality becomes the owner of the 

portion of road and underlying land of any parish owned 

road included within the annexation. A little known provision 

in La. R.S. 33:224 splits the maintenance equally 

between the municipality and the parish in cases where the 

municipality annexes only the land adjacent to the parish 

road, even when the road itself is not included in the annexation. 

• State Roads: You must have DOTD’s written permission 

to annex any portion of their roads before adopting the 

ordinance. If you want to annex a noncontiguous property 

by annexing part of a state road as a corridor you must send 

notice to DOTD via certified mail at least 30 days before you 

can even introduce the ordinance. La. R.S. 33:180 

Local Government Law Litigation; 

Local Local Government Government Advocacy; Law & Litigation; Annexation; 

Planning, Local Zoning Government Code Drafting; Advocacy; Local Annexation; Water Systems 

Planning, Zoning & Code Drafting; Local Water Systems 

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LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT 

LMR | April 2019 Page 23 

143446 March.indd 1 2/8/19 8:47 AM

LMA Goes to Washington 

The LMA was very well represented as our municipal 

leaders attended the National League of Cities 

Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C. last 

month. LMA executive officers, staff, and members 

joined over 2,000 municipal representatives from 

across the country to focus on rebuilding America’s 

infrastructure through collaboration between federal 

and local governments. Louisiana’s municipal 

governments carried that message, among others, to our 

congressional delegation. 

While on the Hill, LMA met with Senators Cassidy and 

Kennedy as well as Representatives Garret Graves 

and Mike Johnson. The team also met with Rep. Ralph 

Abraham’s legislative director and joined NLC leadership 

in a meeting with Senator Scalise’s chief of staff. 

LMA Delegation with Congressman Graves 

LMA Delegation with Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. 

LMA Delegation with Senator John N. Kennedy 

LMA Delegation with Congressman Mike Johnson 

PRESORT 

STANDARD 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

BATON ROUGE, LA 

PERMIT #319 

Page 24

LMR_April_2019

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