LMR December 2020

Louisiana Municipal Review
PUBLISHED BY THE LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION
VOL 85, NO. 12
DECEMBER 2020

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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 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
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Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4327
2020-2021 LMA EXECUTIVE BOARD (non-affiliate, non-advisory)
President – Jimmy Williams – Mayor, Sibley
District J Vice President – Rodney Grogan, Mayor, Patterson
First Vice President – Michael Chauffe – Mayor, Grosse Tete LMA Past President – Barney Arceneaux, Mayor, Gonzales
Second Vice President– Jennifer Vidrine – Mayor, Ville Platte LMA Past President – Johnny Berthelot, Councilman, Gonzales
Immediate Past President – Harry Lewis – Mayor, Rayville
LMA Past President – Glenn Brasseaux, Mayor, Carencro
District A Vice President – Peggy Adkins, Mayor, Sarepta
LMA Past President – David Butler, Mayor, Woodworth
District B Vice President – Ronny Walker, Mayor, Ruston
LMA Past President – David Camardelle, Mayor, Grand Isle
District C Vice President – Adam Holland, Mayor, Oak Grove LMA Past President – Clarence Fields, Mayor, Pineville
District D Vice President – Rick Allen, Mayor, Leesville
Vice President at Large – Mark Piazza, Mayor, Abbeville
,
District E Vice President – Nathan Martin, Councilman, Pineville Vice President at Large – Darnell Waites, Mayor, Baker
District F Vice President – Charles James, Mayor, Sunset
Vice President (< 1K) – Kevin Colligan, Mayor, Cankton
District G Vice President – Kenneth Stinson, Mayor, Vinton
Vice President (1K – 2.5K) – Johnny Natt, Mayor, Mangham
District H Vice President – David Toups, Mayor, Addis
Vice President (2.5K – 5K) – Robert Hardey, Mayor, Westlake
District I Vice President – Jean.Pelloat,.Mayor,.Madisonville
Page 2
LMR | DECEMBER 2020

Inside the LMA
Director’s Viewpoint
OUR YEAR OF SERVICE
BY JOHN GALLAGHER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
With 2020 coming to an end, the
theme for this month’s issue is,
“2020 Hindsight: Focusing on Service.” We
kicked off the year in the January
2020 edition with our vision for 2020, setting forth
the plans and goals for our year. We immediately
launched our educational initiatives in January by
partnering with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s
Office to travel the state and offer day-long trainings
on municipal operations and fiscal best practices.
Then in February, we hosted 700 registrants at our
annual Mid-Winter Conference, which proved to be
one of our most successful such events yet. In short,
we were quickly on our way to another extraordinary
and fruitful year that would culminate with our annual
convention in the Capitol City of Baton Rouge. By
mid-March, however, the increasing effects of a global
pandemic slowed our momentum.
Notice that I wrote, “slowed,” not “stopped.” Under
the indelible leadership of our President, Mayor Jimmy
Williams, our Executive Committee, and our Executive
Board, the LMA staff was able to focus, quickly
regroup, and redirect our resources to adapt to “the
new normal.” After all, serving you is our reason for
being, and failing our members is not an option.
Thanks to the hard work and innovation of our IT
Director Tracy Melancon, we quickly improved the
technology and platforms that empowered the LMA
staff to work remotely for most of the spring, while
enabling virtual participation in LMA Executive Board
Meetings – we did not miss or postpone even a single
meeting. I relished the ability to hold weekly virtual
meetings with the entire LMA to ensure that our service
to our membership was ongoing and successful.
In addition to our virtual presence, our legislative
advocacy team worked diligently at the capitol
during an abbreviated Regular Session and two
Extraordinary Sessions, emerging mostly successful
from the challenges presented by the unprecedented
legislative season. Our subsidiaries, RMI and LaMATS,
were exceptional in providing seamless continuity
of services to our members by utilizing every tool at
their disposal.
As part of our ongoing webinar offerings, we forged
ahead with a session on disaster and hurricane
preparedness on June 24, not realizing then that we
would experience a recordbreaking
storm season.
In the wake of those
horrendous storms,
LMA staff persistently
reached out to affected
members, participated
in conference calls
and online meetings,
and even met in person
with municipal officials to
understand their needs and assist
in any way that we could.
When it became clear that having an in-person annual
convention would be impossible due to COVID-19
mitigation restrictions, we set out to preserve as many
of the important elements of convention as possible.
We greatly appreciate the overwhelming support of
our corporate sponsors whose generosity allowed us
to provide virtual versions of those events, including
presenting dozens of informative convention
workshops, recognizing President’s Award recipients,
and honoring outstanding municipal projects
through our virtual Community Achievement Awards
ceremony. Additionally, all 305 of our members
received a curated vendor box, which was designed
to provide you with a taste of the usual exhibit hall
experience.
A full listing of our vendor box sponsors was
published in the November edition of the Review. We
will once again thank our generous contributors in our
January edition.
We will continue to use technology to our advantage
to hold our 2021 Virtual Mid-Winter Conference – stay
tuned for more information on that soon – but we are
hopeful and optimistic that by July of 2021, we will be
able to meet in person again at our 2021 LMA Annual
Convention in Baton Rouge.
We persisted in fulfilling the LMA’s tri-fold mission of
education, advocacy, and service throughout these
unusual times and we will continue to do so. My
sincere thank you to the LMA staff and Executive
Board for all their work, encouragement, and support.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, happy holidays,
and a safe and prosperous New Year!
LMR | DECEMBER 2020 Page 3

President’s Message
THE GIFT OF SERVICE
BY MAYOR JIMMY WILLIAMS, TOWN OF SIBLEY
Famed children’s rights activist
Marian Wright Edelman is credited
with a statement that truly defines
our mission at LMA: “Service is the
Thornton, rent Musso, we pay &Bellemin for living. It is the very
purpose of life and not something you do in your spare
time.” As we look I approve back this ad at copy 2020, for use it’s in easy the following to see issues: that this
organization never lost sight of its purpose to educate,
advocate, and serve. I can’t say often enough how proud
I am to serve as President of the LMA. This year I have
watched our Executive Director, John Gallagher, and his
team shift, pivot, create, innovate and sometimes push,
pull, and drag to ensure that the high level of service that
our members are accustomed to never faltered. They
Index Listings
don’t just provide great service when it’s convenient, or
when cameras WATER are watching. TREATMENT Service CONSULTANTS is clearly woven into
the fabric of the organization. I want our membership
and partners to know that the culture of service at LMA
is genuine and I am so very grateful to the staff for their
dedication and hard work. On behalf of the entire Board
of Directors, we appreciate you and thank you for all you
do!
A career in public service can be one of the most
rewarding experiences in life, but it can also be very
demanding and thankless at times. So many of our public
servants wake up very early each
and every day because they
understand how their job impacts
their community. They keep our
buildings open, our water flowing,
our garbage collected, and our
streets safe. Where would we be
without the dedicated service
of our custodians, sanitation
workers, maintenance workers,
first responders, public works,
clerks, and secretaries? 2020 really
showed us all what it means to
need one another. So many of
our public servants have stepped
up and even now continue to
go above and beyond the call of
duty, not because there’s a great
financial reward, but because
it’s just who they are. I want to
encourage elected officials and
municipal leaders to go out of
your way to recognize and show
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I am thankful for the LMA member family and I pray that
your Christmas will be filled with joy. May your gift of
service be felt wherever you go and may God richly bless
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LMR | DECEMBER 2020
8/21/14 8:33 PM

Inside the LMA
Governor’s Column
PUBLIC SERVICE IS A CALLING
BY JOHN BEL EDWARDS, GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA
As 2020 draws to a close and we
reflect on all that has happened this
year, I am first and foremost grateful
for all of the Louisianans who have
pulled together to help each other through the multiple
challenges we’ve had to face. Members of the Louisiana
Municipal Association have been and continue to be
valued partners in working to improve the lives of the
people we are all so fortunate to serve. Public service is
a calling that many men and women of our great state
willingly answer. From our heroic healthcare workers
who are on the frontlines as we battle the COVID-19
pandemic, to the first responders who are always there
during emergencies and all of the local, state and federal
partners who always step up to help our citizens recover
from major storms of which we have had more than our
share of this year. I appreciate you more than my words
can ever express.
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This has been a trying year and
as we fight a third surge
of the pandemic with
more cases and very
sadly, more deaths,
it is more important
than ever for all of us
to work together to
slow the spread. This
is critical as we head
into the holidays, a time
when we naturally want to
gather together and celebrate.
This year must look different, for the sake of our
safety. We are resilient and creative and now is the
time to showcase our ability to turn challenges into
opportunities.
We have flattened the curve at least twice before,
so this is something we absolutely know how to do.
Simply wear a mask, always practice social distancing,
frequent handwashing, and stay home when sick.
These things work, but compliance is essential. I’m
continuing to count on all of you to keep sharing this
message with your constituents. We should always
make the health and safety of our citizens a top
priority. The health of our people will determine the
health of communities and economies.
As I have said before, there is a light at the end of the
tunnel, an effective vaccine is on its way. But until then,
we must keep practicing the mitigation measures that
are effective at slowing the spread of the virus. What
we do now will determine how we begin the new year.
Let’s give ourselves a winning start by doubling down
now on all of the efforts that we know will keep our
family, friends and neighbors safe.
You have my commitment to continuing to strengthen
our rural communities through the Rural Revitalization
Council, the Rural Water Infrastructure Committee
and working directly with the LMA. You are vital
for the success of our state. Your service has been
instrumental in moving us forward.
As we move into 2021, I am proud of our people and
hopeful for our future. Thank you for your dedication
to our citizens and state. Donna and I are praying for
the safety, health and happiness of all of you and your
families. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and God bless.
LMR | DECEMBER 2020 Page 5

Legal Briefs
IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN
BY KAREN DAY WHITE, EXECUTIVE COUNSEL
Given the tumultuous year that 2020 has
been, the desire to see this year mercifully
end is perfectly understandable. Yet as
we approach the last weeks of this calendar
year, now is the time to review the end-of-the-year to-do
list. It will empower us to start 2021 with a feeling of accomplishment.
Except for a few uncompensated positions, every public employee
and every public official must take at least one hour
of training on the Code of Governmental Ethics each calendar
year. This may be done online at www.ethics.la.gov or through
a group class offered over the course of the year (such as
during the LMA’s 2020 Mid-Winter Conference and our 2020
Virtual Convention). Once completed, the Board of Ethics will
generate a certificate that may be accessed and printed from
their website. Newly elected municipal officials must complete
the hour of training within the first 90 days after taking
office. It is also mandatory that elected municipal officials receive
at least one hour of education and training on the Campaign
Finance Disclosure Act at some point during their term
of office (see La. R.S. 42:1170).
The good news is that both the basic class and the advanced
class on the prevention of sexual harassment are available to
our members at no cost through a portal on the home page
of our website at www.lma.org, and a template for the mandatory
annual report (along with instructions for completion) is
available under the Publications tab on our site. If you need a
model sexual harassment policy that is fully legally compliant,
you may access one in the Sample Policies and Agreements section
of our page, which is also under the Publications tab.
The end of the year is also a fantastic time to sort our labor
and employment matters. Are your employees properly classified
as exempt or non-exempt? Is the limitless rollover of
leave creating a situation where your municipality could not
fully compensate employees who leave or retire (i.e., should
the council discuss limitations on leave rollover?)? Are insurance
and retirement enrollments correct and up to date? Do
you need to do clean-up on the ordinances that set forth compensation
for municipal officials? The LMA is piloting a new
collaboration that can assist you with these issues, so please
contact our office if you require direction in sorting through
labor and employment challenges.
This ethics training should not be confused with classes on legal
ethics, which are required for practicing attorneys in this
state by the Rules of the Supreme Court of Louisiana (Rule XXX
(3)). Municipal attorneys must take both each year.
A more recent training mandate relates to the prevention of
sexual harassment in the workplace. According to La. R.S.
42:341 et seq., every public employee and every public official
must have at least one hour of in-person or online training regarding
the prevention of sexual harassment. Supervisors and
agency designees for reporting and investigation of claims - as
detailed in the municipality’s written policy prohibiting sexual
harassment in the workplace - must receive “additional
education and training” (with no description as to quantity or
content). These are compounding mandates, not alternative
ones, so those persons listed in the policy who must take the
advanced classes must do so in addition to the basic one-hour
class. It is critical that the employer maintain records evidencing
training – not only is it required by law, but you will need
those records to prepare the mandatory annual disclosure report
in February of the following year (see La. R.S. 42:344).
Page 6
LMR | DECEMBER 2020

Inside the LMA
LMA Honors Outstanding Public Servants and Projects with
President’s Awards and Community Achievement Awards
On Tuesday, November 9, 2020 in Baton Rouge, fourteen
Louisiana municipal governments – Brusly, Bunkie, West
Monroe, Simmesport, Abbeville, Ruston, Jean Lafitte,
Carencro, Sulphur, Woodworth, Gonzales, Gretna, Baton
Rouge, and Grosse Tete – took home Community
Achievement Awards, the Louisiana Municipal
Association›s most prestigious award for outstanding
municipal improvements and accomplishments in the
categories of Community Development, Economic
Development, Technology & Connectivity, and Basic
Services.
In addition to the Community Achievement Awards, the
Tax Administrators in 2018 and we are eternally grateful
for his presence there and as the LATA representative on
the LMA’s Executive Board. Mark has been behind every
major advance in local sales tax collection for the last 36
years, including the collection of taxes on internet sales.
Donald Villere has lived in Mandeville for 43 years and
has led the city as mayor for 10 years. He took the reigns
at a critical time in the city’s evolution and he has led
them through some incredibly challenging times. As LMA
District I Vice President and Chairman of the Municipal
Employee’s Retirement System, he has always protected
the best interest of the LMA and our membership.
Billy D’Aquilla Harry Lewis Mark West Donald Villere Jamie Mayo
President’s Award was presented to five individuals for
their contributions to municipal government:
William “Billy” D’Aquilla – also known as Uncle Billy – has
served the City of St. Francisville since 1972. He served as
a councilman for 12 years and as mayor for 36 unopposed
years, for a total of 48 years of service. He has been
actively engaged with the LMA for all of those years,
including serving on the LaMATS Board of Directors, and
though he is retiring, we know that Uncle Billy will still be
available for us to call on when we need advice.
Harry J. Lewis is the Immediate Past President of the
LMA. He is a lifelong resident of Rayville who was an
educator for 29 years, and who is approaching 36 years
of service as an elected official for Rayville – first as a
councilman then as mayor since 2001. Harry is a man
of deep faith, and though he is a man of few words, he
means the ones he says.
Mark West started his career is sales tax administration in
1984, serving many years as the Sales Tax Administrator
in Ascension Parish. His esteemed career led him to
become the Executive Director of the LA Association of
Jamie Mayo faithfully served the citizens of Monroe
for 25 years, first as a council member, then as interim
mayor, and then as a 5-term mayor. As the President of
the Louisiana Conference of Mayors, he worked closely
with the LMA on many legislative issues and was a
constant ally in our advocacy efforts. He also hosted the
LMA’s Annual Convention last year, which remains one of
the best events we’ve ever had. Mayor Mayo’s leadership
has meant so much to his community and to us.
The top honors of LMA’s first ever hybrid virtual and
LMR | DECEMBER 2020 Page 7

in-person Community Achievement Awards night went
to the Village of Grosse Tete, who took home the LMA’s
19th Annual “Best of Show Award” for its “ReConnect
Program.” Investing in connectivity is a big idea for a
small town that pays dividends for many years. Grosse
Tete needed a serious upgrade to their broadband
capabilities. They rolled up their sleeves and successfully
beat 146 other applicants to receive a USDA grant for
$7.75 million and a matching USDA loan of $7.75 million,
for a total of $15.5 million to be used for building and
expanding broadband access in their community. Their
work not only supports thousands of residences, but 13
educational facilities, two healthcare centers, and eight
critical community facilities over a 136 square mile area.
“When you’re a small municipality with only 675
people in it and you get an award like this, it is a great
honor,” said Grosse Tete mayor Michael Chauffe. “This
organization is premier and if you don’t belong to it, you
need to.”
The LMA’s annual awards program recognizes
municipalities for outstanding achievement in basic
services, community development, and economic
development. Within these categories, awards are
presented in four population subcategories.
We know how important this particular event is,” said
John Gallagher, LMA Executive Director. “We all refer
to it as the Oscars for municipalities because it really
does recognize the achievements of our municipal
governments.”
Entries submitted were judged by a committee of judges
from Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana
Industrial Development Executives Association, Capital
Region Planning Commission, the Louisiana Main Street,
and the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshall.
The award winners and honorable Mention in each
category and population group are as follows:
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CATEGORY
Recognizes outstanding
achievements during the
2019 calendar year in public
transportation, citizen participation,
public buildings, main street
improvements, development plans,
parks and recreation, beautification,
promotion of community projects,
strategic planning, or cultural
enrichment.
Population 3,000 and under:
Winner:
• Town of Brusly – Bike Brusly and
Bike Share Program
Honorable Mention:
• Town of Cheneyville – Grimble/
Crittle Walking Trail
• Town of Sarepta – New Playground
Equipment Investment
Population 3,001 to 10,000:
Winner:
• City of Bunkie – Move Bunkie
Forward
Honorable Mention:
• City of Kaplan – Charles P.
Morrison Pavilion
• City of Patterson – Morey Park
Parking Lot
Population 10,001 to 25,000:
Winner:
• City of West Monroe –
Development of the Blue Star
Memorial Gardens
Honorable Mention:
• City of Baker – Little Free Library
• City of Bogalusa – Bogalusa
Strong: A Healthy Community
Program
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CATEGORY
Recognizes outstanding achievements
during the 2019 calendar year
in industrial development, industrial
parks, location/expansion of
business and/or industries, tourism,
community promotion, or workforce
development.
Population 3,000 and under:
Winner:
• Town of Simmesport –
Simmesport Financial &
Infrastructure Recovery Plan
Population 3,001 to 10,000:
Winner:
• City of Abbeville – Chris Crusta
Memorial Airport Terminal
Building Renovation Project
Honorable Mention:
• City of Port Allen – Centennial
Park
• Town of Welsh – Ground Water
Storage Tank Project
Populations 10,001 to 25,000:
Winner:
• City of Ruston – Ruston Sports
Complex
Honorable Mention:
• City of Pineville – 5th Saturday
Market on Main
BASIC SERVICES CATEGORY
Recognizes outstanding achievements
during the 2019 calendar
year in water, sewer, streets, drainage,
municipal buildings, fire, police,
emergency services, municipal management,
solid waste management,
recycling, or communication systems.
Population 3,000 and under:
Winner:
• Town of Jean Lafitte – Hurricane
Isaac Drainage Improvements
Project
Honorable Mention:
• Town of Athens – Wastewater
Treatment Plant Replacement
• Town of Mangham – Sewer Lift
Pumps Repair Project
Page 8
LMR | DECEMBER 2020

Inside the LMA
is excited to
co-host the
SERVANT
LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE
2021 CO-HOSTS
Colorado City & County Management Association
Engaging Local Government Leaders
Florida Association of Public Procurement Officials
Institute for Public Service – University of Tennessee
League of Oregon Cities
League of Women in Government
Louisiana Municipal Association
Maryland Municipal Association
Missouri Municipal League
National Public Employer Labor Relations Association
National Procurement Institute
New York State City/County Management Association
Old Dominion University School of Public Policy
Oklahoma Municipal League
Pepperdine School of Public Policy Davenport
Institute for Public Engagement
Public Policy Management Center – Wichita State
University
Texas Municipal Clerks Association & Texas Municipal
Clerks Certification Program
Texas Public Purchasing Association
University of Central Florida Center for Public and
Nonprofit Management
University of North Carolina School of Government
Utah Valley University – Department of
Emergency Services
Utah Valley University – Institute of Emergency
Services and Homeland Security
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
GENERAL JIM MATTIS
U.S. Secretary of Defense, 2017-2019
Author, Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead
See the full agenda and register at
www.governmentresource.com/SGR2021
Check out Ron Holifield’s Bookshelf for information on books
written by several of our speakers and other great authors.
www.governmentresource.com/RonsBookshelf
Population 3,001 to 10,000:
Winner:
• City of Carencro – Andre
Street Drainage & Utility Project
Honorable Mention:
• City of St. Gabriel – Sunshine
Wastewater Treatment Plant
• City of Scott – Drainage Improvement
Plan
Population 10,001 to 25,000:
Winner:
• City of Sulphur – Verdine Water
Plant Upgrade
TECHNOLOGY AND
CONNECTIVITY CATEGORY
Recognizes outstanding achievements
during the 2019 calendar
year in the expansion of broadband,
marketing, image campaigns,
websites, e-newsletters, local
access channels, communication
programs, or proliferation of technology
essentials.
Population 3,000 and under:
Winner:
• Town of Woodworth – Townwide
Technology Upgrades
Population 3,001 to 10,000:
Winner:
• City of Gonzales – Leveraging
Technology to Improve Wastewater
Treatment
Honorable Mention:
• Town of Richwood – Park Restoration
Image Campaign
Population 10,001 to 25,000:
Winner:
• City of Gretna – Promoting
Image and Marketing Through
Adoption of a Unified Development
Code
Population 25,001 and over:
Winner:
• City of Baton Rouge – Public
Safety Common Operational
Platform
LMR | DECEMBER 2020 Page 9

Working Hard to Keep It Small
THE LEGACY OF MAYOR BILLY D’AQUILLA
CLIFF PALMER, LAMATS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Born and raised in the tiny
community of Ft. Adams,
Mississippi, just north of
West Feliciana Parish, St.
Francisville’s retiring Mayor
Billy D’Aquilla found his way
to the place he calls home
mostly by accident.
As one of the state’s longest
serving mayors explains,
rural Mississippi in the
1950s was not exactly flush
with career potential. “We
thought you had to go to Mayor Billy D’Aquilla
Baton Rouge to get a good
job,” he said of the nearest city of any size. And so, with little
notion of the long and productive life of public service that
would be his legacy, young Billy D’Aquilla set off for Louisiana’s
capital city. But soon after crossing the state line, St.
Francisville’s only traffic light stopped the Mississippi man
in his tracks. “I thought I must have made it to the state capital,”
he says, shaking his head, “So I just stayed put!”
This month, at the end of nine consecutive terms as Mayor
(and a dozen years as Mayor Pro Tem before that), Billy
D’Aquilla leaves office a veteran and greatly admired public
servant, policy-maker, fundraiser, peacekeeper, confidant
and trusted leader, whose retirement at age 80 is unlikely
to slow him down one bit.
“The man’s got the energy of a thirty-year old,” said town
Police Chief Scott Ford with obvious admiration. “He brings
such personality to the office!” Ford, who has worked for
the Mayor for nearly two decades, and for three other mayors
throughout his career, called D’Aquilla’s steady leadership
over 48 years in office “unparalleled and unmatched
in my experience. Under Mayor D’Aquilla, we’ve had one
vision, one steward, and one path as a community.” That
vision, in a few words, is small, warm and home.
“Billy has been a significant leadership figure
in the LMA for decades. We will miss his
great wit, ideas and unmatched support...”
LMA President Jimmy Williams
(3rd from R) Alderman William “Billy” D’Aquilla being sworn in on
July 1, 1972
The high esteem Chief Ford expressed for D’Aquilla is
shared by his dedicated municipal staff. Town Clerk Shannon
Sturgeon, who has served Mayor D’Aquilla and St. Francisville
for seven years, affirmed: “Mayor D’Aquilla loves St.
Francisville and has poured his heart and soul into our community.”
Sturgeon notes that the mayor’s positive impacts
will extend far beyond his time in office. “Infrastructure is
one of the things that citizens take for granted, because it’s
just supposed to be there,” she explained. “But a lot of work
goes on behind the scenes. [Mayor D’Aquilla’s] ability to see
into the future and lay the infrastructure necessary for our
community to be successful” is one of his many remarkable
talents, she says.
Mayor D’Aquilla has secured several million dollars in grants
for the town when it needed it the most. These funds have
helped put in a new water well and booster pump station;
it built sidewalks, replaced Burnett Bridge, upgraded sewer
lift stations, and made many other improvements to the
Page 10
LMR | DECEMBER 2020

A Word from
Our Affiliates
town’s utility systems and
drainage.
Mayor D’Aquilla is quick to
answer what makes a town
like St. Francisville, with its
population of 1,800 citizens,
so special: “People know
each other in a small town,”
he says. “They bring each
other food and take care of
one another.” Despite the
town’s growth in recent
years, much of which is due
to the mayor’s unceasing
promotion, D’Aquilla doesn’t
want the town to change
much after his departure.
“I hope it stays small, and
rural,” he said. “We’ve worked
hard to keep it this way.”
As the town’s most loyal
champion, D’Aquilla’s
preferred style of leadership
stems directly from his
understanding and concern
for his residents. “You’re a
public servant in this job,”
he says. “You’ve got to be a
people-person, able to talk to everyone.”
With humor and humility, D’Aquilla happily counts himself
among those small-town people whom he gladly serves.
There’s not even a reserved parking space for the mayor at
Town Hall, although he jokingly suggests that no one park
in the first slot between the oak tree and back door. “Uncle
Billy,” as the mayor is affectionately known by so many, is
always ready to tell or enjoy a good joke.
Beyond St. Francisville, D’Aquilla has been a gritty leader
along with his peers statewide through the Louisiana
Municipal Association (LMA), its subsidiaries, Risk Management,
Inc. (RMI) and Louisiana Municipal Advisory and
Technical Services Bureau (LaMATS), and other affiliate
organizations. Always a major presence in the LMA organizations
(and a cherished bon vivant at LMA conferences and
committee meetings), Mayor D’Aquilla is often called upon
for his sound advice and counsel, even when not serving
in an appointed position. His dedication to the century-old
municipal association is iron-clad. “LMA is a great organization,”
he said. “It looks after the needs of the members.”
“Billy has been a significant leadership figure in the LMA for
decades,” said LMA President Mayor Jimmy Williams. “We
will miss his great wit, ideas and unmatched support that’s
essential for keeping the LMA focused on assisting towns
(L to R) St. Francisville staff members Shannon Sturgeon, Pam Granger, Lizzie Daniel and Stacy Orr. Not
pictured: Laurie Walsh
like the one he has led for nearly 50 years.” LMA Executive
Director John Gallagher concurred, adding, “We wish him
and his family much happiness and Godspeed!” Mayor
Williams recently awarded LMA’s highest award for faithful
public service, The President’s Award, to D’Aquilla in recognition
of his significant and sustained impact on the lives of
so many Louisianans.
Former LMA Executive Director Gordon King has a lifetime
of fond memories of the man he affectionally calls his,
“leader and friend,” in addition to “Billy the Kid.” King recalls
as a young attorney relying on Mayor D’Aquilla’s sage
advice regarding a host of issues about the Lawrason Act
(named after another St. Francisville icon, Judge Samuel
Lawrason), and numerous other governance questions.
King adds that the measure of this man and how he always
looked out for his town is something he has long admired.
While helping the mayor structure financing for a new
firetruck and related equipment not many years ago, the
local banker asked just how much interest he thought Mr.
Billy would be willing to pay. King’s immediate response
was, “exactly zero…so pick a rate you’re comfortable
with before asking him.” The bank provided D’Aquilla’s
suggested rate.
He is among the founders of LaMATS and has served as a
Board member and officer for the better part of 20 years.
LMR | DECEMBER 2020 Page 11

He is credited for shepherding in
valuable services like Capital Outlay,
Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) and
Millage Management. LaMATS
President Mayor Jennifer Vidrine
praised D’Aquilla’s commitment
and dedication to the boards and
commissions he has served. “Billy is a
special, one-of-a-kind natural leader
who has sacrificed greatly over the
years in service to the residents of St. Francisville. He has
accomplished so much through his genuine and selfless
love for people. He leaves a great void on the LaMATS
Board.”
Fortunately, his service to Louisiana cities will continue
after retirement, when D’Aquilla presides over the board of
the Louisiana Community Development Authority (LCDA)
in 2021. LCDA provides financing for local government
projects, issues tax-exempt bonds on behalf of small
companies that locate in the state, supports worthy
nonprofits and provides other material aid to communities
statewide. LCDA Board Chairman Mayor David C. Butler II
remarked, “I have had the honor and privilege to work and
serve with Mayor D’Aquilla in the municipal world for over
30 years. His word is his bond, a true man amongst men,
and my close friend.”
Back in his office at Town Hall,
D’Aquilla is surrounded by an
eclectic assortment of keepsakes
commemorating his many years of
public service. Countless awards
and plaques vie for wall space along
with the spectacular black and white
photos of the community taken by
his talented and devoted wife of 58 years, Yolanda. “I truly
couldn’t have done this job without the love and support of
my wife, kids and quite a few municipal staff members I will
always consider as my extended family.”
As the D’Aquillas finally retreat from the public eye to
enjoy their grown children and ten grand and greatgrandchildren,
they will find their beloved St. Francisville a
better place to retire than when they first settled. A thriving
tourist trade, a growing local economy, and a parish wellappointed
with good schools and public amenities—these
will all be indelible parts of Mayor Billy D’Aquilla’s wellearned
legacy.
But what we can expect will make him happiest to
contemplate are the ways in which his favorite small town
hasn’t changed much at all.
Attorney General’s Opinions
BY JEFF LANDRY, ATTORNEY GENERAL
Elected Chiefs of Police
Opinion: 20-0099 La. Const. art. VII,
§ 14(B)(14) allows Evangeline Parish
Police Jury to enter into a written
agreement with the City of Ville Platte
to engage in donations of the use of
public equipment and personnel. La.
Const. art. VII, § 14(B)(14) only allows the donation of the use
of public equipment instead of the donation of the public
equipment itself; any materials or supplies that are to be used
in the project must be supplied by the City of Ville Platte.
Released: 9/18/2020
Home Rule Charters
Opinion: 20-0126 La. Const. art. VI, § 5 allows the St. Landry
Parish Council to exercise any power or perform any function
necessary, requisite, or proper for the management of its affairs,
not denied by general law or inconsistent with the constitution,
including using proceeds from the sale of property acquired
from a previously abolished hospital service district for any legal
purpose. Released: 10/28/2020
Page 12
LMR | DECEMBER 2020

Partner Insight
Glamping at Fontainebleau State Park
The Best is Yet to Come
BY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BILLY NUNGESSER
In 2019, Louisiana experienced yet another
year of rapid growth for the tourism
industry. We attracted more visitors
to our state than in any previous year
since we’ve been tracking numbers. A
fourth straight year of record-breaking
progress. Take a look at some of these quick facts:
• 53.2 million domestic & international visitors to the
state of Louisiana, a 3.8 percent increase in visitation over
2018
• $18.9 billion total spending by domestic and
international visitors
• $1.92 billion total state and local tax revenues
generated by travel and tourism activities in Louisiana,
resulting in a 2.1 percent increase year over year
No doubt, 2020 has been a challenging year for the tourism
and hospitality industry. While tourism in our state hit pause,
that period in time wasn’t spent idol in the Louisiana Office
of Tourism. Instead, we devised a plan, called the Sunshine
Plan, to rebuild Louisiana to world preeminence and showcase
what makes our state the best place to visit.
With a strong commitment to the future,
we have a multi-year, stepped plan for the
recovery of the tourism industry, based
on the restoration of consumer confidence in traveling. All
research indicates that travelers are seeking shorter, closer to
home trips, with longer trips as traveler confidence restores.
And, thanks to the legislature for lifting the 10% cap on instate
advertising of the tourism industry, we’ve been able to
start successfully promoting staycations.
In addition to the Sunshine Plan, we are offering an incentive
program to attract previously canceled or postponed
conferences and conventions to book their events here in
Louisiana. For booking their event here in Louisiana, we’ll
give them a little something extra, or a little Louisiana Lagniappe.
The Louisiana Lagniappe program, offered through the
Louisiana Office of Tourism, provides event guests a free
Louisiana seafood dinner courtesy of the Louisiana Seafood
Promotion and Marketing Board, and a free band or musician
to play on the opening night of their event. In essence, the
SEE BEST PAGE 14
LMR | DECEMBER 2020 Page 13

challenging year.
Treasury Notes
Main Street Supported Thousands of Small Businesses
BY STATE TREASURER JOHN M. SCHRODER
As we approach the end of 2020, I
wanted to share how much the Main
Street Recovery Program helped
small businesses across Louisiana. The
program’s success is a bright spot in a
I know this has been a tough time for you as you struggle to
balance budgets and make tough decisions.
The pandemic also devastated our small businesses. Many
will not survive the economic downturn. Others are limping
along with reduced profits.
By granting businesses up to $15,000 for their pandemicrelated
expenses, the Main Street Recovery Program helped
many survive, and hopefully, go on to thrive. I want to thank
the Louisiana Legislature for creating the program and for
entrusting the Louisiana Department of Treasury with the
administration of it.
As of Nov. 30, the Main Street Recovery Program had
awarded $262 million in grants. We will award the remaining
money, which is less than $5 million, before the end of the
year. Of the total awards so far, $159 million was awarded to
businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans, nearly
four times what was required by law.
The Main Street Recovery Program helped small businesses
who needed it most. It helped Mom and Pop businesses, not
big box stores with corporate headquarters in other states.
The program awarded grants to taxi drivers, hair stylists,
restaurants, bars, fishermen, bowling alleys and daycares
right here in Louisiana.
The program was diverse and touched both large cities and
small towns. In fact, awards were dispersed in every Louisiana
parish. You can see the businesses in your area that benefited
by visiting www.latreasury.com and clicking on “transparency.”
The Main Street Recovery Program truly was a success story.
Our social media accounts are filled with gratitude from small
business owners who received grants. For many, the money
arrived in the nick of time. One business owner thanked us
for helping save a nearly century-old family business.
This has been a difficult time for every citizen, business,
parish and city in Louisiana. With so much need, my only
regret is we weren’t able to help every business impacted by
the pandemic. With a limited pool of funding, we had to turn
away many businesses. That was hard to do.
I am privileged to help those we could. Hopefully, this
pandemic will be over soon and we can look forward to
better days ahead.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16: BEST
first night’s on us!
Oh, and our Louisiana State Parks are
offering 30% off at five of our parks, using
promo code WINTER30 when you
book. And if you’re wondering the best
way to experience staying at our state
parks, we’ve just launched a glamping
partnership with the company Tentrr.
Glamping is an alternative way to
camp in our state parks. We offer more
than 60 fully equipped sites at eight
different state parks. Stays are cheaper
than traditional cabins, and we do the
heavy lifting for you. Setup includes
a canvas tent on a wooden deck with
a queen sized bed, portable heater,
chairs, portable grill, picnic table and
more. Let us do the heavy lifting for you
with stays starting at $85 a night. To
find out more and to book your stay, go
to ReserveLaStateParks.com.
Fontainebleau State Park
There’s so much to see and do right
here in Louisiana. Plan your next trip at
LouisianaIsATrip.com.
If you have questions about the Sunshine
Plan or the Louisiana Lagniappe
program, I’d like to encourage you to
reach out to our Louisiana Office of
Tourism at (225) 342-8100 or go to LouisianaTravel.com.
Sincerely,
Billy Nungesser,
Louisiana Lt. Governor
Sunset at Crescent Park
Cypremort Point State Park
Page 14
LMR | DECEMBER 2020

Partner Insight
State and Local Governments and COVID-19
BY SHAUN TOUPS, GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS
State and local governments are significant players
in the U.S. economy. Employment by state and local
governments represents about 13 percent of total
employment in the U.S.—more than the federal
government. State and local tax revenues represent about
9 percent of GDP. But, unlike the federal government,
state and local governments generally have to balance
their operating budgets and can’t borrow to finance large
deficits.
So, what impact COVID-19 having on governments?
According to the Brookings Institute, state and local
government revenues nationwide are expected to decline
$155 billion in 2020, $167 billion in 2021, and $145 billion
in 2022—a little over 5% on average. While federal aid to
state and local governments has, in some cases, exceeded
GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS, INC.
Specializing in Bond Issues and Financing
projected revenue losses this year, that aid is only onetime.
Without promises of further aid, should those
revenue losses be realized, many could be faced with cuts
to spending and future imbalances. Furthermore, state
and local governments continue to be at the forefront of
the response and will likely need to increase their typical
spending to provide crucial public health services and
help communities adapt.
State and local governments, obviously, rely on revenue
generated from taxes to pay for many of the services
provided. Early forecasts reflected expectations that
sales and property taxes would see significant decreases
as a result of the pandemic related economic slowdown.
Some states projected a decline of 18% or more. But the
news is not all doom and gloom. These projections, it
SEE COVID-19 PAGE 16
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!
LMR | DECEMBER 2020 Page 15

Rural Development
USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT IS A CATALYST FOR RURAL PROSPERITY
BY ROY HOLLEMAN, STATE DIRECTOR, USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Through loans, grants, and
partnerships with local leaders,
USDA Rural Development provides
tools and resources that ensure rural
families, businesses, and communities
have what they need to prosper today and the future.
Through the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant
Program, more than 100 types of projects are eligible for
funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public
bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized
Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas
with a population of 20,000 or less.
The Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program
provides loan guarantees to eligible private lenders to
help build essential community facilities in rural areas.
Rural areas include any area other than a city or town with
a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants and any
urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to that city or
town based on the latest U.S. Census Data.
Program funds may be used to construct, expand or
improve facilities that provide health care, education,
public safety, and public services. Projects include fire
and rescue stations, village and town halls, health care
clinics, hospitals, adult and childcare centers, assisted
living and rehabilitation centers, schools, and many other
community-based initiatives. Financing may also cover
the costs for land acquisition, professional fees, and
equipment purchases. These amenities help rural areas
purchase and maintain critical infrastructure.
The following are two healthcare projects funded in fiscal
year 2020:
East Baton Rouge Parish, Hospital Service District 1 is
receiving a $61 million loan to renovate 37,000 square
feet of the hospital and add an 82,000-square-foot, fourstory
medical tower. The addition will include 48 acute
patient care rooms, surgical and intensive care units,
nurse’s stations and administrative areas. The hospital
employs more than 850 people. The expanded facility will
provide a variety of specialized care to better serve the
community.
The Madison Parish Hospital is receiving a $24 million
loan to construct a 57,000 square foot critical access
hospital. The critical access hospital offers in-patient and
out-patient services, an emergency department, and
includes 16 in-patient beds. This investment also includes
the construction of a 14,000 square foot rural health clinic
and helicopter landing pad. The existing clinic will be
renovated to accommodate administrative offices.
Rural Development is here to help applicants
complete the application process. These can include
predevelopment feasibility studies, design and
engineering aid, land and equipment acquisition, start-up
operations and maintenance, capitalized interest, technical
assistance, and other costs determined necessary for
project completion. Long-term, low- interest loans and
loan guarantees are available for eligible borrowers, with
up to a 40-year payback period, based on the useful life
of the facilities financed.
Program details may change over time. Before you begin
an application, please contact a specialist in your area.
Louisiana’s RD Area Offices are in Monroe (318) 343-4467,
Natchitoches (318) 352-7100, Lafayette (337) 262-6601,
and Amite (985) 748-8751.
Team Louisiana is here to keep you updated with
resources and funding opportunities to create prosperity
in rural communities. Please contact me at roy.holleman@
usda.gov or (318) 473-7921. I encourage you all to take a
moment and check out our programs at www.rd.usda.gov/la
and follow us on twitter @RD_Louisiana.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16: COVID-19
seems based on actual results to date, may have been
too pessimistic. Property taxes remain stable as house
prices have held up well throughout the pandemic.
Additionally, consumer spending during the pandemic
has been unusual. Much of the spending decline has been
for services, restaurants and hotels, while purchases of
groceries and basic needs, as well as home improvement
items, have seen increases. And, as the effects of social
distancing lessen sales tax have rebounded in many areas.
Lost spending appears to be catching up, particularly
after savings have increased from people staying home.
Finally, a side effect of COVID-19 has been an extended
period of low interest rates. State and local governments
are both borrowers and savers. On net, they are generally
savers. According to the Census of Governments for
2017, total state and local government debt equaled
$3 trillion in 2017, while total financial assets were $6.9
trillion. The interest rates mean smaller returns to state
and local government savings, further reducing revenue.
On the other hand, borrowing is through the issuance
of municipal debt to finance capital projects can be
advantageous in this low rate environment. Although
rates did see a slight rise after the recent election,
borrowing costs remain at historically low levels.
Page 16
LMR | DECEMBER 2020

Feature
2020 Hindsight: Focusing on Service
In January of this year, this publication’s feature
provided an organizational vision for 2020, a priority
roadmap for the year. Soon after, the arrival
of the COVID-19 pandemic in Louisiana sought to
derail our aspirations to hold educational events,
expand our publications library, and broaden the
scope of services to our membership. In the face of
this daunting public health
crisis, LMA President Mayor
Jimmy Williams expertly
guided the LMA Executive
Board to provide strong and
principled leadership, often
making difficult decisions to
protect the welfare of LMA
staff and municipal leaders.
In turn, LMA staff members
accepted the challenges presented
by these unparalleled
circumstances and amplified
both individual and collective
efforts to continue providing
outstanding service to our
members. We believe that
a look back at 2020 demonstrates
our sincere commitment
to earn your trust and
participation, come what may.
We began the year with an
unprecedented series of regional trainings in which
the LMA partnered with the Louisiana Legislative
Auditor’s Office to provide day-long long trainings
on municipal governance, budgeting, and fiscal best
practices in Minden, West Monroe, Pineville, Carencro,
and Gonzales. Hundreds of municipal officials,
employees, and local government stakeholders
attended these sessions, which received high marks
from participants. We continue to seek opportunities
to collaborate with Mr. Purpera and his competent
staff to provide educational content.
The newest LMA-managed affiliate, the Louisiana
Recreation and Park Association realized one of
its most successful conferences to date in January.
In its 75th year of operation, the LRPA offered a
multi-track, comprehensive conference agenda that
garnered registrants from all over the state. We are
honored that the LRPA has entrusted its association
management to the LMA, and we are grateful
to LRPA President Randy Albarez and the LRPA
Executive Board members for their continued partnership.
As we moved into the first week of February,
we hosted around 700 attendees for our annual
Mid-Winter Conference in Baton Rouge. The workshops
covered a broad range of topics, from emerging
broadband and cyber security issues, to dealing
to public nuisances and maximizing social media, to
learning about the valuable suite of services offered
by our subsidiaries, Risk Management, Inc. and La-
MATS. Once again, we were honored that Governor
John Bel Edwards provided our keynote luncheon
address and were privileged to have Ron Holifield,
CEO of Strategic Government Resources, kick off
the event with his inspiring address on servant
leadership. As an organization focused on creating
authentic local government leaders, SGR has been,
and continues to be, a valuable partner with the
LMA, including providing educational workshops for
multiple other LMA and affiliate conferences.
As municipal resources grow progressively scarce,
accessing grant funding is more important than ever.
Grant writing and grant management are invaluable
skills for maintaining and improving infrastructure,
building essential technology such as broadband,
LMR | DECEMBER 2020 Page 17

and implementing innovative projects. Recognizing
this need, the LMA teamed with the talented faculty
of the Online and Continuing Education Program
at Louisiana State University to offer a day-long,
intensive, and interactive workshop on the essentials
of grant writing. The hands-on clinic took place on
February 11 in Pineville and was offered for a remarkably
low registration fee. Because the educational
needs of Louisiana’s municipal leaders are
so diverse, the LMA will continue to explore more
university teaming options.
On March 9, as the
2020 Regular Session
of the Legislature was
gaveling in, Mayor
Jimmy Williams (LMA
President), Mayor
Michael Chauffe (LMA
First Vice President),
Mayor Jennifer Vidrine
(LMA Second Vice
President), and Mayor
Barney Arceneaux
(LMA Past President)
join LMA staff members
in Washington DC for
the National League of Cities’ Congressional City
Conference. The annual event provided dedicated
time for our outstanding municipal leaders to visit
with members of our congressional delegation to
discuss the most important issues facing our communities.
It was during this week that it became
increasingly apparent that the global Coronavirus
pandemic has reached Louisiana’s
borders and that mitigation measures were
forthcoming.
On Friday, March 13, another managed
affiliate, the Louisiana City Attorney’s Association,
held its Spring Conference and
CLE in Alexandria, featuring an informative
session on the Louisiana Local Government
Budget Act, a two-hour master class
on property issues, and the Public Bid Law
expertise of LaMATS’ Procurement Consultant
Paul Holmes. Early the following
week, our managed affiliate BOAL (Building
Officials Association of Louisiana) persevered
to conduct its annual conference.
Over three days, building officials from
throughout the state engaged in innovative
educational opportunities while BOAL
installed its 2020-21 Executive Board members.
That would be the last time that the LMA would produce
an in-person event for many moons.
Before digging, call 811
at least two full work days in advance.
That’s all it takes to notify Louisiana 811
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.Louisiana811.com
Page 18
LMR | DECEMBER 2020

Feature
The week of March 16 ushered in the suspension of
the legislative session, the closure of most office
buildings (including the LMA), and the implementation
of the first bundle in a long series of Executive
Orders in response to COVID-19. Under the leadership
of the Executive Board, the LMA and our subsidiaries
created a system whereby employees could
work from home. LMA IT Director Tracy Melancon
did an outstanding job of enabling staffers to continue
providing the excellent level of service that our
members depend upon. RMI General Manager Jerry
Cronin, LaMATS Executive Director Cliff Palmer, and
their respective team members are commended on
their continued delivery of high-quality and reliable
services during this time. The professionals within
LMA’s accounting department, membership services,
event planning, legal services, and administrative
support made the transition to remote working
appear seamless, displaying incredible flexibility and
resilience in taking on new and augmented responsibilities
due to the pandemic.
The crisis brought into focus several new priorities,
The
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including educating our membership on federal
Coronavirus mandates, fighting for federal relief
funding, and collaborating with local government
stakeholders – both statewide and nationally – to
empower Louisiana’s municipalities to weather the
devastating effects of the pandemic. It is estimated
that for March and April alone, LMA’s Executive Director,
Executive Counsel, and Deputy Director collectively
answered over 2,000 technical assistance
questions and attended over 150 online conferences,
White House/GOHSEP briefings, and informational
webinars.
The LMA created a dedicated COVID-19 page on our
website that contains a resource library of essential
information, including guidance on employment issues,
procurement, open meetings, and much more.
The page also contains links to valuable on-demand
webinars and grants/funding information. The LMA,
both individually and in concert with our local government
partners, was in near constant contact with
our Congressional delegation and Governor Edwards’
office, emphatically vocalizing the needs of
our members. In a year where unfortunate partisanship
has made every task that much more difficult,
the LMA has endeavored to keep our members on
the hearts, minds, and tongues of political leaders in
Baton Rouge and DC.
These efforts were advanced when the LMA held
hugely successful virtual press conferences in collaboration
with Senator Bill Cassidy and the National
League of Cities, including a presser highlighting
Mayor Nic Hunter of Lake Charles, Mayor Ben Zahn
of Kenner, Mayor David Butler of Woodworth, and
Mayor Ronny Walker of Ruston. With five named
storms making landfall in Louisiana this year, federal
and gubernatorial disaster declarations have become
a common occurrence for many of our members.
We are committed to pursuing disaster relief
for communities who were already suffering from
LMR | DECEMBER 2020 Page 19

diminished tax revenue and increased mitigation
expenses before the hurricane season.
May signaled a cautious step toward returning to
normalcy as the Legislature reconvened the Regular
Session on May 4. With a freshman class of over 1/3
(36%) of the legislative body who had never served
in the legislature before, the sessions were destined
to already be challenging. But mitigation measures
and event cancellations meant that lobbyists were
prohibited from approaching legislators or engaging
in the usual forums. The LMA legislative advocacy
team quickly adapted to this new normal with guidance
from the LMA Legislative Committee and its
chairman, Mayor Clarence Fields of Pineville, spending
countless hours performing electronic lobbying and
strengthening LMA member engagement on issues
of importance. As soon as the Regular Session adjourned,
the month-long First Extraordinary Session
commenced, a period that was generally focused on
taking another bite at the apples from the first session.
Then on September 28, the legislature gaveled
in for the Second Extraordinary Session, which was
supposed to be a month centered around budgetary
matters. Instead, much time and effort were spent
arguing about the nature and scope of the Governor’s
authority to declare public health emergencies and
implement mitigation measures. When the dust settled
on the legislative season, LMA members emerged
largely unscathed: nearly all preemptive and intrusive
bills were defeated; LGAP and CWEF programs were
funded at a total of $23 million; and there were seven
constitutional amendments on the November ballot.
Full summaries of all three sessions, including vetoed
measures, are posted under the Legislative Advocacy
tab on the LMA’s website.
June and July represented a critical time in the
respective evolutions of the Louisiana Uniform Local
Sales Tax Board (on which the LMA has two seats)
and the Louisiana Sales and use Tax Commission for
Remote Sellers (on which the LMA has a representative).
The LMA has been deeply engaged in the
operations of these two boards since their inception
and they have proven to be the key to preserving
local authority to collect local sales taxes, and to
realizing the long-awaited goal of collecting sales
taxes on internet sales. For Louisiana’s local governments,
the launch of internet sales tax collection
at the correct local rate has provided funding at the
time when it is needed most. Prior to July 1, 2020,
local sales tax collection on internet transactions
was virtually nil; in the three months following the
launch (July, August, and September), local governments
received over $32.5 million in sales tax revenue
through the Remote Sellers Commission.
As widespread use of online platforms for meetings
and educational events became the norm, the
LMA sought to capitalize on that reality by offering
several helpful webinars, including those dedicated
to dealing with the pandemic, hurricane season
preparedness, and a five-part series on Brownfields
Grant writing sponsored by LaMATS. Given the
production capabilities built by the LMA’s IT professionals,
the City’s Attorneys Association’s executive
officers unanimously voted to conduct their Fall
Conference the CLE event in cyberspace, resulting
in near record-breaking attendance.
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LMR | DECEMBER 2020

Feature
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LMR | DECEMBER 2020 Page 21

The LMA Executive Board made the difficult but necessary
decision to cancel the LMA’s live annual convention
this year, which was scheduled to take place
on July 30 through August 1 in Baton Rouge. But the
LMA team remained committed to capturing as many
of the elements of our premier event as possible.
Despite a harrowing hurricane season, we persevered
and offered 24 workshops embracing exceptional
and timely topics for our 2020 Virtual Convention.
Though the workshops concluded on October 22,
every session, along with any materials provided by
the presenters, is available on demand through our
convention web page at www.lma.org/convention.
Another major element of our Annual Convention is
the awarding of the LMA President’s Awards and the
prestigious Community Achievement Awards. We
successfully leveraged technology to create a hybrid
live/virtual red carpet event from LMA headquarters
on November 9. LMA President Jimmy Williams
presented his President’s Awards to five distinguished
recipients: Mayor Billy D’Aquilla, Mayor Harry Lewis,
former LATA Executive Director Mark West, Mayor
Donald Villere, and Mayor Jamey Mayo. Afterward, our
longtime trusted partner and friend, Brookie Alphin,
presented the much-anticipated awards. The event
culminated in the Village of Grosse Tete receiving
“Best in Show” honors for its remarkable broadband
project.
The LMA is proud to have partnered with the Judicial
College of the Louisiana Supreme Court to provide
training in best practices and legal guidelines for the
operation of mayor’s courts. The highly interactive
virtual event took place over three days in November,
and included compelling sessions such as venue constitutionality,
tracking the life of a ticket from issuance
to resolution, and detailed operational procedures.
The materials from the presentation may be accessed
at https://lajudicialcollege.org/cle-seminar/mayors-court-training/.
Our deepest gratitude to Mayor
Belinda Constant of Gretna for her leadership and
participation, along with Brusly City Attorney Tom
Acosta, Louisiana Senate Chief of Staff Jerry Guillot,
Judge Jules Edwards, Judge Marion Edwards, and the
capable staffers at the Office of Motor Vehicles and
the Judicial College for a successful training event.
Many do not know that throughout the year and at
any given time, representatives of the LMA serve on
nearly two dozen task forces, study groups, and commissions.
This year alone, Governor Edwards appointed
Executive Director John Gallagher to two critical
boards: the Resilient Louisiana Commission and the
Governor’s Advisory Council on Rural Revitalization
A full listing of these entities and the appointees who
serve on them is too voluminous to reproduce here,
but we have the utmost respect and gratitude for the
non-LMA employees who graciously serve on these
boards. Just this year, the Legislature provided LMA
representation on four more such entities: the Louisiana
Commission on Justice System Funding, the
Task Force on Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service
Reform, the Closed Party Primary Task Force, and the
Centralized Sales and Use Tax Administration Study
Group. Active participation in these entities, while
time-consuming, enables the LMA to stay informed
regarding the issues facing our members and affords
opportunities to advocate for Louisiana’s municipal
governments.
Most recently, Executive Director John Gallagher was
Page 22
LMR | DECEMBER 2020

Feature
elected to the National League of
Cities Board of Directors by NLC’s
membership at the NLC 2020 Virtual
City Summit. NLC is the largest and
most representative organization
for cities, their elected leaders, and
municipal staff, and it advocates for
municipal priorities in Washington
DC by building strong federal-local
partnerships. As a board member,
John will be essential to providing
strategic direction and guidance for
NLC’s federal advocacy, governance
and membership activities.
It is our continuing mission to expand
our online resource library available
at www.lma.org. The pandemic gave rise to a flood
of questions, so we were thrilled to provide resource
guides on CARES Act funding, FFCRA employment
mandates, unemployment benefits, cyber security
amid the Coronavirus, emergency procurement, and
more. This year, we also added several publications
to our permanent collection: a template mandatory
annual sexual harassment disclosure report, the
Comprehensive Executive Guide to Disaster Response
and Recovery, the 2020 edition of the Mayor’s Court
Handbook, the 2020 edition of the Lawrason Act
guide, and a new collaborative publication titled,
Fight the Blight: A Guide to Addressing Common
Public Nuisances.
We strive to provide timely and meaningful content
in our monthly magazine, Louisiana Municipal Review.
This hub of vital information is complimented by our
weekly e-newsletters, as well as our Facebook and
Twitter accounts. CB20-Cloud-3.5x2.4375.pdf We encourage 1 11/16/20 you to subscribe
11:29 AM
to our publications and follow us on social media to
keep up with the latest news from the LMA.
As we enter this holiday season, we know that you,
the members of the LMA, are our precious gift. For
nearly 95 years, the LMA has proudly provided quality
services to member municipalities, and our continued
success is a testament to the vision of our founders,
the dedication of our work family, and the strong municipal
leaders who guide us today.
C
M
Y
Experience the power
of a better cloud.
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K
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2020 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
LMR | DECEMBER 2020 Page 23

THE LMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND STAFF WISH YOU A
Merry
Christmas and
Happy New
Year
May the remainder of your 2020 be
filled with joy, peace, health, and
blessings!
PRESORT
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BATON ROUGE, LA
PERMIT #319
Page 24
LMR | DECEMBER 2020