02 February 2024 Final

02.24Louisiana Louisiana 

MUNICIPAL 

REVIEW 

VOL. 89 

ISSUE 2

The Louisiana Municipal Review, the official publication of the Louisiana Municipal Association, serves as a medium for the exchange 

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$3. Louisiana residents, add 9% sales tax. Rates 

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Statements or expressions of opinions appearing herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Louisiana Municipal 

Association. Statements or Publication expressions of any of opinions advertisement appearing shall herein not be are considered those of the an authors endorsement and not of necessarily the product those or service of the involved. Louisiana No Municipal material 

from Association. this publication Publication may of be any reprinted advertisement without shall the not express be considered permission an of endorsement the editor. of the product or service involved. No material 

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

Derrick Johnson, LMA President Rick Allen, First Vice President Ray Bourque, Second Vice President 

Mayor, Cheneyville Mayor, Leesville Mayor, Broussard 

Page 2 

Immediate Past President Michael Chauffe, Grosse Tete 

Immediate Past President – Michael Chauffe, Grosse Tete 

District Vice President Kim Gaspard, Mayor, Haughton 

District A Vice President – Kim Gaspard, Mayor, Haughton 

District Vice President Ronny Walker, Mayor, Ruston 

District B Vice President – Ronny Walker, Mayor, Ruston 

District Vice President Staci A. Mitchell, Mayor, West Monroe 

District 

District 

C 

D 

Vice 

Vice 

President 

President 

– Staci 

Howard 

A. Mitchell, 

“Keith” Lewing, 

Mayor, 

Mayor, 

West Monroe 

Anacoco 

District E D Vice President – Rich Howard Dupree, “Keith” Mayor, Lewing, Pineville Mayor, Anacoco 

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

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

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

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

Mayor, Plaquemine 

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

District J Vice President – Rodney Grogan, Mayor, Patterson 

LMA Past President Barney Arceneaux, Mayor, Gonzales 

LMA Past President – Barney Arceneaux, Mayor, Gonzales 

LMA Past President Johnny Berthelot, Councilman, Gonzales 

LMA Past President – Johnny 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 

LMA 

Past 

Past 

President 

President 

– David 

Harry Lewis, 

Camardelle, 

Mayor, 

Mayor, 

Rayville 

Grand Isle 

Vice LMA President Past President at Large – Harry – Julius Lewis, Alsandor, Mayor, Mayor, Rayville Opelousas 

Vice President at Large – Belinda Julius Alsandor, Constant, Mayor, Mayor, Opelousas Gretna 

Vice President at Large – Kevin Belinda Kately, Constant, Mayor, Mayor, Parks Gretna 

Vice President at Large – David Kevin Kately, Toups, Mayor, Parks Addis 

Vice President at Large – Darnell David Toups, Waites, Mayor, Addis Baker 

Vice President at Large – Darnell Waites, Mayor, Baker 

LMR | FEBRUARY 2024

C O N T E N T S | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 4 

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 

W e F o r g e a N e w P a t h i n t h e W a k e o f 

C h a n g e 4 

FAREWELL, DEAR FRIEND 

r e m e m b e r i n g P a s t P r e s i d e n t J i m m y 

W i l l i a m s 5 

DEPUTY DIRECTOR’S 

LETTER 

L e a d e r s h i p L e s s o n s f r o m S t . 

V a l e n t i n e 9 

AG OPINIONS 

O p i n i o n s I s s u e d b y t h e S t a t e 

A t t o r n e y G e n e r a l 1 1 

14 

THE MUNICIPAL 

PERSPECTIVE ON 

MAYOR’S COURTS 

MID-WINTER 

CONFERENCE 

R e g i s t r a t i o n i s O p e n 1 2 

LAMATS 

P i n e v i l l e S t a n d i n g T a l l 2 3 

LEGAL BRIEFS 

T i m e l y R e m i n d e r s 2 2 

LAMSA 

L A M S A C O N F E R E N C E ! 2 6 

USDA 

R u r a l B u s i n e s s D e v e l o p m e n t 

G r a n t s I m p a c t L o u i s i a n a 

C O m m u n i t i e s 2 8 

GOVERNMENT 

CONSULTANTS 

N e e d f o r F i n a n c i n g i n f r a s t r u c t u r e 

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18 

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 

We Forge a New Path in the Wake of Change 

Life is full of changes. Some 

of them for the good of all, 

some that allow us to gain 

perspective, and some truly 

heartbreaking. As an organization, 

we’ve dealt with all 

three recently. Harriet Tubman 

once said “Every great 

dream begins with a dreamer. 

Always remember, you have 

within you the strength, the 

patience, and the passion to 

reach for the stars to change 

the world.” What a poignant 

quote, and one that we 

should all take to heart as we 

enter this new era of change. 

We are all dreamers, and we 

can change the world. 

I’ll begin with a change the 

LMA has made recently that 

is for the good of us all. It’s 

hard to believe our Mid-Winter 

Conference is already on 

our heels, but here we are 

in February with our plans 

in place. I’m looking forward 

to seeing you all, finding 

out how you’ve been doing 

in your respective communities, 

and offering any assistance 

or guidance I can 

give. With a packed program 

of workshops and speakers, 

each of us is sure to be taking 

a lot of newfound knowledge 

back to our cities, towns, and 

villages. 

I’m incredibly excited to be 

unveiling our newest LMA 

program at our Mid-Winter 

Conference on February 26 

and 27 in Marksville, as it will 

offer us all a pathway to certifications 

through our own 

professional development. 

The Louisiana Municipal 

Leadership Academy (LMLA) 

has been designed with each 

of you in mind. The LMLA 

I ask you to never give up hope. I ask 

you to remain hopeful that the passage 

of time will bring with it the dreams we 

long for and so deeply believe in. 

will offer credit for attending 

LMA trainings, conferences, 

conventions, district meetings, 

and the like. Mayors, 

aldermen, and council members 

are all eligible due to 

automatic enrollment, but 

each will be required to utilize 

an online platform for the 

awarding of credit. We delve 

deeper into all of the ins and 

outs in this month’s Louisiana 

Municipal Review, and I encourage 

each of you to read 

the story in detail so you can 

come to our Mid-Winter Conference 

with any questions 

you may have, and show up 

ready to begin your pathway 

to certification. I thank 

the LMA staff for working so 

diligently to see this training 

become a reality. It allows us 

to stand on the same stage 

as many other states offering 

credit and certifications 

for the knowledge we gain 

over time. It is my hope that 

you all take advantage of this 

opportunity and my further 

hope that you apply what 

you learn. 

A change in perspective 

came recently with the retirement 

of Executive Director 

John Gallagher. As we move 

forward with the mission of 

the LMA at the forefront of 

our minds, it is my hope we 

lead with encouragement, 

and we continue to advocate, 

educate, and serve our members 

in a way that honors the 

past and embraces the future. 

On behalf of the LMA, 

we thank John for his many 

years of service, and we wish 

him well. 

A heartbreaking change 

we are now all facing is the 

passing and loss of our dear 

friend, LMA Past President 

Jimmy Williams. The unexpected 

brings with it doubt, 

confusion, and even anxiety. 

Losing Jimmy has brought 

all three to us, his family, and 

his beloved home of Sibley. 

Jimmy was a man of great 

character and wit. It’s strange 

to think of us all gathering 

in Marksville in a few weeks 

without him among us. But 

I’m hoping the lessons he 

taught all of us will stay with 

us. I’m hoping we carry on 

his compassion, his knowing 

of right from wrong, and his 

love of community in everything 

we aim to do as an organization. 

Jimmy was family 

to us all, and family sticks together 

when the going gets 

tough. We’ll have a sad and 

tough road ahead without 

his ever-present guidance, so 

let’s come together for him. 

I leave you with a quote from 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as 

I feel it exemplifies the hope 

that we must find within us in 

times of change. “If you lose 

hope, you lose the vitality 

that keeps moving, you lose 

the courage to be, and the 

Derrick Johnson, Sr. 

LMA President 

Cheneyville 

quality that helps you go on 

in spite of it all.” 

I ask you to never give up 

hope. I ask you to remain 

hopeful that the passage of 

time will bring with it the 

dreams we long for and so 

deeply believe in. Dreams 

that center around not only 

the LMA and our individual 

corners of this great state 

but also in our personal and 

professional lives. You are the 

dream. I am the dream. We 

are the dream. We should, 

all of us, have hope in abundance, 

as it is only through 

hope that we find the courage 

to forge ahead with 

change. It is only through 

hope that we stand tall in our 

beliefs in ourselves and each 

other. And it is only through 

hope that we continue the 

legacies of truly great leaders 

to see the completion of the 

journeys they started. We are 

the dream because we are 

the hope. And although we 

forge a new path in the wake 

of much change of late, we 

are the hope for a better today 

and a brighter tomorrow. 

Let us never forget that. 

Page 4 


LMR | FEBRUARY 2024 Page 5

Farewell, Dear Friend 

By Anita Tillman, Managing Editor 

The loss of a member is always a difficult season to navigate, 

and while we certainly understand the circle of life, 

it is never easy to say goodbye. On Saturday, January 20, 

2024, the LMA was met with the devastating news of the 

loss of Past President Jimmy Williams who was not only a 

mayor and active LMA board member but a true friend and 

mentor to so many. An excerpt from the LMA resolution 

honoring him reads: 

The Honorable James “Jimmy” Byron Williams, Mayor of 

Sibley, Louisiana, gave steadfast and faithful service 

to the Louisiana Municipal Association 

and the Board of Directors for numerous 

years. Mayor Williams served 

as District A Vice president from 

2013 – 2016. He was elected 

and served as LMA Second 

Vice President in 2017, LMA 

First Vice President in 2018, 

and LMA President for two 

consecutive years, 2019 – 

2021. He remained on the 

LMA Board as a Past President 

until his passing. 

Mayor Williams’ leadership 

as LMA President for 

two years during the unprecedented 

COVID pandemic 

provided stability and helped 

to sustain and maintain LMA, RMI, 

LaMATS, and the affiliates. His kind 

spirit and positive attitude provided a beacon 

of hope and comfort during the dark days of 

COVID-19. 

Even while in the midst of his own very tough fight and 

ultimate victory against cancer, Mayor Williams led LMA 

through some of the most challenging years in many 

of our lifetimes. His wisdom, steady hand, and courage 

brought this association successfully out of a pandemic 

and a hurricane season that brought back-to-back landfalls 

in our state. To say Jimmy Williams was a fighter would 

be an understatement. 

The late U.S. Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf said, “Leadership 

is a combination of strategy and character. If you must 

be without one, be without the strategy.” As much as Mayor 

Williams’ tactical prowess emerged when it was needed 

most, it is his unquestionable character that will forever 

remain as the true testament to his legacy. 

Mayor Williams was a fierce proponent of LMA, not only 

for the mission-driven activities but also for the networking 

and relationship-building that LMA facilitates. “My relationship 

with Jimmy clicked almost immediately,” said 

Grosse Tete Mayor Michael Chauffe. “The fact that two men 

from completely different areas of the state would converge 

throughout the years and find themselves forming 

a bond that would last a lifetime meant the world to me. 

Our thoughts on politics, family, God, and country were 

so very familiar, and he will continue to influence my 

life for years to come. I lost a great friend, and 

we all lost a great man. That’s tough to 

bounce back from.” 

A loss for words has been the 

common sentiment from LMA’s 

heartbroken members, leaders, 

and staff, as all are processing 

the loss of a sitting 

Past President. “What can 

you possibly say about 

a great man who’s been 

taken too soon,” said LMA 

President Derrick Johnson, 

Sr. “I’m in shock and 

saddened beyond belief. 

Jimmy Williams was a good 

man. He believed in character 

and integrity. I genuinely hope 

his passing brings out leadership 

traits in his honor. I know that’s what 

I’ll do. I pray that we all will. Jimmy was 

a friend and a man of great character who always 

spoke his mind. I will forever be grateful for the 

time we shared and the wisdom he left me.” 

Woodworth Mayor and LaMATS Board President David 

Butler shared a similar sentiment saying, “It’s impossible to 

convey the shock and sadness we feel at the loss of our 

friend Mayor Jimmy Williams. Jimmy was a stalwart servant 

leader in all his roles, particularly indispensable during disaster 

recovery, as a champion for the Clerk’s Association, 

and as a loyal friend to his peers. Serving as LaMATS Vice 

President, Jimmy was more than prepared to lead our organization 

at the next rotation of officers. His guidance 

and humor and wise counsel will be sorely missed.” 

Mayor Williams’ impact far exceeded LMA, as he left his 

mark on subsidiaries Risk Management, Inc. and LaMATS. 

“It’s been an honor to work alongside Mayor Williams for 

Page 6 


the past 3+ years in my 

role as General Manager 

at RMI,” said Patrick 

Cronin. “He was such a 

good man and wonderful 

friend and provided 

steadfast leadership and 

support in every role he 

took on at the LMA. He 

was a true gentleman 

to everyone he came 

in contact with, and his 

passing was terrible 

news to hear. I know that 

he’s by God’s side now, 

looking down on all who 

knew him.” LaMATS Executive 

Director Cliff Palmer 

reflects, “Mayor Williams 

was a supportive 

and valued friend to me, 

both as a LaMATS Board 

officer and in our work 

together on numerous 

initiatives. But the memory 

I value most was his 

solemn dedication to 

honoring our fallen military 

heroes at the Tomb 

of the Unknown Soldier 

at Arlington National 

Cemetery. By his own 

report, this experience 

was a highlight of the 

mayor’s time in public 

service, and I will always 

be honored to have accompanied 

him on that 

very meaningful visit. 

Our hearts and prayers 

continue to be with the 

Williams family.” 

Mayor Williams truly 

believed in the association’s 

value to local and 

municipal governments. 

He often spoke about 

what it meant to him 

to connect with mayors 

from across the state to 

share in tragedy and triumph, 

lessons learned, 

and best practices. Mayor 

Williams’ presence 


could be felt anytime he attended 

an event as he was 

sure to greet you with a big 

smile, a firm handshake, or 

a warm hug. LMA was more 

than just a member association 

when he was around. 

It felt like a family. 

“Everyone talks about how 

wonderful someone was 

when they pass, but in every 

single aspect that was 

true of Jimmy,” said Gonzales 

Mayor Barney Arceneaux. 

“My smile lit up just by him walking into a room, and 

everything was just better when he was around. We are 

privileged to meet so many colleagues in this profession, 

but along the way, we also meet true friends. Jimmy was 

Blessings 

a true friend, and the missing 

of him will hurt for a long 

time to come.” 

Walter Lippmann, writer, 

reporter, and political commentator 

said, “The final test 

of a leader is that he leaves 

behind him in other men 

the conviction and the will 

to carry on.” The following 

letter from Mayor Williams is 

from his President’s Message 

as printed in the November 

2019 issue of the Louisiana 

Municipal Review aptly titled, “Blessings.” If he were given 

the opportunity to bid us all farewell and leave us with 

the conviction and the will to carry on, it would probably 

sound a lot like this: 

As I sit in the hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, 

while receiving treatment for Multiple Myeloma, I reflect 

back on our founding fathers. They knew that God 

had blessed them, so they had a feast to honor Him 

for the blessing. Then I began to think of my very own 

blessings that I have received from God. 

I was blessed by and thankful to the good Lord for 

having Christian parents. They taught my brother and 

me about Christ and the value of my name. I can still 

hear their voices repeating “Always treat others as you 

would have them treat you.” My brother has always 

been my hero. We were in business together for 45 

years. He was such a great blessing while teaching me 

and showing by example. God also gave me a wonderful, 

kind, caring, and giving Christian lady to spend 

my life with. Suzanne, my devoted wife, has continued 

to be by my side in all my endeavors, professional 

and personal, for 36 years. God has made it possible 

for Suzanne and me to have three great kids that I am 

truly proud of! They have grown into loving adults 

and parents. 

The people who work for the Town of Sibley are awesome, 

not just employees but a family. Since I have 

been away for treatment for some eight weeks, they 

have pulled double duty to see that the town continues 

to run properly in my absence. I have been moved 

by the number of our citizens asking about and praying 

for me. By being mayor of the greatest Town of 

Sibley, I got involved with the Louisiana Municipal Association. 

Never, in my dreams, did I think that I would 

ever become President of this organization - an organization 

that helps municipalities within the state of 

Louisiana. As I have said many times, this association 

is professional, important, and recognized by elected 

officials as leaders in local government. John Gallagher 

and the staff are some of the finest and most caring 

people in this business. I have made many, many 

friends and have been humbled by the prayers and 

support that they have given me. This has truly been 

a huge blessing to me. 

So what are you thankful for? Most of the time, we 

travel down life’s highway way too fast. Take time to 

reflect on the blessings in your life as I have learned 

to do. Oscar Wilde said “To live is the rarest thing in 

the world. Most people just exist.” Remember to give 

God the glory and the praise for what He has done 

in your life! 

Jimmy Williams 

Mayor 

Town of Sibley 

Page 8 


DEPUTY DIRECTOR’S LETTER 

Leadership Lessons from St. Valentine 

It’s February and love is in the 

air, thanks in part to good ole 

St. Valentine. While St. Valentine 

might be best known for 

inspiring cards to that special 

someone, chocolate, flowers, 

and messages on heartshaped 

candies, he also inspired 

lessons on leadership. 

The four basic tenets of St. 

Valentine and the two leadership 

lessons listed below 

are good daily reminders for 

leadership and life in general. 

The four basic love tenets of 

St. Valentine: Love is courageous. 

Love is kind. Love is 

thoughtful. Love is forever. 

Those inspiring and beautiful 

messages might remind 

us of the Biblical message in 

1 Corinthians Chapter 13. As 

public servants, showing a 

strong love for what we do 

and the people we represent 

is highly important. St. 

Valentine, through 

his actions and 

deeds as a clergyman 

fighting 

against 

the oppression 

of Roman 

Emperor 

Claudius 

Gothicus, added 

to the love lessons 

and led by example, 

including the following two 

tenets. 

1. Your values should always 

speak louder than your 

words. 

Today, we know this more 

as “our actions should speak 

louder than our words,” 

but our actions and words 

should be anchored around 

our values. Ralph Waldo Emerson 

once said, “What you 

do speaks so loud that I cannot 

hear what you say.” Our 

truest intentions and 

actions should be 

steeped in our 

values, which 

deserve a 

strong commitment 

from each 

of us. Anyone 

can talk a good 

talk, but having 

the courage of conviction 

to stand behind your 

words with well-meaning 

values and ideals should be 

at our very core. 

2. Know what you stand for 

and mean what you say. 

How can one be an effective 

leader if what a person stands 

for isn’t clear? Flip-flopping 

on beliefs, decisions, or issues 

creates confusion and 

distrust. Personal and professional 

ethics are critical, 

and leaders should make 

Richard Williams 

Deputy Director 

thoughtful yet firm decisions 

based on these ethics. The 

State of Louisiana recognizes 

the importance of ethics with 

the mandatory annual training 

for public officials. Ethics 

and character are often dictated 

not by what we do in 

public or while people are 

watching, but what we stand 

for in the small everyday decisions 

and issues that arise. 

Carrying on the tradition of 

service over self, character 

dictates that we choose sides 

that benefit people more 

than ourselves. To quote 

Thomas Jefferson: “In matters 

of style, swim with the current; 

in matters of principle, 

stand like a rock.” 

In honor of St. Valentine, I hope 

each of you takes the time to 

not only send the cards, and 

find the fun love messages on 

candy, but to also love as you 

lead, let your actions speak 

louder than your words, and 

lead with conviction, courage, 

and kindness. 

I look forward to seeing you 

all in Marksville later this 

month for our Mid-Winter 

Conference. 

Happy Valentine’s Day. 


The Louisiana Municipal Association (LMA) is accepting 

applications for the position of Executive Director. 

Duties and qualifications are listed below. Salary commensurate 

with experience. Benefits include health insurance 

and participation in the Municipal Employees’ 

Retirement System. For information on the LMA organization, 

please visit www.lma.org. 

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover 

letter to careers@lma.org no later than February 23, 2024. 

Interviews for selected candidates will occur on March 6, 

2024, in Baton Rouge. Three references will be required 

for those candidates selected for an interview. 

LMA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

2024 DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS 

Key Duties: 

1. Exercises complete administrative authority and responsibility 

of the LMA office. 

2. Serves as administrator of the Louisiana Municipal 

Risk Management Agency and the President of RMI. 

3. Develops and follows a plan of action for the LMA 

that establishes objectives, defines strategies, and 

spells out in detail the operational actions that will 

lead to the meeting of objectives. 

4. Organizes the structure and staff of the LMA to meet 

manpower and growth needs. 

5. Creates working relationships both within and without 

the LMA that allow the staff to fulfill their responsibilities 

while maintaining morale. 

6. Represents the LMA to the membership, other organizations, 

and the public in such a manner as to enhance 

the reputation of the LMA. 

Reports to: 

LMA Executive Director Search Announcement 2024 

LMA Executive Committee and LMA Executive Board 

Responsibilities: 

1. Representing the interests of the municipal governments 

before the state legislature serving as a lobbyist 

and coordinating the work of the other LMA lobbyists. 

2. Supervising the LMA staff both directly and through 

the Deputy Director, the Executive Counsel, and the 

Chief Financial Officer. 

3. Reviewing and evaluating the LMA staff and conducting 

annual employee reviews. 

4. Designating and implementing LMA projects and initiatives. 

5. Responding to a wide variety of requests from members. 

6. Administering the insurance programs through LMR- 

MA and RMI. 

7. Coordinating the disposition of lawsuits with Legal 

Counsel and RMI. 

8. Working with the RMI General Manager and LaMATS 

Executive Director to coordinate and enhance the program 

and synergy between LMA, RMI and LaMATS. 

9. Organizing and conducting the activities of the LMA 

President, Officers and the LMA Executive Board. 

10. Representing the LMA at national and regional meetings, 

such as those sponsored by the National League 

of Cities and the Southern Municipal Conference. 

11. Working in conjunction with the National League of 

Cities, the Louisiana Congressional delegation, and 

the LMA membership to protect and further the interests 

of municipalities at the national level. 

12. Must be available to the LMA staff and board during 

LMA office hours, currently Monday to Thursday from 

8:00 am until 5:00 pm and Fridays from 8:00 am until 

noon. 

13. Working with the LMA Chief Financial Officer to produce 

and maintain a balanced budget. 

14. Providing regular reports to the LMA Executive Committee 

and LMA Executive Board on LMA programs 

and activities. 

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree or ten years of progressively responsible 

experience with municipal governments or municipal 

government agencies, or a combination of education, 

experience, and training deemed appropriate by 

the LMA Executive Board. Current or former municipal 

elected official preferred but not required. Juris Doctorate 

preferred but not required. Candidate must be a 

Louisiana resident. 

Page 10 


Attorney General’s Opinions 

Sales Tax Exemptions 

Opinion: 23-0129: Pursuant to La. 

R.S. 47:337.10.2, Livingston Parish may 

adopt an ordinance exempting feminine 

hygiene products and diapers from 

parish sales and use taxes. Released: 

1/11/2024 

Coroner’s Fees 

Opinion: 23-0125: The passage of a local 

ordinance that conflicts with State 

law regarding coroner pay is superseded 

by State law. Released: 1/5/2024 

Notaries Public 

Opinion: 23-0111: A person who has 

been convicted of a felony may not be a 

notary public regardless of the jurisdiction 

of conviction unless that person has 

received a pardon for the conviction. 

Released: 1/4/2024 

Local Government Budget Act 

Opinion: 23-0080: St. John the Baptist 

Parish may not amend an adopted 

budget for a prior fiscal year. All amendments 

to an adopted budget must take 

place in the current fiscal year as per the 

St. John the Baptist Parish Home Rule 

Charter and the Local Government Budget 

Act. Released: 12/20/2023 

LMA/LLA Host Collaborative Trainings 

Throughout the month of 

February, the LMA and the 

Louisiana Legislative Auditor 

(LLA) will complete its series 

of collaborative trainings. 

These day-long sessions 

began in January and will 

conclude the final two sessions 

on February 20 and 21 

from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. 

These sessions will cover 

topics ranging from “Critical 

Challenges Facing Municipalities,” 

“The Local Government 

Budget Act,” “Public 

Bid Law and Procurement,” 

“Open Meetings Law,” “Public 

Records Law,” “Managing Municipal 

Utility Systems,” and 

“Ask the LLA/LMA Experts.” 

For more information, and 

to register, visit the LMA 

website, click on ‘Events,’ 

and then ‘Upcoming Events.’ 

Non-members can register 

by utilizing the QR Code. 


Registration is now open for the LMA’s Mid-Winter Conference for Municipal 

Officials, which will take place in Marksville on February 27 and 28 at the 

Paragon Casino Resort. 

The special Keynote Speaker during a February 28 luncheon will be Strategic 

Government Resources Officer Ron Holifield, and many speakers will be presenting 

educational trainings and workshops including “Managing Natural and Public Health,” 

“Civilian Response Shooter Event,” “First Amendment Auditors,” and more. 

Other notable and familiar speakers will be LITACorp Executive Director Leslie 

Durham, Office of Community Development Local Government Assistance Director 

Traci Wells, US Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Deidre 

Deculus Robert, RMI General Manager Patrick Cronin, LaMATS Executive Director Cliff 

Palmer, and AMCorp International CEO Anita Tillman. 

To register, visit our website at www.lma.org and go to Events. From there, use the 

calendar feature to take you to February, click “More” under February 27, and then 

click on “2024 Delegate Registration for LMA Mid-Winter Conference.” You’ll also find 

sponsorship registration information, vendor registration information, and a tentative 

agenda. 

We look forward to seeing you all in Marksville. 

Page 12 


-REGISTRATION FORM- 

Louisiana Municipal Association 

Mid- Winter Conference for Municipal Officials 

February 27 - 28, 2024 

Paragon Casino Resort 

711 Paragon Place, Marksville, Louisiana 71351 

NAME 

BADGE NAME 

TITLE 

GUEST NAME 

MUNICIPALITY 

ADDRESS 

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

TELEPHONE ( ) FAX ( ) 

EMAIL 

ACCOMMODATIONS 

A block of rooms has been reserved at the 

Paragon Casino Resort at a rate of $99-$129 

depending on the room-type. There is a $15 

resort fee per room, per stay. Please call (800) 

642-7777 to make your reservation and mention 

that you are with Louisiana Municipal 

Association’s Mid-Winter Conference 2024 or 

group code: LMAF27G to secure this special rate. 

The reservation cut-off date is February 12, 

2024. Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and check-out 

time is 11:00 a.m., unless special arrangements 

are made in advance. 

For your accommodation’s plans, registration will 

open at 11:00 a.m. with the first session beginning 

at 1:00 p.m. on February 27. The conference will 

conclude at 5:00 p.m. on February 28. 

PARAGON PLAYERS CLUB 

As a special offer for attendees, please visit the 

Paragon Players Club, located within the casino, 

to receive a players club card with $10 of free 

play. 

ADVANCE REGISTRATION 

ENDS FEBRUARY 15 

$135 per delegate/official 

(includes one guest & reception) 

LATE REGISTRATION 

BEGINS FEBRUARY 16 

$150 per delegate/official 

(includes one guest & reception) 

REGISTER BY MAIL 

Complete this form and return with 

your registration fee payment, in full, 

no later than February 19, 2024. 

Make Checks Payable To: 

Louisiana Municipal Association 

Mid- Winter Conference 

P.O. Box 4327 

Baton Rouge, LA 70821 

REGISTER ONLINE 

WWW.LMA.ORG 

REFUNDS 

An administrative fee of $45 will be charged for 

all cancellations of the LMA Mid-Winter 

Conference, including medical emergencies. No 

refunds will be given after Tuesday, February 

13, 2024 (two weeks prior to the start of the 

event). 

Refunds will be issued only if the LMA office 

receives your cancellation request in the form of 

a letter on your official letterhead mailed, 

emailed, faxed, or delivered to our office with 

a postmark date no later than February 13, 

2024. Telephone requests for refunds will not be 

accepted. There will be no exceptions to this 

policy. 

NOTE: The LMA will offer one hour of required 

ethics training on Wednesday, February 28, at 

no additional charge. This training will begin at 

4:00 p.m. 

HAVE A QUESTION? 

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


The Municipal 

Perspective 

on Mayor’s 

Courts 

Recent media coverage has 

put Louisiana’s mayor’s 

courts and municipal operations 

squarely in the spotlight. 

Unfortunately, much 

of the information that has 

proliferated is incomplete and sometimes 

inaccurate. Because there are 

only two states that have mayor’s courts 

(Ohio being the other), and because 

they are uniquely municipal creatures in 

Louisiana, the nature and scope of these 

courts are often misunderstood. Mayor’s 

courts are a vital part of the state’s 

judicial system with far-reaching effects 

regarding funding, public safety, and 

the well-being of our residents. It is clear 

that discussions about mayor’s courts 

will continue, both in a legislative context 

and for years to come. 

As part of the LMA’s mission to educate 

and empower municipal leaders, we 

released a revamped Comprehensive 

Guide to Mayor’s Courts last year, which 

is available on our website under the 

Those critical of 

mayor’s courts 

tend to simplify 

the subject, which 

inherently flaws many 

of their opinions. 

Publications tab. As its name indicates, 

it contains an in-depth guide to everything 

related to mayor’s courts, from 

their genesis and jurisdiction to step-bystep 

instructions on their operation, to 

forms and templates to assist presiders 

and administrators. So, while this article 

will discuss some components of 

mayor’s courts, we strongly encourage 

municipal leaders associated with the 

courts to download that comprehensive 

guide and study its contents. 

The Essentials 

There are over 200 municipalities in Louisiana 

with mayor’s courts, which are created 

by both the Louisiana Constitution 

(Art. V, Sec. 20) and the Lawrason Act (La. 

R.S. 33:441 et seq.) State law mandates 

that every Lawrason Act municipality 

have a mayor’s court, except where prior 

to 1974, a city court with an elected 

judge was required in all wards with cities 

of more than 5,000 inhabitants. 

Mayor’s courts have jurisdiction over 

violations of municipal ordinances, 

though felony, DWI, and juvenile offenses 

are expressly excluded from that 

jurisdiction. Court presiders have broad 

authority to perform most functions related 

to criminal prosecutions and traffic 

enforcement matters, including bail and 

pretrial diversion; imposition of probation, 

fines and/or imprisonment, court 

costs and fees; and expungements. 

Further, mayor’s courts also have concurrent 

jurisdiction with district courts 

over civil suits to collect municipal utility 

Page 14 


debts owed up to $5,000.00. 

The guide discusses other 

possible civil jurisdictional issues, 

as well. 

Presiding Officers 

When we think about courts, 

we usually envision a judge 

– someone admitted to the 

practice of law in Louisiana – 

before whom there are attorneys 

presenting evidence in 

favor of the requested relief 

(the prosecutor or plaintiff’s 

attorney) and in opposition 

to the requested relief (the 

defense attorney). Mayor’s 

courts present a unique dynamic 

that differs from typical 

courts, one that both 

makes them fiscally efficient 

and uniquely challenging. 

Mayor’s courts are designed 

such that the mayor - who 

need not be, and often is not, 

an attorney – may preside 

over court actions, effectively 

acting as the judge. The mayor 

may also simultaneously 

function as the prosecutor for 

criminal and traffic matters. 

This dual capacity requires 

a great deal of discipline on 

the mayor’s part, such that 

they must very carefully separate 

those roles. They gather 

and present evidence in their 

prosecutorial role, which also 

grants them the prosecutorial 

authority to reduce or 

dismiss charges. Once all evidence 

has been presented, 

both in favor of, and in opposition 

to, the requested relief, 

the mayor then puts on their 

judge’s hat and weighs the 

evidence to decide whether 

it is sufficient to support the 

charge. As presiding officer, 

the mayor has authority to 

decide the admissibility and 

credibility of evidence and to 

issue all appropriate orders 

and decisions. 

It is this unique dual capacity 

of the mayor that has become 

the subject of much 

scrutiny and discussion, as 

discussed in more depth below. 

It is important to note, 

however, that Title 33 provides, 

upon request by the 

mayor, that the governing 

body shall appoint a magistrate 

to preside over the 

court and/or a prosecutor to 

present evidence before the 

court. This may not be fiscally 

feasible for all municipalities, 

but it is an important consideration 

that goes a long way 

toward addressing the perceived 

conflicts that are discussed 

herein. 

Unfair Criticism 

Those critical of mayor’s 

courts tend to simplify the 

subject, which inherently 

flaws many of their opinions. 

Here, we try to shed light on 

how the most common attacks 

err in their reasoning. 

There is a misconception that 

the presiding role of the mayor 

is problematic because the 

mayor controls the municipal 

budget. This presumption 

ignores a basic fact of municipal 

government: the governing 

body controls the adoption 

and amendment of the 

annual operating budget. Indeed, 

it is one of the primary 

duties of the legislative body 

to preserve and maintain the 

public fisc. 

A corollary of that belief is 

that when the mayor presides, 

they do so with disreputable 

motives; that they will 

go out of their way to find 

defendants financially liable 

for the purpose of increasing 

municipal revenue. Not only 

is this insulting to conscientious 

presiding mayors, but 

it also discounts some key 

facts. The reality is that presiding 

mayors – who are often 

more familiar with those 

who appear before them 

than an appointed magistrate 

would be – frequently 

utilize options beyond imposing 

monetary fines, including 

reduction of charges, 

pretrial diversion, suspension 

of sentence/probation, driver 

improvement programs, 

and community service litter 

abatement work programs. 

The focus of mayor’s courts 

is on improving public health 

and safety, as well as maintaining 

community aesthetics. 

Simply put, like other 

courts, the decisions of these 

courts are rooted in compliance 

and outcomes. Those 

who imply malice have likely 

not observed the reality of 

these courts’ operations. 

A person convicted in mayor’s 

court has the right to a 

trial de novo upon appeal in 

the district court in which 

the mayor’s court is located. 

This applies both to findings 

of guilt following trial 

and to convictions based on 

guilty/nolo contendere pleas 

(though appeals from guilty 

pleas are generally only 

granted to ensure that defendants 

receive procedural 

safeguards for their constitutional 

rights). A trial de novo 

amounts to a re-trial of the 

case based on the testimony 

and evidence available. So, 

there is an oversight mechanism 

built into the mayor’s 

court framework. Furthermore, 

presiding mayors are 

subject to the codes, canons, 

and rules of the Louisiana 

Judicial Commission and 

Supreme Court supervision, 

and may be disciplined for 

unlawful behavior. 


The complaint that the revenue 

produced by mayor’s 

courts helps to fund government 

operations is not 

unique to municipal courts. 

There is an ongoing dialogue 

about revamping funding 

sources for the entire judicial 

system in Louisiana for this 

very reason: the fines and 

port one defined threshold 

Thornton, Musso, &Bellemin 

as triggering the mandatory 

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necessary for government to be considered as guidance 

perform many of its critical by individual municipalities 

functions. Prior attempts to that operate mayor’s courts. 

reconfigure judicial system 

funding have always failed 

or ended in a stalemate because 

no one has been able 

to define Index Listings a fairer and more 

practical plan. The concept 

that those who violate the 

law should fund the courts 

that their actions necessitate 

is at the foundation of every 

court in the state, so it is 

unfair to characterize it as a 

purely municipal issue. 

WATER TREATMENT CONSULTANTS 

There have been increasingly 

frequent references to a 

“10% rule” regarding mayor’s 

courts. Critics argue federal 

jurisprudence mandates 

that if more than 10% of a 

municipal operating budget 

is derived from violations 

prosecuted in mayor’s court, 

then a magistrate should be 

appointed to preside instead 

of the mayor. First, any guidance 

citing 10% does not 

stem from a U.S. Supreme 

Court case. Rather, there was 

one case in one U.S. District 

Court for the Eastern Division 

of the Northern District of the 

State of Ohio that referenced 

10% as being persuasive in 

that case. As always, specific 

court findings hinge on 

specific case circumstances, 

and it is patently erroneous 

to assume that all relevant 

laws, facts, and circumstances 

are identical for Louisiana’s 

mayor’s courts as in Ohio. 

Within the world of Louisiana’s 

municipalities, there are 

different forms of charters, 

so there is diversity in operational 

landscapes among the 

303 municipalities. As there 

has been no ruling from the 

U.S. Supreme Court to sup- 

Another misconception is 

that mayor’s courts only manage 

traffic violations. While 

those ordinance enforcement 

proceedings certainly 

comprise a large part of their 

dockets, mayor’s courts may 

also consider nuisance abatement 

measures, health and 

sanitary code enforcement, 

other public safety measures, 

and more. Municipal leaders 

possess intimate knowledge 

of their communities, so enforcement 

of municipal ordinances 

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Money Matters 

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parties than other courts. 

For example, the court costs 

are limited to $30; or $50, if 

$10 of the extra amount is 

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defender fund. Further, 

district courts already pronounce 

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LMR | FEBRUARY 2024 

707693_Thornton.indd 1 8/21/14 8:33 PM

nance violation had to be tried in a district 

court. The financial consequences 

to the judiciary would be massive. 

Not only would it cost other courts to 

absorb the matters that mayor’s courts 

currently manage, but mayor’s courts 

form an important part of a complicated 

matrix of funding for Louisiana’s 

judicial system as a whole. The revenue 

generated by mayor’s courts contributes 

to some very important judicial 

efforts. Here are a few: law 

enforcement officer training, 

trial court management information 

systems, the Louisiana 

Judicial College, crime 

stoppers organizations, crime 

victims reparations funds, indigent 

defender funds, traumatic 

head and spinal cord injuries 

services, disability affairs 

trust funds, litter abatement 

programs, the Louisiana Help 

Our Wildlife Fund, criminalistics 

laboratories, the Florida 

Parishes Juvenile Justice Commission, 

the Central Louisiana 

Juvenile Detention Center 

Authority, the Feliciana Juvenile 

Justice District, the Ware 

Youth Center Authority, and 

the North Louisiana Criminalists 

Laboratory Commission. 

Let’s Not Forget 

It is an obvious observation, 

but critics of mayor’s courts 

neglect to acknowledge that enforcing 

public safety ordinances starts as a law 

enforcement function. Neither mayors 

nor council members have any control 

over how many people violate traffic 

and other ordinances, nor how often. In 

small communities where children, the 

elderly, and disadvantaged citizens are 

most vulnerable because of the proximity 

of major throughways to pedestrian 

and recreational areas, the enforcement 

of public safety measures is especially 

important. 

In short, the perception that mayor’s 

courts victimize innocent members of 

the public is a mischaracterization. If no 

one violated public safety ordinances, 

there would be nothing to put on the 

court docket. 

Proactive Solutions 

Though the LMA has long focused on providing 

education and training for court 

personnel, Act 691 of the 2022 Regular 

Session (which the LMA supported) now 

requires that every mayor or magistrate 

that presides over a mayor’s court receive 

training within 90 days of assuming presiding 

status. The mayor or magistrate 

must also receive continuing education 

each year. The LMA has collaborated with 

the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Judicial 

College, and the Legislative Auditor’s 

Office to develop the training. It is linked 

through the LMA’s website and is accessible 

24/7 at https://lajudicialcollege.org/ 

CLE-Seminars?p=2024MayorsLanding. 

We are mindful that smaller municipalities 

often lack the resources to retain 

separate prosecutors and magistrates, 

and we are certainly aware that many 

presiding mayors are highly skilled and 

eminently capable of presiding over 

mayor’s court. Because the needs and 

dynamics of each municipality are different, 

the purpose of this discussion is 

not to provide a single solution, but to 

encourage self-examination and, where 

possible, improvement to your mayor’s 

court systems. 

Because the solemn obligations of 

court presiders require fluency in Due 

Process rights and judicial operations, 

some mayors may prefer to request the 

appointment of a presiding magistrate 

for their court, especially in instances 

of a not-guilty plea or when a hearing 

or trial is required. Further, the appointment 

of a separate prosecutor may 

provide additional clarity in defining 

the roles of court officials. If a municipality 

appoints a magistrate 

and prosecutor, they should 

be paid a flat salary, one that 

is not dependent on convictions. 

Their salaries should not 

be so lucrative as to create a 

possible temptation to convict 

for job security, nor should the 

magistrate or the prosecutor 

have any input or authority 

on how the fines and fees collected 

by the court are spent. 

Such an arrangement has 

the benefit of addressing the 

complaints of inherent bias in 

situations where a municipality’s 

operating budget is comprised 

in large part by court 

operations. 

We encourage our members 

with mayor’s courts to collaborate 

with their municipal 

attorneys to develop operational 

rules and protocols that 

will safeguard against constitutional 

challenges, which in the long run, will 

preserve this vital enforcement tool. 

Whether at the Legislature or in other 

arenas, the LMA will continue to defend 

this longstanding institution and vigorously 

defend the integrity of mayor’s 

court officials. 

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. 


Announcing 

The Louisiana Municipal 

Leadership Academy 

This month, the LMA will launch 

our newest training initiative, 

the Louisiana Municipal Leadership 

Academy (LMLA). The academy 

is a program that we have envisioned 

for several years and is the result of 

research and collaboration with state 

municipal leagues throughout the 

country. 

Many municipal leaders – including 

police chiefs, municipal attorneys, 

clerks, utility professionals, and parks 

and recreation experts – have credit-based 

training programs that encourage 

completion of continuing 

education in their respective fields; 

yet, there is currently no such formal 

framework accessible to mayors, aldermen, 

or council members. Executive and legislative officials 

in municipal government are at the front lines for policy decisions 

that affect the daily lives of Louisiana citizens. Mayors 

and governing body members must ensure that municipalities 

fulfill their legal obligations, effectively provide community 

services, and safeguard taxpayer dollars. In short, service to the 

people is not just an element of officeholding; it is their job. So, 

it is vital for executive and legislative officials to understand the 

essentials of municipal government operations. 

Elected municipal leaders faithfully attend LMA events. The 

academy is a means of rewarding that attendance while also 

incentivizing continued engagement in these important educational 

opportunities. 

The Louisiana Legislature has explored the concept of mandatory 

training for executive and legislative municipal officials 

over the past several years. Though there have been no concerted 

efforts to implement such a framework on the state 

level, we are mindful that this discussion will continue and 

that the concerns of legislators from both sides of the aisle 

demand a response. We believe that it should be a solution 

created by municipal government specialists who are focused 

on empowering today’s local leaders instead of imposing another 

unfunded mandate. 

Enter the LMLA. 

Whether you are a new mayor, alderman, or council member, 

or have been serving your community for years, the LMLA is for 

you. There is no need to apply to enroll in the academy, as all 

mayors and members of municipal governing 

bodies have been automatically 

enrolled in the LMLA. We do ask, however, 

that each LMLA participant complete 

a Member Profile form to provide the 

best contact information for LMLA correspondence 

and confirm their municipal 

service record. The form is available 

on the LMLA landing page, by visiting 

lma.org and navigating to the Membership 

Services tab. Further, the academy 

does not require any application fee or 

admission – it is free to all eligible officials. 

Though there are already plans to expand 

the scope of this first phase of the 

LMLA (discussed below), here is how 

the academy will work. 

Every LMA-hosted event – conferences, district meetings, 

regional trainings, and webinars – will be assigned a point 

value. Mayors, aldermen, and council members who attend 

such events are eligible to request LMLA credit by submitting 

the online Credit Application form following their 

attendance. LMLA staff will review each credit application 

to verify attendance and will then award the appropriate 

credits to each applicant. 

Credits will accrue year-over-year, resulting in LMLA participants 

obtaining increasing levels of achievement throughout 

their careers in municipal public service: Level 1 – MERIT; Level 

2 – LEADERSHIP; Level 3 – EXCELLENCE; Level 4 – GRADUATE; 

and Level 5 - MASTER. The more LMA events that officials attend, 

the faster they will accrue LMLA credits and obtain their 

next level of academy mastery. 

How it works: 

• All mayors, aldermen, and council members are 

automatically enrolled; just fill out a Member 

Profile online 

• Officials earn credit by participating in LMA-hosted 

conferences, trainings, and meetings 

• Each LMA event is assigned a specific credit value, 

usually based on length 

• After attending credit-eligible LMA events, officials 

complete a Credit Application form online 

Page 18 


Officials will be able to log into their profile in the LMA’s membership 

database to track their progress toward the next 

achievement level by reviewing their current number of LMLA 

credits. 

Officials who have attained an achievement level by 

July 1 of each year will be recognized at the 

LMA Annual Convention and will receive: 

• Recognition in the LMA e-newsletter 

• Invitation to wear a ribbon 

displaying their achievement 

at the Annual Convention 

• Presentation of a Certificate 

of Achievement 

and an award at the Annual 

Convention 

• Recognition in the Louisiana 

Municipal Review 

magazine 

• A press release for media 

use 

LMLA participants will be notified 

several weeks prior to the Annual 

Convention that they have attained an 

achievement level and will be honored for 

that accomplishment at the event. Those officials 

who achieve Master Level attendance will additionally receive 

special honors from the LMA at the Annual Convention. 

By attending the suite of educational options and training 

sessions offered by the LMA, municipal officials will gain 

fluency in critical aspects of municipal governance, including 

duties of elected and appointed officials; transparency 

through public records, open meetings, and budgeting; utility 

system management; sound fiscal practices; enactment 

and enforcement of ordinances; court operations; physical 

and cybersecurity; workforce management; and much, much 

more. Participation in the LMLA provides the added benefit 

of networking at events with municipal government peers, 

statewide elected officials, state legislators, and congressional 

delegation members, not to mention exchanging ideas 

• LMLA staff will review each application and award 

credits to attendees 

• Officials may log into their LMA profile to track 

their credits and progress toward one of five 

achievement levels 

• When an official accrues sufficient credits to 

attain an achievement level, they will be notified 

and honored at the next LMA Annual Convention 

through special recognition, a certificate, and an 

award 

with the dedicated staff of the LMA. 

While the initial rollout of the LMLA only encompasses mayors, 

aldermen, and council members, the LMA envisions ultimately 

increasing academy enrollment to include most elected and 

appointed municipal leaders through collaboration 

with their respective statewide associations. 

Furthermore, we intend to expand the 

academy’s curriculum to include custom-built 

content and academic 

tracks that are targeted to each 

municipal official. As the LMLA 

evolves over the next several 

years, it promises to offer 

training solutions to complement 

existing offerings while 

rewarding municipal leaders 

who seek to improve their 

understanding and abilities 

through continued education. 

The LMA Mid-Winter Conference 

will mark the official launch 

of the LMLA as the first event for 

which officials may request attendance 

credit. We invite you to join the 

LMA Executive Board and staff on February 

27 and 28 at the Paragon Casino in Marksville 

to celebrate the academy’s inaugural conference. During 

the event, we will host a half-hour session that is dedicated 

to introducing mayors, aldermen, council members, and their 

support staff to the LMLA, including a demonstration of how 

to access and complete online forms and how to track your 

academy credits. 

In the Mid-Winter session, you will also be introduced to your 

dedicated LMLA Administrator, LMA’s longtime employee Erin 

Walker. Erin’s decades of experience as a top-notch paralegal, 

combined with her incredible work ethic and keen attention 

to detail, make her a perfect choice to oversee the operations 

of the academy. 

By streamlining the processes of enrollment, credit application, 

and credit accrual, the LMA seeks to make participation in 

the LMLA as easy and efficient as possible. Executive and legislative 

municipal officials are the backbone of the association 

and your engagement in LMA events is a huge part of what 

makes our organization a success. This academy is one way of 

rewarding your participation in LMA-hosted events, providing 

mutual benefit to everyone involved. 

We look forward to seeing you later this month in Marksville for 

the Mid-Winter Conference and for the LMLA session. Come be 

a part of the LMLA’s 2024 inaugural class! 

For questions regarding the LMLA, please contact Erin Walker 

at ewalker@lma.org or visit lma.org, and navigate to the Membership 

Services tab. 


MEMBER PROFILE 

F O R M 

NAME 

First Name 

Last Name 

ADDRESS 

Street Address 

Postal / Zip Code 

City 

State / Province 

EMAIL 

MOBILE NUMBER 

Degree / Course 

GENDER 

Male 

Female 

Alternate Contact Name 

Phone Number 

MUNICIPAL SERVICE RECORD 

MUNICIPALITY____________________________________________ 

TERM OF SERVICE ___________________________________________ 

OFFICE____________________________________________________ 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATION 

___________________________________ 

Your Signature Here 

Page 20 


LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL 

MUNICIPAL 

ACADEMY 

LEADERSHIP 6767 Perkins Road, La 70808 

Telephone: 225-344-5001 

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CREDIT APPLICATION FORM 

Date 

_______/ ____/ ________ 

Please fill out the form below. Applications can be mailed to the Academy address above with Attn: LMLA program on the envelope. 

Important Deadline: To be recognized in the current conference year, submissions must be made by JULY 1. Any submissions made 

after JULY 1 , will be recognized at the next year’s conference. 

Name: ___________________________ Title: __________________ Municipality:____________________ 

Address:__________________________ 

_______________________________ 

Email________________________________________________ 

Phone:_______________________________________________ 

Please list all conferences and meetings attended. Please include the Title, Date and Points Earned. For webinars, include the 

title and month. 

Title of Program Date Points 

Earned 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________ 

__________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________ __________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________ 

__________________ 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

_____________________________________ 

__________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________ 

__________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________ 

__________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

____________________________________ 

__________________ 

I hereby certify that the above attendance and credit record are accurate to the best of my knowledge, and further understand 

that if I willfully submit false attendance records, it may result in my exclusion from LMLA eligibility. 

X:__________________________________ 

Signature 

District Meetings................................................................................................................................. 

Municipal Day at the Capitol..................................................................................................... 

Mid-Winter Conference.................................................................................................................. 

LMA Annual Convention.................................................................................................................. 

Webinars.................................................................................................................................................... 

1/2 point each 

1 point 

2 points 

5 points 

1 point 

Questions? If you have any questions, please contact Erin Walker, LMLA Director at 225-332-7638 or ewalker@lma.org. 


LEGAL BRIEFS 

Timely Reminders 

As we roll into the second chapter of 

the new year with our Mid-Winter Conference 

scheduled for later this month, 

it is a good time for reminders about 

this year’s training mandates and certain 

ethics laws. Plato said it best nearly 

2,500 years ago: “The greater part of 

instruction is being reminded of things 

you already know.” 

Each new year ushers in a slew of annual 

training mandates for municipal 

officials and employees. Newly elected 

officials must receive one hour of training 

on the Code of Governmental Ethics 

within the first 90 days after taking 

the oath of office. Thereafter, and for all 

public servants, the law mandates at 

least one hour of ethics training each 

calendar year; and for elected officials, 

at least one hour of Campaign Finance 

Disclosure Act training at some point 

during their term (La. R.S. 42:1170(A) 

(2)). All ethics training may be completed 

online at https://ethics.la.gov/, 

but the LMA also offers such training at 

our conferences, including Mid-Winter 

this month. 

La. R.S. 42:343 requires that every public 

servant receive at least one hour 

of training in sexual harassment prevention 

per calendar year; and further 

mandates that supervisors and agency 

designees for reporting and investigation 

of claims receive “additional education 

and training” (a.k.a. “supervisor 

training”). La. R.S. 42:1267 requires that 

all municipal officials and employees 

with access to municipal technology 

systems complete cybersecurity training, 

an increasingly important topic. 

Sexual harassment prevention and 

cybersecurity training are both available 

anytime for free on our website at 

https://www.lma.org, and cybersecurity 

training will also be provided at our 

Mid-Winter Conference. 

Plato said it 

best nearly 

2,500 years ago: 

“The greater 

part of 

instruction is 

being reminded 

of things you 

already know.” 

La. R.S. 29:726 demands that municipal 

officials designated by parish presidents 

as essential to emergency preparedness/response 

attend emergency 

management training at least annually, 

such training provided by GOHSEP online 

at https://gohsep.la.gov/RESOURC- 

ES/TRAINING-EVENTS-SCHEDULE. 

Our Mid-Winter Conference provides 

a perfect opportunity to network with 

municipal peers and corporate partners. 

It is important to be mindful that 

the Code of Governmental Ethics rules 

govern such events. 

The Code defines “public servants” 

as any public official and any public 

employee, and it prohibits public 

servants from receiving gifts under 

certain circumstances. While La. R.S. 

42:1115 uses very specific language, 

with cross-referenced definitions, the 

general rule is this: whether the municipality 

already has a financial relationship 

with an exhibitor, or an exhibitor 

is seeking to forge such a connection, 

the ethics laws prohibit officials and 

employees from accepting any “thing 

of economic value,” even if the gift is 

provided pursuant to a raffle or random 

drawing (since the pool of recipients 

is comprised of those officials and 

employees). 

There are exceptions to the gift prohibition 

for promotional items having 

no substantial resale value IF those 

items have the name and/or logo of 

the donor imprinted on them. The 

Board of Ethics has provided guidance 

that “promotional items” may include 

cups, hats, pins, pens, and other 

tradeshow items sporting a company’s 

logo. The LMA provides this guidance 

to our corporate collaborators alerting 

them of this limitation on gifting, but 

because these ethics prohibitions are 

highly fact-specific, when in doubt, we 

recommend erring on the side of caution 

and declining the gift, or at least 

contacting the Board of Ethics for oral 

guidance. 

Editor’s Note: the information provided 

in this column is not a replacement for 

consultation with your own municipal 

attorney, and it should not be considered 

legal advice for any particular case 

or situation. 

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 


LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL ADVISORY AND TECHNICAL SERVICES 

Pineville Standing Tall 

LaMATS Helps 

CENLA City 

Realize Its 

Growth Potential 

Pineville’s Mayor Rich Dupree is no seedling 

city leader. A veteran of municipal 

government and public service, Dupree 

served 22 years as Chief of Staff to his 

predecessor, Clarence Fields, before 

making his own successful bid for the 

Mayor’s Office in 2022. 

With deep 

roots in 

Central Louisiana, 

the 

Pineville 

native has long been recognized for 

his work on behalf of the city and surrounding 

region, earning nine LMA 

Community Achievement Awards and 

numerous certifications from the Louisiana 

Industrial Development Executives 

Association. 

Still, leading this mid-sized Louisiana 

community has its challenges, says 

Dupree. 

“We’re limited in what revenue streams 

we have coming to us,” he explained. 

A near neighbor to larger Alexandria, 

Pineville lacks its own electrical or gas 

utilities and is limited in growth potential 

by the Red River and its neighboring 

communities. 

“From a revenue standpoint, all we have 

are sales taxes and property taxes, along 

with our water and sewer utilities. It’s a 

challenge for us.” 

To realize Dupree’s long-term vision for 

Pineville, he’s taken advantage of sev- 

Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree leads a tour of Fire Station #1 by 36 Cub Scouts from Pack 21 and their 

parents. 


Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree stands before the recently opened Pineville Animal Control office, one of numerous new construction projects completed or 

underway in the Central Louisiana city. 

eral LaMATS programs that help maximize 

the city’s available revenues and 

resources, while saving on precious 

staff time. 

Pineville’s Kees Park underwent a $300,000 renovation last year. 

For example, Pineville was already enrolled 

in the LaMATS Insurance Premium 

Tax collection program, thanks to former 

Mayor Fields, a longtime member of 

the LaMATS Board and familiar with its 

benefits. To date, LaMATS has collected 

about $4M on behalf of the city, equaling 

roughly $300K per year in revenues. 

What does that do for Pineville? 

“When you really break it down,” said 

Dupree, “it means five or six roads get 

overlaid and repaired, along with probably 

a couple of fire hydrants that go with 

that. It’s just that much more we’re able 

to do.” 

Another LaMATS program, offered in 

partnership with Enterprise Fleet Management, 

has supplied Pineville with 

dozens of new, leased vehicles, saving 

the city considerably on annual repair 

and maintenance costs. 

“We had been studying [this] for quite a 

while,” explained Dupree, who pulled the 

trigger on adopting the Enterprise service 

after years of running the numbers 

as Chief of Staff. “We now have in our 

possession 25 to 35 Public Works vehicles, 

replacing vehicles that had twelve 

to fifteen years of wear and tear on them.” 

Page 24 


Given the salaries a mid-sized city is able 

to afford, new vehicles are a real “perk” 

to city employees. “If you can at least put 

them in a vehicle that will warm them 

up when they need heat, and cool them 

off when they need cooling off, it makes 

a difference.” 

And, starting in this budget year, the 

city now has a dozen new police cruisers 

made available through the same plan. 

“It’s working flawlessly,” said Dupree. 

But it’s a different LaMATS partnership 

that has been a true blockbuster for 

Mayor Dupree. Our Brownfields Assessment 

Program puts expert environmental 

consultation and site remediation 

resources at the disposal of city leaders 

across Louisiana. And for Pineville, that 

means a potential bonanza. 

Presenting a unique opportunity for the 

city, Pineville has more than 500 acres 

of state property available near downtown 

that stands to boost the economy 

of the entire region, once successfully 

reclaimed from its former use as a state 

hospital. The associated grounds and 

other abandoned properties are suitable 

for a host of uses. 

Rebecca Otte, State Brownfields Coordinator 

with the Department of Environmental 

Quality and a key funding 

partner, along with the Federal Environmental 

Protection Agency, praised the 

Pineville effort: 

“Successful Brownfield redevelopment 

projects all have local project champions 

such as Mayor Dupree and [Chief of 

Staff] Doug Gann, who bring passion, 

resources, and local drive to the project,” 

said Otte. “Their passion to revitalize 

downtown Pineville and support the 

economic development of the city as 

a whole is the driving force behind the 

project.” 

While Otte notes the State Hospital redevelopment 

work will reap benefits for 

decades into the future, good things are 

already happening. 

“We’ve already benefited from [developing] 

a couple of pieces of property 

outside of the main hospital area,” said 

Mayor Dupree. “We just completed our 

third project to put the land back into 

commerce. The first two acres were developed 

for much-needed fuel outlets 

and hot food options.” The next was an 

eleven-acre transaction that brought 

Pineville its first new car dealership 

since the 1950s. “Giles Hyundai will be 

relocating and building a new $8-10M 

dealership on the Pineville side of the 

river,” said Dupree. “So, we’re really excited 

about that.” 

And while it hasn’t been announced 

publicly, the Mayor confided that a 

twenty-acre parcel of the former hospital 

campus will be developed by a 

healthcare business relocating its corporate 

offices to Pineville. Additionally, 

a new, state-of-the-art nursing care 


LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL 

SECRETARIES AND ASSISTANTS 

LAMSA Conference! 

Pack 21visits Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree’s office in city hall. 

facility is slated for development on the same twenty-acre 

piece of property, representing a $30M investment. 

“While it did encompass taking down buildings, doing some 

asbestos and other mitigation work, now you’ve got brand 

new, multimillion-dollar construction taking its place.” 

Reflecting on Pineville’s long partnership with LaMATS, Mayor 

Dupree offered some advice for other local government 

leaders, especially those new to office. 

“I had the experience of working under and learning from 

Mayor Clarence Fields for two decades, a chance to learn 

from someone who served on the LaMATS Board and taught 

me a lot,” he said. “But oftentimes, a new mayor comes in 

with so many challenges, so many things that he or she may 

need to fix, and really, you don’t know what you don’t know.” 

“Take the opportunity to listen to what LaMATS can do for 

you,” advised Dupree. “They can shorten obstacles from 

a procurement standpoint, acquire equipment or other 

things you might need, or help you liquidate things you 

don’t know what to do with. LaMATS figures out the best 

way to do that,” he said. “That takes stress off a new mayor. 

A lot of people will say they want to help, but there aren’t 

many groups I’ve encountered with the same sincerity 

and ability to 

deliver on what 

they promised.” 

Thank you, Mayor 

Dupree! LaMATS 

is proud to be a 

part of Pineville’s 

growth, and we’re 

with you every 

step of the way! 

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. 

The Louisiana Association 

of Municipal Secretaries and 

Assistants (LAMSA) will hold 

their 34th Annual Spring 

Conference March 20 – 22, 

at Margaritaville Resort & 

Casino in Bossier 

City. Activities 

will commence 

on Wednesday 

with a tour of 

the Bossier Strip, 

Mardi Gras Museum, 

911 memorial, 

and historical 

musical spots. Bring 

your camera for some unique 

photo opportunities! On 

Thursday, LAMSA President 

Constance Barbin will call 

sessions to order, and the 

Honorable Mayor of Bossier 

City, Thomas Chandler, will 

welcome participants. Classes 

will begin with a session 

on Effective Communication 

by Richard Williams, followed 

by an interactive work session 

on How Well do You 

Know Excel. 

The Annual Business meeting 

will be held at the lunch 

hour, honoring those achieving 

their designation as Certified 

Municipal Assistants. 

There will also be an election 

of new officers, specifically 

three Directors At Large. 

After lunch, we will hear from 

Tracy Melancon, LMA Director 

of Technology and GOSEP 

regarding the latest cybersecurity 

issues we face. After 

a short break, we will hear 

from Donna Frazier, Caddo 

Parish Attorney, who will give 

us the latest updates on employment 

law and Human 

Resource policies. Ending 

the day, the membership will 

have round table discussions 

where they can talk with their 

counterparts about specific 

topics they are facing in the 

workplace. It is always great 

to hear from your peers and 

receive valuable information 

to bring back to your municipality. 

On Friday, we will begin with 

our mayor’s panel, and after 

evaluations and certificates, 

we will hear from an exciting 

motivational speaker, Marco 

French, 2022 LA. Principal 

of the Year, Disney Educator 

winner, and recipient of the 

National Milken Educator 

Award. 

Early bird registration is due 

March 1, but participants 

may continue to send in registrations 

by mail or credit 

card. For more information, 

call President Constance 

Barbin at 225-642-9600, 

Kristine Scherer at 504-259- 

1068, or email lamsa@currently.com. 

By Kristine Scherer 

LAMSA Conference 

Coordinator 

Page 26 



UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE – RURAL DEVELOPMENT 

Rural Business Development Grants Impact Louisiana Communities 

Rural Development is an essential component 

of fostering economic growth 

and sustainability in rural communities 

across Louisiana. The Rural Business 

Development Grant (RBDG) program, 

administered by the United States Department 

of Agriculture’s Rural Development 

(RD) agency, serves as a vital 

resource for promoting small business 

investments and revitalizing underserved 

rural areas. The goal of the program 

is to stimulate economic growth 

and create jobs by granting funds to 

eligible entities. The applications will 

be categorized into two groups - business 

opportunity grants and business 

enterprise grants - and these funds will 

be used to support a variety of business 

and community projects that benefit rural 

areas. In this article, we will highlight 

four awardees of the RBDG program and 

their innovative initiatives to drive rural 

businesses and communities. 

The Louisiana Chamber of Commerce 

Foundation (LCCF) embarked on its Louisiana 

Regional Tour in 2021, aimed at 

empowering and sustaining the Black, 

Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) 

business community through the establishment 

of local chambers. During 

this tour, the LCCF collaborated with the 

USDA RD outreach team in New Orleans, 

Louisiana. Inspired by this partnership, 

LCCF applied for the RBDG program to 

increase small business investments in 

Bastrop, Louisiana, and Alexandria, Louisiana. 

As a result, LCCF was selected and 

awarded the FY2023 RBDG award for 

$95,217. These funds will be utilized to 

provide technical assistance and support 

the establishment of a business 

support center in Alexandria, fostering 

entrepreneurship and enhancing the 

efficiency and success of existing businesses. 

This project is expected to create 

28 new jobs and preserve 30 existing 

jobs in the region. 

The Zydeco Historical Preservation Society, 

led by President Roderick Sias, 

demonstrated their commitment to rural 

development by applying for the RBDG 

program following their participation 

in outreach initiatives organized by the 

USDA RD agency. The Society received 

the FY2023 RBDG award of $100,000, 

which will be utilized to conduct a Phase 

1 feasibility study and provide technical 

assistance for the development of 

the Opelousas Arts, Music, and Cultural 

District (OAMCD). The initiative’s scope 

includes outlining the district’s boundaries 

and implementing a comprehensive 

study, development, and restoration 

plan for the historic Slim’s Y-Ki Ki site. The 

project is expected to generate 50 new 

job opportunities, contributing to the 

economic growth of the region. 

The City of Bogalusa in Washington Parish, 

Louisiana, was identified as a historically 

underserved target area through 

the USDA’s initiative called CORE (Creating 

Opportunities through Rural Engagement). 

Recognizing the need for 

infrastructure redevelopment, the City 

of Bogalusa applied for the RBDG program 

and was awarded $310,755. These 

funds will be utilized to repave streets in 

the city’s central business district, directly 

benefiting numerous small businesses. 

Through this project, four businesses 

will be assisted, preserving 20 jobs, and 

revitalizing the local economy. 

Lastly, the efforts of USDA RD staff to 

connect with underrepresented communities 

led to an outreach initiative in Claiborne 

Parish, Louisiana. Main Street Homer, 

a nonprofit organization in Homer, 

Louisiana, seized the opportunity and 

applied for the RBDG program. They were 

awarded $215,027, which will be used to 

renovate a historic site and establish an 

outdoor farmer’s market. The market will 

provide a platform for entrepreneurial 

farmers and artisans in Claiborne, while 

also enabling residents and surrounding 

communities to access fresh locally 

grown foods. This project will support 41 

local businesses and foster economic equity 

within the community. 

Through the Rural Business Development 

Grant program, the USDA RD agency 

is playing a crucial role in empowering 

rural communities and facilitating 

economic growth. The diverse initiatives 

undertaken by the Louisiana Chamber of 

Commerce Foundation, Zydeco Historical 

Preservation Society, City of Bogalusa, 

and Main Street Homer highlight the potential 

for positive change and sustainable 

development in rural areas. As these 

awardees continue to tackle barriers, 

identify and eradicate challenges, and invest 

in their communities, the impact of 

the RBDG program will undoubtedly be 

felt for years to come. 

To apply for the Rural Business Development 

Grant, complete applications 

must be submitted in either paper or 

electronic format. The deadline for submission 

is 4:30 p.m. local time on February 

28, 2024. Applications should be 

sent to the United States Department of 

Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development 

(RD) State Office for the State in which 

the project is located. Applicants are 

encouraged to contact their respective 

RD State Office for an email contact to 

submit an electronic application prior to 

the submission deadline date. It is important 

for interested parties to adhere 

to this deadline to ensure consideration 

for the grant program. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

A list of RD State Office contacts is provided 

at the following link: 

https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/ 

state-offices 

By Diedre 

Deculus 

Robert, Esq. 

USDA Rural 

Development 

Louisiana State 

Director 

Robert can be contacted by emailing 

Deidre.Robert@usda.gov. 

Page 28 



GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS INC. 

Need for financing infrastructure projects in 2024? 

First, congratulations and best wishes 

to Governor Jeff Landry, all of the other 

statewide elected officials, and all of the 

Legislators who were sworn into their 

offices on January 8 and 9. May God 

bless you in all of your endeavors for this 

state!! 

If you are in need of financing a project 

in your municipality, I hope that the following 

information will be helpful: 

• The Federal Open Market Committee 

(FOMC) raised their fed funds 

benchmark rate four times, consisting 

of 100 bps, during 2023 to 

attempt to tame inflation. Since 

March of 2022, they have increased 

rates 11 times. This action 

drove interest rates higher than 

they have been in a decade. 

• The interest rate for the 10-year US 

Treasury - the benchmark for rates 

in the country - was extremely volatile 

during 2023 with a difference 

in rates of 168 bps (from a high of 

4.98% to a low of 3.30%). 

• Most (70% based upon the latest 

survey I saw) interest rate gurus are 

predicting interest rate cuts by the 

FOMC beginning as early as March. 

So, if you have projects that must be 

financed this year, get your list and 

amounts needed together, get with 

your advisors and banking team, and 

be ready to execute as rates start falling. 

We may never see rates again at the 

GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS, INC. 

Specializing in Bond Issues and Financing 

levels post the credit crisis in 2008 – ’09 

(I had a muni client with a variable rate 

of 0.01%), but they should start coming 

down from the recent highs. 

GET READY TO PULL THE TRIGGER . . . 

By L. Gordon 

King 

Government 

Consultants, Inc. 

Former LMA Executive Director L. Gordon 

King is a Municipal Advisor at Government 

Consultants Inc. He can be reached at 225- 

344-2098. 

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! 

Page 30 


7 

- REGISTRATION FORM- 

L o u i s i a n a M u n i c i p a l C l e r k s A s s o c i a t i o n 

6 3 r d A n n u a l S p r i n g C o n f e r e n c e 

D o u b l e t r e e H o t e l 

L a f a y e t t e 

A p r i l 2 4 - 2 5 , 2 0 2 4 

NAME 

MUNICIPALITY TITLE 

EMAIL 

TELEPHONE 

Please help facilitate conference planning by answering the following questions: 

Is this your first LMCA Spring Conference? Yes No 

Will you attend the group tour on Wednesday? Yes No 

Will you attend Thursday night’s Annual Banquet? Yes No 

$175 Delegate fee 

$225 Non-Delegate fee 

$25 Tour Guest fee 

$50 Banquet Guest fee Guest Name: 

DISCLAIMER 

In registering for and attending this event, I agree to abide by state and local health mandates as well as any rules put in 

place by the Louisiana Municipal Clerks’ Association or event venues. I understand that by attending this event in person, 

it is possible that I may be exposed to coronavirus, and I hereby assume that risk. 

ACCOMMODATIONS 

A block of rooms has been reserved Doubletree at a rate 

of $134 Single/Double, $154 King. Please call (800) 222- 

8733 and identify the group as 'LA Municipal Clerks 

Association' or give the code 'LMC' to secure the 

discounted rate. The reservations cut-off date is April 9, 

2 024. Hotel check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and check-out is 

12:00 p.m. Guests checking out prior to the departure 

date will result in a $50.00 early departure administrative 

fee. Recommended arrival is Tuesday, April 23rd and 

departure Friday, April 26th. 

REMINDERS: 

Email Ginger Eppes if you are 

eligible for a service award: 

5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, etc. 

Bring a door prize to participate 

in a door prize exchange! 

Exchange your municipal lapel pins. 

QUESTIONS? 

Ginger Eppes (225) 344-5001, geppes@lma.org 

REGISTER ONLINE 

WWW.LMA.ORG 

or 

REGISTER BY MAIL 

Complete this form and return with your registration 

payment in full no later than April 10, 2024. 

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: 

Louisiana Municipal Clerks Association 

P.O. Box 4327 


REFUNDS 

An administrative fee of $45 will be charged for all 

cancellations of the LMCA Spring Conference including 

medical emergencies. 

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 04/10/2024. 

Telephone requests for refunds will not be accepted. 

There will be no exceptions to this policy. 


PRESORT 

STANDARD 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

BATON ROUGE, LA 

PERMIT #319 

Page 32

02 February 2024 Final

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