LMR June 2023 FINAL

0 6 . 2 3 

Louisiana 

MUNICIPAL 

REVIEW 

VOL. 88 

ISSUE 6

A Quarter-Century of Municipal 

Service! 

PURCHASING & BIDDING ASSISTANCE 

REVENUE RECOVERY (IPT, OLT, FRANCHISE AUDITS) 

BLIGHT & BROWNFIELDS REMEDIATION 

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FLEET MANAGEMENT 

DRONE IMAGING 

...SO MUCH MORE! 

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from this publication may be reprinted without the express permission of the editor. 

Jennifer Vidrine, LMA President Derrick Johnson, First Vice President Rick Allen, Second Vice President 

Ville Platte Mayor, Cheneyville Mayor, Leesville 

Immediate Past President – Michael Chauffe, Mayor, Grosse Tete 

District 

District A 

Vice 

Vice 

President 

President – 

Kim 

Kim 

Gaspard, 

Gaspard, 

Mayor, 

Mayor, 

Haughton 

Haughton 

District Vice President Ronny Walker, Mayor, Ruston 

District B Vice President – Ronny Walker, Mayor, Ruston 

District Vice President Jimmy T. Holland, Councilman, Oak Grove 

District C Vice President – Jimmy T. Holland, Councilman, Oak Grove 

District Vice President Howard “Keith” Lewing, Mayor, Anacoco 

District D Vice President – Howard “Keith” Lewing, Mayor, Anacoco 

District E Vice President Rich Dupree, Mayor, Pineville 

District District F E Vice Vice President President – Charles Rich Dupree, James, Mayor, Mayor, Pineville Sunset 

District G F Vice President – Charles Chuck Robichaux, James, Mayor, Mayor, Sunset Rayne 

District H G Vice President – Edwin Chuck “Ed” Robichaux, Reeves, Mayor, Rayne Plaquemine 

District I H Vice President –– Jean Edwin Pelloat, “Ed” Reeves, Mayor, Madisonville 

Mayor, Plaquemine 

District J I Vice President – Rodney Jean Pelloat, Grogan, Mayor, Mayor, Madisonville Patterson 

District J Vice President – Rodney Grogan, Mayor, Patterson 

Page 2 

LMA Past President – Barney Arceneaux, Mayor, Gonzales 

LMA 

LMA 

Past 

Past 

President 

President – 

Johnny 

Johnny 

Berthelot, 

Berthelot, Councilman, Gonzales 

LMA Past President David Butler, Mayor, Woodworth 

LMA Past President – David Butler, Mayor, Woodworth 

LMA Past President David Camardelle, Mayor, Grand Isle 

LMA Past President – David Camardelle, Mayor, Grand Isle 

LMA Past President Harry Lewis, Mayor, Rayville 

LMA Past President – Harry Lewis, Mayor, Rayville 

LMA Past President Jimmy Williams, Mayor, Sibley 

Vice LMA President Past President at Large – Jimmy – Dr. Xanthe Williams, Seals, Mayor, Mayor, Sibley Homer 

Vice President at Large – Darnell Dr. Xanthe Waites, Seals, Mayor, Mayor, Baker Homer 

Vice President (< at 1K) Large – Kevin – Darnell Kately, Waites, Mayor, Mayor, Parks Baker 

Vice President (1K (< 1K) – 2.5K) – Kevin – Gail Kately, Wilking, Mayor, Mayor, Parks Ball 

Vice President (2.5K (1K – – 2.5K) – Julius Gail Wilking, Alsandor, Mayor, Mayor, Ball Opelousas 

Vice President (2.5K – 5K) – Julius Alsandor, Mayor, Opelousas 

LMR | JUNE 2023

CONTENTS | JUNE 2023 

DIRECTOR'S VIEWPOINT 

Changes and reflections 4 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 

Flag, Freedom, and Fathers 5 

16 

COMMUNICATION 

AS ADVOCACY 

CHAMPIONING YOUR STORY, 

YOUR WAY 

COVER PHOTO BY SYDNIE JACKSON 

GOVERNOR'S COLUMN 

You’ve Got to Accentuate the 

Positive 7 

TREASURY NOTES 

Have a Financial Disaster Plan in 

Place 13 

LEGAL BRIEFS 

#It'SCompLIcated 22 

TECH TALK 

Providing Safety and Transparency 

through technology 26 

GOVERNMENT 

CONSULTANTS 

Accessing Federal and State Grants 

29 

LETTERS OF INTENT 

Candidates for LMA President, 

First, and Second Vice President 8 

OFFICE OF RURAL 

DEVELOPMENT 

Ready to Work for You 14 

RISK MANAGEMENT, INC. 

RMI Revamps Its Free Safety 

Training Video Program For LMA 

Fund Members 25 

LAMATS 

Comfort Food: Catering in a Crisis 

27 

20 

CONGRESSIONAL 

UPDATE 

Cassidy Encourages Local 

Leaders to Apply for 

Infrastructure Dollars 

lOUISIANA MUNICIPAL REVIEW EDITORIAL STAFF 

Editor-in-Chief John Gallagher | jgallagher@lma.org 

Managing Editor Anita Tillman | atillman@lma.org | AMCorp International 

Editor Charlotte Smith | charlotte@teamamcorp.com | AMCorp International 

Advertising: Ginger Eppes | geppes@lma.org | LMA CorporatE relations 

Publisher: Louisiana municipal association 

Editorial offices: Louisiana Municipal Association, 6767 Perkins Road, Post Office Box 4327, Baton Rouge, 

LA LMR 70821- | JUNE 4327, 2023 editor@lma.org, www.lma.org, (225) 344-5001, (800) 234-8274, FAX (225) 344-3057. Page 3

DIRECTOR’S VIEWPOINT 

Changes and Reflections 

So much has been going 

on with our legislative session 

that it’s been difficult to 

keep up with each of you as 

much as I’d like. I’m thankful 

for this magazine, as it 

allows for that connection 

in my monthly letters. But 

soon, I’ll get more of an opportunity 

to speak with you 

all in person, as the summer 

season brings with it many 

opportunities for face-toface 

interactions. 

Our District Meetings have 

begun, and they are such 

valuable tools for LMA members. 

You’ll hear a roundup 

from our most recent legislative 

session, meet and 

talk to candidates running 

for LMA offices, and you can 

meet with more of our LMA 

staff – the people behind the 

scenes who make sure we’re 

always working for you. 

Soon we’ll be meeting in 

Alexandria for our 86 th Annual 

Convention. The year 

has certainly flown by, as it 

seems we were recently together 

in Lafayette for the 

same purpose. In addition to 

the traditional exchanging 

of the leadership gavel, this 

convention will bring new 

information and workshops 

that will be game-changing 

for the LMA and all its members. 

You can find information 

about registration within 

this issue and I encourage 

you to to take advantage of 

the Early Bird discount before 

it ends on June 22. 

Anita Tillman has our cover 

story this month, which 

highlights the importance 

of Communications. She 

and her team handle ours 

effectively and efficiently 

daily, and I’m happy to have 

them on board. Anita will 

delve into communications 

as another form of advocacy 

– one of our core three 

missions. The LMA can be 

utilized as a tool to share 

your wins, what you’re doing 

right, and good news 

in your communities. A 

voice alone can only be so 

loud, but when joined with 

a collective of other voices, 

there’s no limit to its volume. 

Senator Bill Cassidy recently 

ended a two-month round 

of Rural Community Funding 

Summits, which we’ve also 

highlighted in these pages, 

via a letter from Senator Cassidy 

himself. These summits 

were useful to so many of our 

municipal leaders, and much 

work went into making them 

happen. I personally thank, 

along with the entire staff, 

Senator Cassidy, our host 

city mayors, USDA Rural Development, 

the Louisiana 

Housing Corporation, and 

LITACorp, who were on-hand 

for each summit. Whether 

through organization or 

through providing information, 

the success should be 

shared with you all. 

We are also reminded of the 

importance of Juneteenth. 

June 19 is now a state and 

federal holiday as we recognize 

it as the day in 1865, two 

years after the Emancipation 

Proclamation was signed, 

when enslaved people in 

Texas finally learned of their 

freedom. We can’t forget the 

importance of this historic 

day and must continue to 

celebrate the progress we’ve 

made together. 

As we enter a busy season, 

I look forward with much 

eagerness to seeing you all 

Building roadmaps from right now 

to what's next 

John Gallagher, 

Executive Director 

and speaking with you all. 

We work well when we stand 

united. It’s what makes us 

#LMAStrong. 

CONTACT 

ANITA TILLMAN 

800-920-9826 EXT 700 

WWW.TEAMAMCORP.COM 

We help you find your 

voice, own your 

narrative, and captivate 

the right audience. 

Messaging 

Crisis Communication 

Speechwriting 

Transition Management 

Social Media Management 

Strategic Planning 

Publication Development 

Outreach 

Process Improvement 

Communication Training 

Page 4 


PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 

Flag, Freedom, and Fathers 

While many relate June to the 

start of summer, for me it is an 

exciting and important time 

for our Nation to celebrate 

FREEDOM, FATHERS and ‘Old 

Glory’ itself…our FLAG. June 

is filled with occasions to express 

our deep appreciation 

for things we hold true and 

sacred. 

Freedom for some represents 

the ability to live a life relatively 

‘free’ from burdensome 

government infringement. 

Among other things, I certainly 

have enjoyed a free 

life of comfort, educational 

opportunities, religious freedom, 

and self-determination. 

However, it’s important for 

me to pause and reflect on 

generations not so long ago 

who were not afforded this 

kind of life primarily because 

of bigotry and hatred. For 

people of color, regardless of 

their generation, it was particularly 

meaningful when 

our government formally established 

the federal holiday, 

Juneteenth, in 2021. We give 

heartfelt thanks to our own 

Governor John Bel Edwards 

for establishing it as a state 

holiday. Deriving its name by 

combining June and nineteenth, 

it is celebrated on 

the anniversary of the order 

issued proclaiming freedom 

for slaves in Texas. On June 

19, 1865, military officer, Major 

General Gordon Granger 

arrived in Texas to take 

command of the troops that 

would begin the long-awaited 

implementation of emancipation 

of slaves in that state, 

and to oversee reconstruction. 

For many years, numerous 

states recognized June 

19 in different formal and informal 

ways, but it would take 

federal legislation to establish 

it as a national holiday. One 

most notable person credited 

for her years of effort and 

tenacity is Ms. Opel Lee of 

Marshall, TX (Girl Power!). Often 

referred to as the “Grandmother 

of Juneteenth,” this 

educator and activist was 

determined to get the federal 

government to establish a 

national holiday in hopes of 

bringing greater awareness 

to the shame of slavery. Astonishingly, 

Ms. Opel’s family 

was the victim of a disgraceful 

racist act of violence when 

Jennifer Vidrine, 

LMA President 

Ville Platte 

their home was vandalized 

and burned down by white 

rioters…on June 19, 1939. 

She remained committed to 

the Juneteenth cause her entire 

life. Again, FREEDOM WAS 

NOT FREE. 

LMR | JUNE 2023 Page 5

Another federal observance we have in 

the name of freedom, is “Honor America 

Days” which is celebrated for 3 weeks 

starting with Flag Day (June 14) through 

July 4 Independence Day. Congress established 

this little-known commemoration 

in 1998 to encourage national 

pride through public gatherings and 

events. 

Our national symbol for freedom and 

patriotism was first described as the 

Great Seal of the United States, and 

then after a few short years it has since 

been commonly referred to as the “Stars 

and Stripes.” The first flag resolution approved 

by the Continental Congress in 

1777 established the design to consist 

of thirteen (13) stripes, alternate red and 

white and that the union be thirteen (13) 

stars, white in a blue field representing 

a new constellation. A member of the 

same Congress suggested this symbolism, 

although it has never been officially 

designated; “White signifies purity and 

innocence, red for hardiness and valor, 

and blue for vigilance, perseverance & 

justice.” The third (and last) flag resolution 

would mandate that the number of 

stripes should remain thirteen (13), the 

number of stars should always match 

the number of states 

admitted into the 

Union, and any new 

star should be added 

on the July 4 following 

a state’s admission. 

From 1777 

to 1960 (after Hawaii 

was admitted 

in 1959) there have 

been twenty-seven 

changes to Old Glory 

with twenty-five 

of them being for 

only adding stars. 

June 14 is Flag Day. 

Please take time on 

that day to pay honor and show respect 

to our flag. LOVE the freedoms we too 

often take for granted, the gift of a father’s 

unconditional love, and the pride 

I feel each time I place my hand over my 

heart and say, “I pledge allegiance to the 

Flag of the United States of America, 

and to the Republic for which it stands, 

one Nation under God, indivisible, with 

A photograph of Pop. 

liberty and justice 

for ALL!!’ 

Honoring Flag Day 

As we prepare to celebrate 

our familial 

fathers this month, 

let us pay homage 

to those men in 

our lives who lead, 

guide and sacrifice 

in so many ways. As 

I reflect on my dearly 

loved, Pop, I could 

ALWAYS count on 

him to provide for 

my every need. He 

protected me from all harm, including 

my sometimes-foolish ways, and even 

saved me from many switch whippings. 

He protected and healed my heart like 

no other person before or since, and 

YES…he’s the only man I have ever trusted 

unequivocally and completely. In my 

world, there were two gospels: the one 

according to God, and the gospel according 

to Pop. This Christian, loving, gentle, 

tender, and generous man was always 

the one I looked to for love, guidance, 

and comfort. He never failed me. While 

Pop is rejoicing in Heaven, his memories 

and life’s lessons remain ever present in 

my life, especially how he taught me to 

ALWAYS HELP THE PEOPLE. Each morning, 

he woke me up and said, “now that 

you’re up, my sun can shine.” 

Whether your Pop, Father, Dad, Daddy, 

Big Pop, Paw-Paw, Parrain, Grandfather, 

or cherished father figure is still alive or 

enjoying my Pop’s company in Heaven, 

take a moment to tell them, “I LOVE YOU” 

and just how much they mean to you. 

And to all of the loving and selfless fathers, 

we say THANK YOU and may God 

bless you in every way. 

HAPPY, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! 

Yours in Public 

(and Patriotic) Service 

Jennifer 

Page 6 


GOVERNOR’S COLUMN 

Happy June, Louisiana! In last 

month’s column, I spoke with 

you about my priorities for the 

last legislative session of my 

administration and reflected 

on the progress we’ve made 

together in the last eight years. 

This month I have several announcements 

to share with 

you, but I want to open with 

some wonderful news for the 

state of Louisiana. 

New federal Bureau of Labor 

Statistics data shows that 

Louisiana has more people 

working now than ever before. 

These job numbers are 

a validation of our bipartisan 

work to grow and diversify 

our economy. Every day I am 

inspired by the talent and skill 

of our people who have come 

back so strongly from the 

COVID-19 pandemic and two 

devastating hurricane seasons 

in 2020 and 2021. Thank you 

for your support in growing 

and sustaining our workforce. 

For those Louisianans whose 

homes were adversely impacted 

by the 2020-21 disaster 

events, I want to highlight 

an opportunity for recovery 

assistance. The Restore Louisiana 

Homeowner Assistance 

Program provides grant funding 

to homeowners affected 

by Hurricanes Laura, Delta, 

and Ida and the May 2021 Severe 

Storms for home repair, 

You’ve Got to Accentuate the Positive 

reconstruction and/or reimbursement 

for repairs already 

completed. The program also 

recently expanded its phasing 

criteria for homeowners to potentially 

qualify for assistance, 

lowering the FEMA-determined 

damage threshold from 

$5,000 to $3,000 and raising 

the allowable maximum of insurance 

received from $25,000 

to $50,000. The program is administered 

by the Louisiana 

Office of Community Development 

and funded by the U.S. 

Dept. of Housing and Urban 

Development. Please join me 

in making those in your municipalities 

aware of this opportunity 

for recovery and visit 

restore.la.gov for more details. 

I want to let you and those 

in your municipalities know 

about an important mental 

health resource that the Louisiana 

Department of Health 

launched during Mental 

Health Awareness Month – the 

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

The Lifeline is available 24/7 

to anyone in mental health 

distress or who may be worried 

about a loved one who 

may need crisis support. 988 

crisis counselors are trained to 

help reduce the intensity of a 

situation for the person seeking 

help and connect them 

to additional local resources, 

as needed, to support their 

wellbeing. The 988 Suicide 

and Crisis Lifeline is available 

to anyone in mental health 

distress. If you’re depressed, 

going through a hard time, 

thinking about suicide or just 

need to talk, 988 is for you. 988 

is for all of us. 

In other positive news for 

our state, we announced last 

Gov. John Bel Edwards 

month that Conexon Connect 

has been selected to deliver 

high-speed fiber internet access 

to over 1,500 underserved 

homes and businesses across 

East Carroll Parish. This is true 

progress that will provide 

benefits to our educational 

outcomes, healthcare, economy 

and much more. Working 

to eliminate the digital divide 

across our state with a sense of 

urgency is critical to the families 

and businesses of Louisiana, 

and I would like to thank 

the Louisiana State Office 

of Broadband for helping to 

bring these projects to fruition. 

I’d like to close by highlighting 

an opportunity for assistance 

for small businesses adversely 

impacted by the 2020-21 disaster 

events. The Restore Louisiana 

Small Business Loan Program 

is a lending program to 

assist disaster-impacted small 

businesses with non-construction 

expenses, and I encourage 

all eligible businesses to take 

advantage of this opportunity 

to learn more and apply. Visit 

restore.la.gov/SBLP for more information. 

Thank you for your continued 

dedication to the state of Louisiana, 

and God bless. 


Mayor 

Derrick Johnson 

Town Attorney 

Gregory L. Jones 

Police Chief 

Raymond Hamilton 

Mayor 

Municipal Clerk 

Derrick Johnson 

Lacey MayorWoods 

Town Attorney 

Derrick Gregory Johnson L. Jones 

Town Police Attorney Chief 

Gregory Raymond L. Hamilton Jones 

Police Municipal Chief Clerk 

Raymond Lacey Woods Hamilton 

Municipal Clerk 

John Lacey Gallagher Woods 

LMA Executive Director 

6767 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 70802 

Mayor Derrick J. Johnson Sr., Esq 

Page 8 

Mayor Derrick J. Johnson Sr., Esq 

TOWN OF CHENEYVILLE 

802 Klock Street 

Post Office Box 322 

Cheneyville, La 71325 

Town Hall: 318.279.2155 Fax: 318.279.2266 

TOWN OF CHENEYVILLE 

Police Department: 318.279.2156 Fax: 318.279.2766 

TOWN OF 

802 Klock 

CHENEYVILLE 

Street 


802 Klock Street 



Town Hall: 318.279.2155 Fax: 318.279.2266 



Town Hall: 318.279.2155 Fax: 318.279.2266 


April 10, 2023 

Mayor Pro-Tempore 

Charles Collins 

Council Members 

Ruby Crawford 

Rebecca Cook 

Mayor Pro-Tempore 

Ronny Green 

Charles Collins 

Mayor Francis Pro-Tempore Mitchell 

Council Charles Members Collins 

Ruby Crawford 

Council Rebecca Members Cook 

Ruby Ronny Crawford Green 

Francis Rebecca Mitchell Cook 

Ronny Green 

Francis Mitchell 


RE: LMA President candidacy 

John Gallagher 


Dear John Gallagher John Gallagher, 

6767 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 70802 


6767 Perkins My name Road is Baton Derrick Rouge, Johnson, LA and 70802 I am the Mayor of the Town of Cheneyville. I am submitting this to 

RE: LMA President candidacy 

inform you and the members of the Louisiana Municipal Association of my intent to run for the Louisiana 

Municipal RE: Association LMA President seat President. candidacy As a Mayor going into my 3 rd term, I understand the challenges and 

Dear John Gallagher, 

hardships our communities are facing daily, including the unique challenges brought on by the pandemic along 

Dear with the John recovery Gallagher, process. 

My name is Derrick Johnson, and I am the Mayor of the Town of Cheneyville. I am submitting this to 

inform you and the members of the Louisiana Municipal Association of my intent to run for the Louisiana 

My I’d like name to is give Derrick you a Johnson, little background and I am on the myself Mayoroutside of the Town my position of Cheneyville. as a Louisiana I am submitting Mayor. I am this a to 

Municipal Association seat President. As a Mayor going into my 3 

inform graduate you of and Louisiana the members State University of the Louisiana at Alexandria Municipal and Association the University rd term, I understand the challenges and 

of my of LA intent at Lafayette to run for with the Louisiana Bachelor’s 

hardships our communities are facing daily, including the unique challenges 

Municipal degrees in Business Association Management seat President. and Business As a Mayor Informatics, going into respectively. my 3 rd brought on by the pandemic along 

term, I I am understand also Iraqi the challenges War Veteran and having 

with the recovery process. 

hardships served 11 our years communities in the United are States facingMilitary. daily, including Along with the unique being a challenges Mayor, I am brought also an on assistant by the pandemic district attorney along 

with in Rapides the recovery Parish. process. 

I’d like to give you a little background on myself outside my position as a Louisiana Mayor. I am a 

graduate of Louisiana State University at Alexandria and the University of LA at Lafayette with 

I’d My like LMA to experience give you a little includes background having previously on myself served outside on my the position LMA board as a Louisiana as LMA 2Mayor. nd Bachelor’s 

Vice I President, am a 

degrees 

LMA graduate 1 ST in Business Management and Business Informatics, respectively. I am also an Iraqi War Veteran having 

of Vice Louisiana President, State Vice University President at at Alexandria Large, and and immediate the University Past President of LA at of Lafayette the Louisiana with Bachelor’s Municipal 

served 11 years in the United States Military. Along with being a Mayor, I am also an assistant district attorney 

Black degrees Caucus in Business Association Management (LMBCA). and Business Informatics, respectively. I am also an Iraqi War Veteran having 

in Rapides Parish. 

served 11 years in the United States Military. Along with being a Mayor, I am also an assistant district attorney 

in Rapides I plan Parish. to continue to work for the small towns and villages of Louisiana, the communities that need the 

My LMA experience includes having previously served on the LMA board as LMA 2 

most help and increased access to resources. As the Mayor of a smaller town, I understand those nd Vice President, 

unique 

LMA 1 

circumstances ST Vice President, Vice President at Large, and immediate Past President of the Louisiana 

My LMA all experience too well. I want includes to help having the “part-time previously Mayors” served on who the are LMA putting boardin asfull LMA time 2 nd Municipal 

hours Vice to President, help their 

Black Caucus 

LMA communities. 1 ST Association (LMBCA). 

Vice I President, want to work Vice to President ensure equitable at Large, access and immediate to resources Past and President support. of the Louisiana Municipal 

Black Caucus Association (LMBCA). 

I plan to continue to work for the small towns and villages of Louisiana, the communities that need the 

Respectfully, 

most help and increased access to resources. As the Mayor of a smaller town, I understand those unique 

I plan to continue to work for the small towns and villages of Louisiana, the communities that need the 

circumstances all too well. I want to help the “part-time Mayors” who are putting in full time hours to help their 

most help and increased access to resources. As the Mayor of a smaller town, I understand those unique 

communities. I want to work to ensure equitable access to resources and support. 

Mayor circumstances Derrick all J. Johnson too well. Sr., I want Esq to help the “part-time Mayors” who are putting in full time hours to help their 

communities. I want to work to ensure equitable access to resources and support. 

Respectfully, 

Respectfully, 

Letters of Intent 



MAYOR 

Rick Allen 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR 

Patti J. Larney 

CITY CLERK 

Sonny Harrell 

508 S. 5 th STREET 

P.O. BOX 1191 (ZIP 71496) 

LEESVILLE, LA 71446 

PHONE (337) 239-2444 

FAX (337) 238-0464 

www.LeesvilleLA.gov 

COUNCILMEMBERS: 

Chris Robertson 

Willie Mae Kennedy 

Nicole Ybarra 

DeLain Prewitt 

Alice Guess 

Phillip Hunt 

Letter of Intent 

By Mayor Rick Allen 

I am writing this letter to state my intention to run for the position of 1 st Vice-President of the 

Louisiana Municipal Association Board. 

Let me start by telling you a little about myself. In the private sector, I am a residential and 

commercial general contractor and the owner / partner of several other successful businesses. 

My experience with these varied enterprises has provided a wealth of knowledge that has 

allowed me to lead the City of Leesville, where I am now serving my third term as Mayor, to the 

secure financial footing it enjoys today. In addition, I am currently serving as the Chairman of 

the Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance, on the Governor’s Military Advisory Committee, and on 

the Vernon Parish Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. 

As a small-town mayor myself, I understand many of the hardships facing Louisiana’s 

communities, especially the smaller ones. However, in my experience, it has become apparent 

to me that any challenge can be more easily overcome when we work together. And it’s my 

belief that that’s exactly what the Louisiana Municipal Association is all about and what makes 

it such a great resource. 

I am deeply committed to the work of the LMA and all its subsidiary organizations and proud of 

our accomplishments over the past year while I’ve served as 2 nd Vice-President. If elected to 

this new position, I pledge to continue to support the excellent work of this association in every 

way possible. 

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet many of you who are serving as Louisiana’s 

municipal leaders and I hope that, in the near future, I’ll find an occasion to meet everyone that 

I have missed. I look forward to hearing about the needs, goals and ideas each of you has for 

your municipality. 

Respectfully, 

Mayor Rick Allen 


Page 10 


310 E. Main Street• Broussard, Louisiana 70518 

Mayor 

Ray Bourque 

mayorbourque@broussardla.com 

Mayor www.cityofbroussard.com 

Ray Bourque 

mayorbourque@broussardla.com 

www.cityofbroussard.com 

310 E. Main Street• Broussard, Louisiana 70518 

(337) 837-6681 • Fax (337) 837-8121 

Council: 

Angel Racca - District I 

(337) 837-6681 • Fax (337) 837-8121 

David M. Bonin - District II 

Jesse Regan - District III 

Council: 

Heather Girouard - District IV 

Angel Racca - District I 

David Forbes District V 

David M. Bonin - District II 

Jesse 

Kody 

Regan 

Allen - 

District 

District 

VI 

III 

Heather 

Jeff Delahoussaye 

Girouard - District 

- At Large 

IV 

David Forbes - District V 

Kody Allen - District VI 

Jeff Delahoussaye - At Large 


John Gallagher, Execuve Director 


Louisiana Municipal Associaon 

6767 Perkins Road 

John Gallagher, Execuve Director 

Baton Rouge, LA 70808 

Louisiana Municipal Associaon 

6767 Perkins Road 

Dear Mr. Gallagher, 


I would like to submit to you my intenon to enter my name for consideraon for the posion of 

Dear Mr. Gallagher, 

Second Vice President for the Louisiana Municipal Associaon Execuve Board. 

I would like to submit to you my intenon to enter my name for consideraon for the posion of 

As I enter my second term as Mayor of the City of Broussard, and as a member of our city council for 

Second Vice President for the Louisiana Municipal Associaon Execuve Board. 

the eight years prior, I have guided a team effort to create a future vision of healthy growth for the city. 

In Broussard, we invest in public safety, economic development, and quality of life for residents. The 

As I enter my second term as Mayor of the City of Broussard, and as a member of our city council for 

city of Broussard is comprised of approximately 15,000 residents, and more than 1,000 businesses, 

the eight years prior, I have guided a team effort to create a future vision of healthy growth for the city. 

located along Highway 90 in Lafayete Parish. 

In Broussard, we invest in public safety, economic development, and quality of life for residents. The 

city of Broussard is comprised of approximately 15,000 residents, and more than 1,000 businesses, 

During my years of service to the city, I have come to realize the value of LMA to the elected officials in 

located along Highway 90 in Lafayete Parish. 

our state, and the need to promote a strong channel of resources between the LMA and municipalies 

it serves. The work I have been involved with in the Mid-Sized Cies Mayors’ Group is helping to drive 

During my years of service to the city, I have come to realize the value of LMA to the elected officials in 

resources to these mayors across the state. I believe this same system can be beneficial to all cies and 

our state, and the need to promote a strong channel of resources between the LMA and municipalies 

towns, helping to bring resources and soluons to the challenges that mayors face each day. 

it serves. The work I have been involved with in the Mid-Sized Cies Mayors’ Group is helping to drive 

resources to these mayors across the state. I believe this same system can be beneficial to all cies and 

If elected, I promise to bring my passion for progress, commitment in driving resources to mayors’ 

towns, helping to bring resources and soluons to the challenges that mayors face each day. 

offices, and ability to bring people together for the common good, to benefit the LMA Executive Board, 

and municipalities in the state of Louisiana. 

If elected, I promise to bring my passion for progress, commitment in driving resources to mayors’ 

offices, and ability to bring people together for the common good, to benefit the LMA Executive Board, 

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to answer any questions 

and municipalities in the state of Louisiana. 

you may have about my qualifications and candidacy. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to answer any questions 

you may have about my qualifications and candidacy. 

Sincerely, 

Sincerely, 

Mayor Ray Bourque 

City of Broussard 

Mayor Ray Bourque 

City LMR of Broussard 

| JUNE 2023 Page 11

District I -Madisonville (Mayor Pelloat) 

June 13 ,2023 (Tuesday) 

Town of Madisonville Reception Hall 

403 St.Francis Street 

Madisonville, Louisiana 70447 

District G -Rayne (Mayor Robichaux) 

June 14, 2023 (Wednesday) 

Rayne Civic Center Ballroom 

401 Gossen Park Drive 

Rayne, Louisiana 70578 

LMA 2023 District Meetings 

District H -Plaquemine (Mayor Reeves) 

June 20, 2023 (Tuesday) 

Plaquemine Community Center 

23245 Short Street 

Plaquemine, Louisiana 70764 

District J -PaUerson (Mayor Grogan) 

June 21, 2023 (Wednesday) 

Patterson Area Civic Center 

116 Cotton Road 

Patterson, Louisiana 70392 

District F -Sunset (Mayor James) 

June 22, 2023 (Thursday) 

Carencro Community Center 

5115 N. University Avenue 

Carencro, Louisiana 70520 

District A -Haughton (Mayor Gaspard) 

June 26, 2023 (Monday) 

First Baptist Church Family Life Center 

105 E. Washington Avenue 

Haughton, Louisiana 71037 

District B - Ruston (Mayor Walker) 

June 27, 2023 (Tuesday) 

2001 Champion Way 

Ruston, Louisiana 71270 

District C -Oak Grove (Councilman Holland) 

June 29, 2023 (Thursday) 

Thomas Jason Lingo Community Center 

10284 Highway 17 

Oak Grove, Louisiana 71263 

Amendments to the LMA Constitution are Due July 5 

LMA members are encouraged to review the LMA Constitution 

to consider amending its provisions for the betterment 

of the Association. If an LMA member is interested 

in proposing an amendment, they must follow the proper 

procedures. 

Article 17 of the LMA Constitution states that it, “may be 

amended at any meeting of the Association by a vote 

of at least two-thirds of the municipal corporations 

present, provided such amendment 

has been submitted in writing to the Executive 

Director at least thirty (30) days 

prior to the date of the meeting.” 

Therefore, any amendment(s) to the 

LMA Constitution proposed by a municipality 

for consideration by the LMA 

membership, which will meet on Friday, 

August 4, in Alexandria – must be in writing 

and received by the LMA office no later 

than 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, and sent to: 

Executive Director John Gallagher 

Louisiana Municipal Association 

P.O. Box 4327 

Baton Rouge, LA 70821-4327 

Officials of all member corporations are entitled to 

attend the LMA Annual Business Meeting on 

Friday, August 4, at 3:00 p.m. The meeting 

will convene immediately following our 

1:45 p.m. workshops, and the first order 

of business will be a one-hour session 

on governmental ethics presented by 

the Louisiana Board of Ethics. A municipality’s 

elected officials do not have to 

register for LMA’s 86 th Annual Convention 

to attend the Annual Business Meeting in 

Alexandria. 

Page 12 


TREASURY NOTES 

Have a Financial Disaster Plan in Place 

As we embark on the 2023 

Hurricane Season, most 

Louisianans know the importance 

of having an emergency 

game plan in place 

for when disaster strikes. As 

you’re reviewing your plans 

for this year, why not include 

a financial disaster plan, too? 

And, it would be great if you 

would consider encouraging 

your citizens to do the same 

for their families and personal 

finances, as well as those 

of their businesses and workplaces. 

Water, batteries, and bread 

are good for immediate needs 

when a storm threatens, but 

it’s vital to specifically have 

your finances in order, too. 

Of course this is one of those 

situations where we certainly 

would prefer to have a plan in 

place that never needs to be 

activated. It’s always better 

to be prepared for a disaster 

that doesn’t happen than 

have a disaster happen and 

not be prepared. 

Here are a few suggestions 

you can implement as your 

financial disaster plan preparations: 

• Grab some cash if you can 

since banks and ATMs may 

not work after the storm. 

• Keep your financial records 

safe in a waterproof 

container – housing documents, 

rental agreements, 

insurance policies, bank 

accounts and tax statements. 

• While, you’re at it, make 

sure your insurance coverage 

will meet your needs 

to deal with all possible 

hazards. Check your property, 

health, life, and homeowners 

policies, and keep 

in mind that homeowners 

insurance does not typically 

cover flooding. 

• Start an emergency savings 

account that can be 

used in any crisis. 

• Before evacuating, take a 

video of the inside of your 

house, including your 

closets. This is a record of 

your belongings should 

your home suffer damage. 

Having a financial disaster 

plan is important no matter 

the size of an individual’s 

bank account because 

rebuilding after a disaster is 

challenging no matter your 

income level. 

John Schroder, 

State Treasurer 

Unfortunately, we know it’s 

not a matter of if another 

hurricane will hit. It’s a matter 

of when and how many. It’s 

our job to be as prepared as 

we can before they head our 

way. If your financial disaster 

plan is in place when disaster 

strikes, you can focus on recovery 

right away. 


Governor’s Office of Rural Development 

Ready to Work for You 

The Governor’s Office of 

Rural Development is excited 

about working with 

the Louisiana Municipal 

Association as we continue 

our mission of making rural 

Louisiana a healthier, more 

productive, and attractive 

place to live and work. 

Understanding the importance 

of how our rural 

communities impact the 

success of the entire state, 

along with the need to 

address the most pressing 

problems of poverty, lack of access to 

adequate healthcare, education, and 

broadband, Gov. John Bel Edwards 

established the Governor’s Advisory 

Council on Rural Revitalization in 2020 

through an executive order. He directed 

the 37-member council to find solutions 

to those challenges by engaging 

with local government, community, 

and business leaders, as well as advocacy 

groups and educational institutions. 

Under the direction of Chairman Ben 

Nevers, whom many of you will remember 

formerly served as a state senator 

and chief of staff to Gov. Edwards, we 

have been very busy. Among the many 

results of the council’s hard work was 

the creation of the Governor’s Office of 

Rural Development, which is being led 

by Noble Ellington of Winnsboro, Louisiana. 

Ellington’s knowledge and experience 

as a former senator have proven 

very helpful in planning and executing 

the committee’s plan (https://gov.louisiana.gov/assets/RuralRevitalization. 

pdf), which is focused on nine pillars of 

growth and development: agriculture; 

broadband; education; infrastructure; 

clean water; finance; workforce development; 

economic development; and 

healthcare. 

Noble Ellington 

The Governor’s Office of Rural Development 

consists of eight regional directors 

who work in the local communities 

as well as with the Louisiana’s 

Planning and Development Districts. 

Each regional director works hand in 

hand with community leaders to actively 

identify grants and opportunities 

specific to their needs. In some 

instances, grant writing and assistance 

with applications can be provided. 

Contact information for our regional 

directors is on the opposite page. 

Louisiana811.com 

The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure 

Law (BIL) has also created unique opportunities 

that could 

help local governments 

set their communities on 

a path toward success for 

generations. Simply put, 

the Governor’s Office of 

Rural Development is in 

place and ready to help 

you take advantage of 

those opportunities and 

be a catalyst for growth 

and development in 

your municipalities and 

throughout Louisiana’s rural 

communities. 

by Ali 

Armstrong 

Office of the 

Governor 

Armstrong is the Assistant to the Director 

for the Office of Rural Development. 

She can be reached by emailing Ali. 

Armstrong@la.gov. 

Call 811 or visit Louisiana811.com at least two full 

work days in advance before digging. 

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. 

CALL OR CLICK BEFORE YOU DIG. IT’S THE LAW. IT’S FREE. 

Page 14 


IMPERIAL CALCASIEU REGIONAL 

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 

REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION 

Diane Hollis 

P | 225-481-3144 

E | margaret.hollis@la.gov 

Orleans | Jefferson 

St. Tammany | St. Bernard 

Plaquemines 

CAPITOL REGION PLANNING COMMISSION 

Major Coleman 

P | 225-328-3692 

E | major.coleman@la.gov 

Ascension | EBR | E. Feliciana 

Iberville | Livingston 

Point Coupee | St. Helena 

Tangipahoa | Washington 

WBR | W. Feliciana 

SOUTH CENTRAL PLANNING & DEV. DISTRICT 

Michelle Eroche 

P | 225-481-3145 

E | michelle.eroche@la.gov 

Assumption | Lafourche 

St. Charles | St. James 

St. John the Baptist 

St. Mary | Terrebonne 

ACADIANA PLANNING COMMISSION 

Alison (Ali) Bates 

P | 225-481-3170 

E | alison.bates@la.gov 

Emily Stine 

P | 225-328-1643 

E | emily.stine@la.gov 

Allen | Beauregard 

Calcasieu | Cameron 

Jefferson Davis 

KISATCHI DELTA REGIONAL PLANNING & 

DEV. DISTRICT 

Lindlay Howell 

P | 225-324-9216 

E | lindlay.howell@la.gov 

Avoyelles | Catahoula 

Concordia | Grant | LaSalle 

Rapides | Vernon | Winn 

COORDINATING & DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 

Carlos Jones 

P | 225-329-7419 

E | carlos.jones@la.gov 

Bienville | Bossier | Caddo 

Claiborne | DeSoto | Lincoln 

Natchitoches | Red River 

Sabine | Webster 

NORTH DELTA REGIONAL PLANNING AND 

DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT 

Bubba Chaney 

P | 225-324-9351 

E | charles.chaney@la.gov 

Acadia | Evangeline | Iberia 

Lafayette | St. Landry | St. Martin 

Vermillion 

Caldwell | E. Carroll | Franklin 

Jackson | Madison | Morehouse 

Ouachita | Richland | Tensas 

Union | W. Carroll 


Page 16 


Picture a serene evening in Louisiana. 

A town hall meeting is 

in full swing as the mayor narrates 

the trials and triumphs 

of the community. The next 

morning’s headline magnifies 

the trials, but skips the triumphs, giving 

the impression that the mayor and 

council are doing nothing and leaving 

lawmakers feeling like the state needs to 

have more influence to make progress. I 

know too many of you are reading this 

and nodding in agreement, because it 

has happened to you, but how do you 

avoid it? If you’ve never heard me say 

this before, I’m going to give you a simple 

truth that will help you, so grab a pen, 

quote me, and post this on your bathroom 

mirror: If you don’t tell your own 

story, someone else will tell their version 

of your story for you. 

Let’s get one thing clear. Your story, your 

community’s narrative, is the bedrock of 

your advocacy. Each city, town, and village 

in Louisiana is a unique tapestry woven 

from a blend of history, culture, and 

individual experiences. Our uniqueness is 

our strength and narrating that distinctness 

accurately and compellingly can 

move mountains, or at least, turn heads 

in Baton Rouge, Washington D.C., and 

in your local communities. You not only 

have the authority to tell your own story, 

but you have a responsibility to do it. 

To effectively advocate for your community’s 

needs, you must become the storyteller-in-chief, 

a role which brings to mind 

an idiom that drives the work we do: find 

your voice, own your narrative, and captivate 

your audience. When you take control 

of your narrative, you can drive the conversation, 

influencing public perception 

and, most importantly, policy-making. 

In today’s 24-hour news cycle, the term 

“advocacy” takes on new significance. 

It’s no longer enough to simply exist as a 

city, town, or village in Louisiana; it’s vital 

to actively promote your narratives, your 

achievements, and your needs. Advocacy, 

in this context, is about carving out 

your own space in the vast expanse of 

information, ensuring your voice is heard. 

LMA provides a unified voice for our local 

governments, magnifying our influence 

on key issues impacting our communities. 

By aligning our interests, we can 

effect change at a higher level, affecting 

policies on infrastructure, taxation, and 

quality of life that are vital to our communities. 

With effective communication, the 

association becomes a powerful platform 

for advocacy, propelling the narratives of 

our members to the top of state government 

and into the halls of Congress. 

When it comes to persuading the higher 

powers, be it state or federal, to heed our 

communities’ needs, the proverbial pen 

is often mightier than the sword. However, 

wielding this mighty pen requires 

skill, strategy, and a story worth telling. 

With avenues like the Louisiana Municipal 

Review magazine, our weekly e-newsletter, 

From the Piney Woods to the Bayous 

podcast, and our social media channels, 

the LMA ensures our voices echo far and 

wide, resonating with the right ears. 

As our communities continue to evolve, 

so do our means of communication. In 

the past, our narratives were bound by 

ink and paper, relayed through newspapers 

and journals. Today, we have entered 


If you don’t tell your own story, 

someone else will tell their 

version of your story for you. 

into a video-based information age and 

must learn to speak to a new generation 

in dynamic, visually engaging ways. 

According to a study by Pew Research 

Center, it is projected that by 2025, nearly 

75% of the global population will grow up 

in an algorithm-driven society. It’s crucial 

that we adapt our 

narratives and platforms 

to resonate 

with this new generation, 

ensuring 

our stories aren’t 

lost in the transition 

or the translation. 

A look at the numbers 

drives home 

the power of communication. 

Pew 

Research shows 

that 90% of the total 

US population 

uses social media 

actively. More interestingly, 

the age 

group of 50-64 has 

shown a significant 

surge in usage, 

reaching 73% 

in 2022. With this 

burgeoning trend, 

it’s imperative that 

we utilize these 

platforms to tell our 

stories and engage 

with our communities. 

How can LMA help 

us tell our stories? 

The Louisiana Municipal Review, our esteemed 

publication that has been our 

cornerstone for over 88 years, is a powerful 

stage for your narrative. More than 

just a coffee table magazine, this trusted 

medium has been recounting the tales 

of our municipalities for years, providing 

insights and fostering a sense of community 

among our members. Its pages serve 

as a mirror, reflecting our resourcefulness 

and innovation to the rest of Louisiana 

and the world. The 

LMR helped to create 

a bigger voice for 

Mayor Nic Hunter to 

bring federal attention 

to Lake Charles’ need for aid to recover 

from multiple hurricanes. We have amplified 

Mayor David Camardelle’s voice as 

he rallies LMA members to join the fight 

against the issues that are slowing Grand 

Isle’s recovery. The LMR took a closer look 

at the gumption of Mayor Gail Wilking 

and how she turned the Town of Ball’s finances 

and reputation around. Over the 

years, we’ve featured stories like Mayor 

Staci Albritton Mitchell’s master plan to 

keep West Monroe “Rollin’ and Progressin’ 

on the River’’ as one of U.S. News and 

World Report’s “Top 10 Best Southern 

Small Towns.” I assure you, nothing captivates 

attention more than a simple and 

relatable tale of triumph or an underdog 

story. For decades, the LMR has not only 

provided the technical information needed 

to better serve communities, but the 

publication has told the incredible stories 

of mayors and councils across the 

state who are using every resource they 

can get their hands on to create stronger 

cities, towns, and villages and elevate the 

quality of life for their residents. 

Our weekly e-newsletter is released via 

email every Thursday morning and offers 

a rapid, up-to-the-minute platform 

to get time-sensitive 

information to 

our members and 

stakeholders. While 

it’s tempting to fill 

these dispatches 

with dry facts and 

figures, we know 

that numbers alone 

won’t sway hearts 

and minds, but a 

poignant narrative 

about how these 

numbers affect real 

people in your community 

can. If there 

are news stories 

or a brief narrative 

about a triumph in 

your community 

that you would like 

to share quickly, 

utilize the e-newsletter. 

Our newest storytelling 

platform is a 

podcast called From 

the Piney Woods to 

the Bayous. Imagine 

it as a cozy fireside 

chat with stakeholders 

far and 

wide that not only includes the voices of 

mayors and leaders inside city hall, but 

it explores different cultural and historic 

elements in the communities that make 

up the fabric of our beautiful state. Participating 

in the podcast is a chance to lend 

your narrative an authentic voice, letting 

the listener hear the passion and urgency 

in your tone. When they hear the tremble 

in your voice as you discuss challenges 

or the elation as you celebrate victories, 

they connect on a human level. It’s story- 

Page 18 


telling at its most raw and powerful. 

According to Edison Research, in 2021, 

over 57% of Americans have listened to 

a podcast, and this number is growing. 

Every episode is a testament to our state’s 

rich culture and diverse narratives, an intimate 

dialogue shared with the world. 

Social media, the modern town crier, has 

the unique ability to turn whispers into 

roars. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and 

YouTube can carry your stories instantly 

across geographic barriers. They allow 

for real-time engagement, inviting your 

community into an ongoing conversation. 

These platforms are more than amplifiers; 

they are venues for transparency, 

fostering trust by showing how effectively 

local governments function and how 

tax dollars are being put to work. And remember, 

social media thrives on authenticity. 

Let loose, let your hair down, and 

let your story flow. 

Local media also plays a crucial role in 

broadcasting your narrative. Tools like 

press releases, op eds, and appearances 

on local morning shows or afternoon radio 

shows can help to narrate your community’s 

story accurately and persuasively. 

In an age of information overload, 

relationships with local journalists can 

ensure that your message cuts through 

the noise and resonates with your audience. 

Championing your story, your way. 

As we navigate the murky waters of advocacy, 

it’s vital to remember that storytelling 

isn’t just about talking; it’s about 

creating a dialogue. That’s the secret 

ingredient. Engage with your audience, 

encourage feedback, and adapt your narrative 

to resonate better with them. 

The evolution of communication presents 

a golden opportunity to engage, inspire, 

and advocate. Our task is to harness 

its power to amplify our narratives like 

never before. The tools at our disposal aren’t 

just for broadcasting one-sided messages 

from your bully-pulpit; they are for 

creating rich, engaging, human-centric 

dialogues that build relationships, trust, 

and, ultimately, influence. Advocacy isn’t 

just about being heard; it’s about owning 

your narrative, shaping your story, and 

driving change. 

Think of Rocky Balboa running up the 

steps of the Philadelphia Museum of 

Art. That triumphant moment, full of determination 

and grit, is emblematic of 

the journey we are on. Every mayor has 

their own set of steps - be it city hall, a 

community center, or a landmark in your 

town. Each step signifies a narrative, a 

challenge overcome, a triumph celebrated. 

And when you reach the top, you are 

ready to face the world, to advocate for 

your community, to champion your story, 

your way. 

by Anita 

Tillman 

Managing Editor 

Anita is the CEO of AMCorp International 

and has served as the LMA’s Communications 

Consultant since 2016. She can be 

reached at anita@teamamcorp.com or by 

phone at 225-324-5444. 


Cassidy Encourages Local Leaders to 

Apply for Infrastructure Dollars 

Louisiana has a ton of potential. 

We have rich energy 

deposits, fertile soil, and the 

mouth of the fourth largest 

river system in the world. We 

have five of the 20 largest 

water ports in America, by 

tonnage. And we have young 

people who can create businesses 

that place Louisiana on 

the cutting edge of the global 

economy. 

We can create an economic 

boom in Louisiana. But we 

need the tools necessary to 

reach our potential. That’s why 

I negotiated an infrastructure 

bill that will catch our economy 

up to 2023 and build a new 

one for 2050. 

Let’s start with roads. Louisiana 

will receive billions over the next few 

years in Federal highway formula funding. 

There will be $7.5 billion available 

in RAISE grants and up to $25 million for 

local transportation projects. 

Our state is set to receive $500 million 

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and Senator Cassidy. 

for its Clean Water State Revolving Fund 

and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund 

programs. These funds provide low-interest 

financing for water systems and 

community projects to accelerate water 

infrastructure improvements. 

There is enough money in the bipartisan 

Sen. Bill Cassidy 

infrastructure law to connect 

every home in Louisiana to 

high-speed, affordable Internet. 

There’s money to weatherize 

homes. There’s money to 

mitigate flooding. Every corner 

of our state can benefit from 

this law. 

Now I need your help. If you take these 

dollars and put them into your communities, 

we are all better off. But if we don’t 

take advantage of the money, it will go 

elsewhere, and Louisiana will be left behind. 

President Jennifer Vidrine and LMA District I 

Vice President, Mayor Jean Pelloat (Madisonville). 

Senator Cassidy speaking at the Morgan City 

summit. 

LMA Deputy Director Richard Williams and 

Livingston Mayor JT Taylor. 

Page 20 


LMA Second Vice President, Mayor Rick Allen (Leesville), speaks with 

an attendee. 

That’s why my office 

hosted Rural Community 

Funding Summits 

across the state to connect 

Louisiana elected 

officials with the agencies 

distributing these 

funds. We’ve had eight 

since April in concert 

with the LMA, USDA Rural 

Development, and 

the Louisiana Housing 

Corporation. Dozens of 

federal and state agencies 

were on hand to 

help communities like 

Leesville, Opelousas, 

Lake Charles, Morgan 

City, and more access 

these funds. 

Our rural summits 

would not have been 

possible without Deidre 

Robert at USDA Rural Development, Josh 

Hollins at the Louisiana Housing Corporation, 

and President Vidrine and the 

entire team at LMA. Thanks to the leadership 

and partnership from mayors and 

elected leaders who hosted our events, 

we have a chance to build communities 

that are safe, vibrant, and attractive to 

young people. 

But, our work continues outside of those 

summits. If you want better sewage, call 

Richard Williams and Mayor Alice Wallace (Winnsboro), and Senator Cassidy. 

my office. If you want high-speed Internet, 

call my office. If you want a safer 

community, call my office. 

We want to make it simple, so Louisianans 

in Acadiana can say, “my gosh, we 

have a new water system,” and Louisianans 

in the Florida Parishes can say, “wow, 

we have access to high-speed, affordable 

Internet.” We can connect you with agency 

representatives who can lay out what 

funding is available. 

Richard Williams and Mayor Alice Wallace (Winnsboro), and Senator 

Cassidy. 

But if you don’t have a 

grant writer, an engineer, 

or someone to handle 

compliance, how do 

you get the grant? And 

when you get it, how do 

you make sure nothing 

goes wrong? There are 

answers to those questions. 

There are state 

and local bodies offering 

technical assistance 

for rural communities 

that need grant writers 

or other experts. They 

can make this process 

simple. We can help you 

reach them. 

If you want money from 

the bipartisan infrastructure 

law, please call 

(225) 929-7711, or call 

one of my regional representatives. 

I want every mayor to hear 

constituents say, “under your watch, our 

town got better. Under your watch, my 

children chose to stay. Under your watch, 

I can imagine my grandchildren staying 

here.” 

I want our grandchildren to be Tigers and 

Jaguars and Ragin’ Cajuns, not Aggies or 

Gators or Longhorns. We can do that together. 


LEGAL BRIEFS 

#It’s Complicated 

The growth of internet-based technology 

has enabled municipalities to conduct 

business with increased efficiency 

and speed. Document filings that required 

multiple parties shuffling stacks 

of paper are now managed through 

online portals; training mandates that 

meant traveling to a conference may 

now be completed 24/7 online; and as 

discussed in this issue, social networking 

tools empower municipalities to 

maximize public communication. With 

so much focus on securing affordable 

and reliable internet statewide, this 

trend is destined to continue. 

Unfortunately, online tools also create 

challenges for public bodies in complying 

with longstanding provisions in 

state laws and the Constitution. 

Both the Public Records and Open Meetings 

Laws in our state were enacted in 

the 1970s. Despite numerous amendments 

since then, neither comprehensive 

framework has been adjusted to 

adequately accommodate modern 

technologies. In short, applying PRL and 

OML mandates to technology-based 

transactions is problematic. 

The Public Records Law defines certain 

records as subject to public disclosure. It 

generally does not base those definitions 

on where or how the records are kept. If a 

record is public, it does not matter whether 

it is a hard copy, embedded in an email, 

part of a text thread, or linked through a 

public body’s social media presence. It 

matters what it is, not where it is. 

But the PRL was written at a time when 

printed records were the only option. 

Most public bodies have enacted policies 

to capture, retain, and reproduce 

email communications and electronically-stored 

documents; but many struggle 

with text messages and social media 

data. There are myriad software resources 

to assist municipalities in dealing with 

electronic records. Whatever the strategy, 

it is important that each municipality 

have a promulgated plan in place and 

that it be consistently followed. 

For example, municipalities may require 

that all employees, under penalty of discipline, 

provide access to their devices 

when necessitated by a public records 

request. Similarly, a custodian may be 

relieved of liability if municipal officials 

have agreed to indemnify the municipality/custodian 

for failing to provide all 

responsive records in their possession. 

When the Open Meetings Law was 

written, in-person gatherings were the 

only option for public meetings; and for 

nearly 40 years, there was no momentum 

behind alternative meeting methods. 

Then the global pandemic changed 

everything. 

In 2020, the Legislature enacted La. R.S. 

42:17.1, which enabled remote meetings 

of public bodies during declared 

emergencies or disasters. This year, the 

Legislature debated expanding remote 

meetings to accommodate disabled 

members of the public, as well as disabled 

members governing bodies. 

From another perspective, technology 

is causing increasing complications 

in OML compliance. If a quorum of the 

body is conducting public business, it 

must be done at an open meeting. This 

mandate applies whether members are 

gathering in person or conferring using 

email, group texting, or social media 

apps. So, board/council members 

should exercise due caution when deliberating 

with a quorum of the body electronically, 

since it is what they are doing 

that matters, not how they are doing it. 

The First Amendment is often invoked 

when discussing online platforms, and 

we could write entire treatise on governments 

using emerging technologies. 

Social media posts, virtual town halls, 

and podcasts are all examples of how a 

municipality can harness technology to 

amplify its voice and message. The “Government 

Speech Doctrine” states that although 

Free Speech limits government 

regulation of private speech, it does not 

apply when the government speaks for 

itself. But municipalities must be careful 

to separate the two. 

If a municipality allows one person to comment on 

a post, it generally must allow everyone to do so, 

even if the government disagrees with the content, 

as that is no longer government speech. 

A municipal social media page is a good 

example. The municipality controls content 

because it is their page, their speech; 

and they need not allow anyone else to 

post on that page. But if their settings 

allow the public to comment on their 

posts, 1A protections may come into 

play. If a municipality allows one person 

to comment on a post, it generally must 

allow everyone to do so, even if the government 

disagrees with the content, as 

that is no longer government speech. 

For municipalities tackling the application 

of age-old laws to modern circumstances, 

it is essential to rely on the advice of their 

municipal attorneys, who are positioned 

to consider every detail and provide legal 

guidance on how to proceed. 

by Karen Day 

White 

LMA Executive 

Counsel 

White is a member of the LMA Legislative 

Advocacy Team and can be reached at 

kwhite@lma.org. 

Page 22 



Juneteenth – Recognition, Restoration, and Celebration 

On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 

1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took 

place. On that night, enslaved and free African 

Americans gathered in churches and private 

homes all across the country awaiting news 

that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken 

effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers 

were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate 

States were declared legally free. 

Union soldiers, many of whom were black, 

marched onto plantations and across cities in 

the south reading small copies of the Emancipation 

Proclamation spreading the news of 

freedom in Confederate States. Only through 

the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation 

end slavery throughout the United States. 

But not everyone in Confederate territory 

would immediately be free. Even though the 

Emancipation Proclamation was made effective 

in 1863, it could not be implemented in 

places still under Confederate control. As a result, 

in the westernmost Confederate state of 

Texas, enslaved people would not be free until 

much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 

1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived 

in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced 

that the more than 250,000 enslaved black 

people in the state were free by executive 

decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth,” 

by the newly freed people in Texas. 

Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence 

day. Although it has long been 

celebrated in the African American community, 

this monumental event remains largely 

unknown to most Americans. 1 

On June 16, 2021, Governor John Bel Edwards announced that 

Juneteenth would be an official state recognized holiday. 

“I was proud to sign HB 554 by Rep. Larry Selders and co-authored 

by the entire Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, 

finally recognizing Juneteenth Day as a legal holiday in 

Louisiana,” said Gov. Edwards. “This is an important part of 

American history, commemorating the day those who had 

been enslaved in the United States learned of their freedom. 

There are meaningful lessons for everyone to learn.” (Office 

of the Governor, June 16, 2021) 

1 Excerpt from “The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth”. National 

Museum of African American History & Culture. https:// 

nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth 

Page 24 

On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth became a federally recognized 

holiday after legislation unanimously passed the Senate 

and the House passed by a large majority. 

“This is a day of profound weight and profound power, a day 

in which we remember the moral stain, the terrible toll that 

slavery took on the country and continues to take,” President 

Joe Biden said. (Associated Press, June 17, 2021) 

Across Louisiana, many communities will be commemorating 

Juneteenth with festivals, parades, seminars, workshops, 

and family gatherings. Juneteenth celebrations 

provide beautiful examples of the resilience, strength, and 

optimism that keep our communities vibrant and thriving. 

We would love to show off the activities in your community 

on our social media pages so be sure to tag us on Facebook 

and Twitter @LaMuniAssoc and hashtag #LMA. 


RISK MANAGEMENT, INC. 

RMI Revamps Its Free Safety Training 

Video Program For LMA Fund Members 

As discussed in the May 

25th LMA E-Newsletter, RMI 

is re-engineering its Safety 

Training Video series to 

allow for more ease of use 

for participating municipalities. 

As we’ve mentioned, 

current LMA Fund members 

will continue to have free 

and unfettered access to 

hundreds of comprehensive 

safety videos, covering practically 

every exposure that 

municipalities face daily. 

These videos are broken out 

into four (4) main sections: 

Water, Fire/EMS, Police, and 

City. 

As mentioned in prior LMA 

E-Newsletter articles, as well 

as this monthly magazine, 

the RMI marketing team 

is using a Fund Member’s 

video series utilization as 

an underwriting tool in our 

renewal process. The more 

your municipality accesses 

the safety videos, the more 

you potentially save on your 

premiums. 

If your municipality utilizes 

the video series to train your 

employees, you will need 

to retrieve any completion 

certificates you have housed 

in the Vector Solutions site 

before July 1, 2023. Also, on 

July 1, 2023, you will be required 

to set up a new login 

to access the video series. 

On Friday, June 30, there will 

be downtime on the site. 

Please plan to log in again 

on July 1 or after. 

Following are detailed instructions 

to guide you 

through the process of 

setting up your new user 

access, as well as navigating 

through assigning and 

completing safety training 

videos: 

Access your TargetSolutions 

login page by accessing the 

RMI website (www.rmila. 

com) and clicking on the 

SAFETY TRAINING VIDEOS 

tab. 

Click on “New User?” 

Enter your email address in 

the box provided. 

Next, a validation email will 

be sent to you (you will re- 


ceive this within 15 minutes). If you 

don’t get the email, please check your 

Spam/Junk mailboxes. 

Once you get the email, it will ask you 

to set up a new password and security 

questions. 

From there you will use your email address 

and new password every time you 

go to log in. 

We are confident that these steps will 

improve security and the password recovery 

process. Once your information 

has been validated, should you ever forget 

your password or username, you will 

be able to follow the steps located on 

the login screen to successfully retrieve 

The City of Sulphur began 

researching available 

options to replace 

our outdated in-car 

camera system 

about four years 

ago. After an extensive 

search 

of available solutions, 

Utility had 

new cutting-edge 

technology that 

would benefit Public 

Safety. 

Utility integrates EOS BodyWorn 

cameras, Rocket in-car cameras, and 

Polaris digital evidence management 

software (DEM) into a policy-based 

platform. The solution automatically 

uploads high-definition video and audio 

in near real-time into cloud storage 

which is Criminal Justice Information 

Systems (CJIS) compliant. 

The EOS BodyWorn camera is an android 

device attached to the officer’s 

uniform using a grommet to reduce 

the risk of the camera detaching while 

in foot pursuits. It has policy-based recording 

triggers that allows us to custom 

configure when the camera starts 

recording automatically. An example is 

when the police unit’s door is opened 

while the lightbar is on, recording on 

your information. 

After you’ve been set up, the new video 

site has a bulletin board, which will 

guide you through the process of assigning 

and tracking videos. 

NOTE: Please have your employees complete 

the survey at the conclusion of 

each completed video to help RMI track 

your municipality’s utilization of the video 

series. 

If you have any questions relating to the 

site, we urge you to access the TargetSolutions 

Help tab at the top of your home 

page. There are several helpful articles 

and videos, as well as an instant chat 

feature to speak directly with someone 

the body camera starts automatically. 

A built-in 

safety feature notifies 

“Officer Down” on all 

units and dispatch 

informing that an 

officer needs assistance 

when the 

camera is no longer 

in an upright 

position after several 

seconds. 

The Rocket device located 

in the back of the police 

unit is the brain of the system 

which contains the SIM card and receives 

all wiring for the in-car cameras. 

It allows many configurable policies to 

automate events such as turning on 

the cameras when lightbar is activated 

or when the vehicle reaches certain 

speeds. 

Polaris DEM is a powerful virtual cloud 

command center. DEM provides video 

playback, live video stream, and chain 

of custody. It also gives dispatch a visual 

on a map of the location of each 

body camera and each police unit using 

GPS technology. DEM can integrate 

with existing computer aided dispatch 

(CAD) unlocking advanced features 

such as geofencing and auto categorization. 

Geofencing occurs around 

in support. You can also contact support 

by email at support.publicsector@vectorsolutions.com. 

If you have any questions, please contact 

RMI General Manager Patrick Cronin at 

1-800-843-0931 or pcronin@rmila.com. 

by Patrick 

Cronin 

General Manager, 

RMI 

Cronin leads Risk Management, Inc. (RMI) 

- a subsidiary of LMA. He can be reached at 

pcronin@rmila.com. 

Providing Safety and Transparency Through Technology 

a configurable area centered upon 

the dispatched location. All cameras 

are automatically activated inside the 

geofenced area which is based on their 

GPS location. Auto categorizing applies 

important CAD attributes as the 

video uploads. Categories automatically 

assigned are based on CAD call 

types and applies the records retention 

schedule to the videos. This workflow 

automation ensures important videos 

are retained as required. 

After three years of using Utility’s camera 

system at the City of Sulphur, their 

seamless integration of equipment and 

software has provided increased transparency, 

accountability, and efficiency. 

Our investment in this technology 

continues to benefit our public safety 

personnel and our citizens of Sulphur. 

by Jennifer 

Montgomery 

City of Sulphur 

Montgomery is the I.T. Director for the City 

of Sulphur and can be reached by emailing 

jmontgomery@sulphur.org 

Page 26 


LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL ADVISORY AND TECHNICAL SERVICES 

Comfort Food: Catering in a Crisis 

For Louisiana native Mark Daigle, 

whose company Catastrophe Relief 

Solutions (CRS) provides catering 

and other essential services after 

natural disasters, bad storms and 

good food have always been a part 

of life. 

The first “big one” he remembers 

was Hurricane Betsy, the deadly 

1965 Category 4 storm that inundated 

New Orleans and caused more 

than $1 billion in damages throughout 

Southeast Louisiana. A string 

of memorable storms followed, and 

Daigle recalls the devastation suffered 

periodically in Baton Rouge 

and other cities, with widespread 

flooding, wind damage, and weeks 

without power. 

Fortunately, Louisiana culture includes 

a tradition of community care 

that carries us through these hard 

times without missing a meal. Daigle, 

who like many in his family has 

cooked for a crowd all his life, built 

a career in the food service industry. 

Starting with jobs in chain restaurants 

through high school and college, 

Daigle would later work for Piccadilly 

cafeterias, cater large events, 

feed bands and roadies on concert 

tours; and for several years he ran 

his own restaurant in Baton Rouge. 

Pork chops cooking on site in a high-capacity mobile oven, served by CRS to Louisiana utility 

workers after Hurricane Ida. 

Even a stint in pharmaceutical sales 

didn’t take Daigle far from food. “It 

was funny,” he recalls, “in the pharmaceutical 

industry what we basically 

did was bring food for our clients; 

we catered events and spent a lot of 

time in nice restaurants.” 

After raising his family (and retiring 

several times), Daigle now dedicates 

himself fully to the job of feeding our 

hard-working linemen, first responders, 

and municipal staff after hurricanes, 

tornadoes, and floods through 

his Lafayette-based company CRS, 

which has recently become a preferred 

vendor with LaMATS and the 

Louisiana Joint Municipal Cooperative 

Purchasing Commission (LACPC). 

CRS provides high-volume catering, 

communications, and temporary living 

quarters that can quickly support 

thousands of local government and 

utility employees with a “little slice of 

home,” especially important to those 

serving hundreds of miles from their 

own families. 

“In the mornings, when the guys have 

breakfast,” says Daigle, “they fill their 

coffee cups and are so grateful. They 

tell us continuously how happy they 

are to get a decent meal - three a 

day – beause they’re out there working 

in the heat, away from home. You 

know when they first get there, a lot 

of them are sleeping in their trucks, 

so a good meal is important.” 

A CRS hot lunch plate awaiting a hungry As it turns out, feeding hundreds of 

utility worker. CONTINUED PAGE 31 


First Municipal Parks & Rec Day a Roaring Success 

The first ever Louisiana Recreation and Park Association (LRPA) 

Municipal Parks and Rec Day took place at the State Capitol on 

May 16, 2023, and saw numerous state parks agencies gather in 

a joint show of advocacy for Louisiana’s local parks and recreational 

spaces. A wonderful day was had by all, with Louisiana 

doing what she does best - shining brightly throughout the day! 

Photos provided by Randy Albarez, Susanne Diez, and Cliff 

Palmer 

Page 28 


GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS, INC. 

Accessing Federal 

and State Grants 

There are any number of programs out there providing federal 

(ARPA) or state funding for sewer, water, natural gas, and other 

local services. The question is often: how do we at the local level 

access those programs when we do not have the needed match? 

One answer is the LCDA (Louisiana Community Development 

Authority). Our firm has participated in financings through the 

LCDA for: Sewer and water grants (DOA Water Sector Program) 

- Issue debt by a municipality to match the state grant with 

the payments coming from a “lawfully available funds pledge” 

from the municipality. The LCDA is the only entity in this state 

with such authority, and it is very helpful to local governments 

in terms of repayment funds. 

NOTE : We are also working with two other municipalities who are issuing 

debt to provide their match for the water sector program grants. 

Hurricane financings - Issue debt in advance of FEMA reimbursements. 

Allows locals to start the construction process in 

advance of FEMA payments. We have participated in dozens of 

these financings post the 2020 and ’21 devastating hurricane 

seasons, including several for parish school boards. 

GOMESA financings - Issue debt to finance coastal restoration 

projects with the repayment stream coming from federal oil and 

gas payments. We’ve participated in 15 financings for coastal 

parishes on this subject; and, although not a match per se, shows 

the ability to use the LCDA’s powers to access federal funds for 

repayment of the 

debt. 

So, if you find yourself 

in need of a 

funding source to 

match federal or 

state funds, please 

call Ty Carlos, LCDA 

Executive Director, 

at (225) 924-6150. 

By L. Gordon 

King 

Government 

Consultants, Inc. 

Government Consulting Inc, can be reached 

by emailing mharvey@gc-la.net 

GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS, INC. 

Specializing in Bond Issues and Financing 

L. Gordon King 

Deatriz Riggins 

Nnamdi Thompson 

Shaun B. Toups 

James R. Ryan 

Jamie Holloway 

Benjamin Bankston 

(Consulting & Municipal Advisory Firm) 

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 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 

independent 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. 

6767 Perkins Rd., Suite #250 


(225) 344-2098 (Phone) 

gcla@gc-la.net (Email) 

We Have The Experience! 


86th Annual Convention 

The 86th Annual LMA Convention is taking place in August in Alexandria. In this edition, you can find registration 

information and a hotel list. For more information on sponsorships, exhibitors, a tentative agenda, and 

more, visit www.lma.org/convention. 

Reservations process opens for LMA’s 86th Annual Convention 

August 3-5, 2023 

Randolph Riverfront Center | Holiday Inn | Hotel Bentley 

City of Alexandria 

CONVENTION HOTELS 

To secure a hotel 

reservation, you must give 

the reservation clerk your 

name, title, and name of 

municipality. 

No more than 10 rooms per 

municipality are allowed. 

State law allows an 

exemption from sales tax 

on sleeping rooms reserved 

by officials representing 

government entities. When 

making reservations, it is 

your responsibility to inform 

the hotel of your tax-exempt 

status and submit the 

required form to claim the 

exemption. 

Rates cited are nightly, exclusive 

of taxes. Hotels are listed 

alphabetically with complete 

address and contact information. 

Comfort Suites 

6015 Old Boyce Road 

Alexandria, LA 71303 

(318) 445-9800 

$89.00 Flat Rate 

Courtyard by Marriott 

3830 Alexandria Mall Drive 


(318) 445-2415 


Fairfield Inn & Suites 

2830 South MacArthur Drive 


(318) 449-9000 


Four Points Sheraton 

2301 N MacArthur Drive 


(318) 619-3300 


Hampton Inn & Suites 

6124 West Calhoun Drive 


(318) 445-4449 


Holiday Inn Alexandria - 

Downtown 

701 4th Street 


(318) 541-8333 


Holiday Inn Express 

2340 North MacArthur Drive 


(318) 487-9898 


Holiday Inn Express - 

Pineville 2820 Monroe 

Highway 

Pineville, LA 71360 

(318) 704-6700 


Home 2 Suites by Hilton 

3800 Alexandria Mall Drive 


(318) 704-6450 


Historic Hotel Bentley 

200 DeSoto Street 


(318) 442-2226 


Details: Questions regarding 

the hotel reservation procedure 

should be referred to LMA 

Events Director, Nikki Samrow, 

nsamrow@lma.org 

(225) 344-5001, 

(800) 234-8274 

Page 30 



86 th Annual Convention 

August 3-5, 2023 

Please print or type all information legibly: 

DELEGATE OTHER [A delegate is an elected/appointed official or municipal employee.] 

Name: __________________________________________ Title_______________________________ 

RANDOLPH RIVERFRONT 

CENTER 

707 Main Street 

Alexandria, Louisiana 

TO AVOID HIGHER ON-SITE FEES, 

REGISTER NOW! 

MAKE YOUR 

HOTEL RESERVATIONS 

BY JULY 12! 

REGISTER ONLINE AND PAY WITH 

YOUR CREDIT/DEBIT CARD AT 

WWW.LMA.ORG 

Complete one form per delegate. 

Payment of convention registration fees must accompany 

registration forms. The LMA will not bill for registration fees. 

No faxed or emailed registrations will be accepted. 


Annual Convention Registration 



First name/nickname to appear on badge: __________________________________________________________ 

Municipality: _______________________________________________________________________ 

Mailing Address: _______________________________ City/Zip: _____________________________ 

Work Phone: ________________________ E-mail: _________________________________________ 

GUEST INFORMATION: 

❖ The registration fee includes one (1) guest. 

❖ A guest cannot be an elected/appointed official or a municipal employee. 

Name: 

First name to appear on badge: ___________________________ 

EARLY BIRD REGULAR LATE & ON-SITE 

NOW THRU JUNE 22 JUNE 23 – JULY 20 BEGINS JULY 21 TOTAL 

Delegate $250.00 Delegate $300.00 Delegate $350.00 Delegate $__________ 

Other $300.00 Other $350.00 Other $400.00 Other $__________ 

REFUND POLICY: 

An administrative fee of $75 will be charged for all cancellations, 

including medical emergencies. No refunds will be given after Thursday, 

July 20 (two weeks prior to the start of 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 Thursday, July 20, 2023. 

Telephone requests for refunds are not acceptable. There will be no 

exceptions to this policy. 

Telephone: (800) 234-8274 ▪ (225) 344-5001 ▪ www.lma.org 

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27: CATERING 

people for weeks at a time is a challenge, 

even for a native Louisianan. 

“When you’re cooking for forty or fifty 

people, that doesn’t change your recipe 

much. But when you start cooking 

for a thousand, the tools and ingredients 

you need to make the taste 

right—well, it’s a big deal,” says Daigle. 

“Take spaghetti and meat sauce. 

Four or five pounds of meat can feed 

thirty people. But when you’re cooking 

for a thousand, you’re putting 250 

pounds of meat on a tilt skillet and using 

whole cases of tomato sauce and 

tomato paste with pounds of seasonings. 

So, it’s quite a different way to 

do it!” 

The new partnership between CRS 

and LaMATS will provide a range of 

essential support services including 

hot meals, clean water, housing, power, 

and communications for both utility 

workers and municipal staff, at consistent 

pricing for all LMA members 

and other local governments starting 

June 1. 

Municipalities are encouraged to contact 

LaMATS about CRS well before 

news of any coming storm. 

“CRS and other 

LaMATS partners 

working in this 

arena need to 

know early about 

estimated numbers 

of city staff 

and their potential 

needs for equipment 

and services,” said LaMATS 

Executive Director, Cliff Palmer. “One 

thing we know for certain in Louisiana 

is that another crisis will come. Our 

goal at LaMATS is to make sure your 

community has everything it needs 

when that time comes.” 

by Cliff 

Palmer 

LaMATS Executive 

Director 

Palmer leads the Louisiana Municipal 

Advisory and Technical Services Bureau 

(LaMATS) - a subsidiary of LMA. He can 

be reached at cpalmer@lamats.net. 


Hometown Happenings: June 2023 

June brings us summer with the longest days of the year and some exciting festivals to get us all outside, 

enjoying the sunny weather. You can beat the heat with some juicy watermelon or some craft beer. Or bring 

the family to savor the tastes and smells of barbeque and run through fields of sunflowers. There is always 

something for everyone during Louisiana’s festival season! 

Beats on the Bayou 

May 1 – October 28, New Iberia 

https://www.lafayettetravel.com/event/ 

beats-on-the-bayou/24976/ 

A Taste of Covington Food, Wine, Music 

& Art Festival 

June 1-30, Covington 

atasteofcovington.com 

St. Landry BBQ Festival 

June 9-11, Opelousas 

stlandrybbqfestival.com 

The Day the War Stopped Festival 

June 10, St. Francisville 

felicianalodge31.com/day-the-warstopped 

Creole Tomato Festival 

June 10-11, New Orleans 

frenchmarket.org/creoletomatofest/ 

Dugdemona Summer Fest 

June 10, Winnfield 

facebook.com/ 

dugdemonasummerfest/ 

Sunflower Trail Festival 

June 17, Gilliam 

redrivercrossroadshistorical.org/ 

sunflowertrail/ 

Thibodaux on Tap 

June 17, Thibodaux 

downtownthibodaux.org/thibodauxon-tap/ 

Creole Classic Fishing Tournament 

June 22-24, Grand Isle 

creoleclassic.com 

Beauregard Watermelon Festival 

June 22-24, DeRidder 

beauregardwatermelonfestival.com 

Mansfield Juneteenth Celebration 

June 23-24, Mansfield 

visitnomansland.com/event/ 

juneteenth-celebration-discover-ourroots 

Annual Erath 4th of July Celebration 

June 30 – July 4, Erath 

erath4.com 

by Lynsi 

Schultz 

Williams 

AMCorp 

International 

Lynsi is a staff writer at AMCorp 

International. She can be reached by 

emailing lwilliams@teamamcorp.com. 

PRESORT 

STANDARD 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

BATON ROUGE, LA 

PERMIT #319 

Page 32

LMR June 2023 FINAL

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