LMR-October_PROOF6

Louisiana Municipal Review 

PUBLISHED BY THE LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION 

VOL 82, NO. 10 

OCTOBER 2017 

Operation Give Back 

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE 

Like a Good Neighbor, LMA is There Page 4 

Hometown Happenings Page 8 

District C Mayors Meet Page 18 

Cover Story: Operation Give Back Page 21

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parish presidents, state government officials, members of the state Legislature and Congressional Delegation, and others. 

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Editorial offices: Louisiana Municipal Association, 700 North 10th Street, Suite 400, Post Office Box 4327, Baton Rouge, LA 70821- 4327, (225) 344- 

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Statements process or expressions from of LaMATS. opinions appearing herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Louisiana Municipal Association. 

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LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION 

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Second Vice President– Jimmy Williams – Mayor, Sibley 

Page 2 

LMR | October 2017

Director’s Viewpoint 

Inside the LMA 

September 2009 LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL REVIEW Page 15 

LMA Convention Recap 

LMA presents service awards as tribute to 33 longtime elected municipal officials 

ANSWERING THE CALL 

BY JOHN GALLAGHER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Mayor William D’Aquilla, St. Francisville, received a diamond service pin marking ten terms, or 

40 years, of elected municipal service. Another ten-term recipient, Mayor Pro Tempore Edwin 

Britt, Newellton, was unable to attend the ceremony. This year’s ceremony honored 33 munici- 

September was ushered in by Hurricane Harvey, which 

left a trail of destruction along the Gulf Coast of Texas 

and southwest Louisiana. We commend the leadership of 

municipal officials in southwest Louisiana for their tireless 

work and for the service they provided to their citizens 

as the storm made its way through Louisiana. Seeing 

the images on television reminded us here at the LMA 

of the 

Ville Platte, 

flooding 

Mayor Pro 

that 

Tempore 

inundated 

Curtis Francisco, 

Baton 

Cottonport, 

Rouge 

Councilman 

last 

Jim 

August 

Holland, Oak 

and Grove, dramatically and Alderwoman affected Susan Jeansonne, the Hessmer, lives received of several service pins LMA symbolizing and four 

terms, or 16 years, of elected service. Not present were Council Member Jonathan Foster, 

RMI employees. It also brought to mind the outpouring 

Geyen, Lake Charles, Mayor George L. Grace, St. Gabriel, and former Mayor James H. 

of assistance they received during that time, including the 

generous died earlier contributions this year. from across the country donated 

through a NLC GoFundMe account. LMA and RMI staff 

members immediately went to work to pay it forward by 

collecting a large amount of necessary supplies to send 

to those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Louisiana and 

Texas. As we continue our discussion of disaster recovery, 

we chose to feature “Operation Give Back” as our cover 

story for this month’s issue of the Review. 

As Harvey recovery efforts were ramping up, the ferocious 

and enormous Hurricane Irma struck the southwest 

coast of Florida, before moving inland and wreaking 

havoc through every major city in the state. As Irma was 

approaching the Florida Keys, LaMATS Executive Director 

Cliff Palmer loaded up his truck and drove to his home 

in Tallahassee where he rode out the storm. Luckily, his 

home and property sustained only minor damage. After 

pal leaders from 21 municipalities with a combined total of 640 years of public service. 

securing his home, Cliff dedicated many long hours to 

assisting others in the area with cleanup and recovery. 

We are proud of the generosity and perseverance of 

the LMA staff who respond when help is needed. This 

edition is dedicated to them and to all LMA officials, first 

responders, and employees who worked tirelessly to 

not only protect their residents, but to provide shelter 

for those forced to leave their homes, be they Louisiana 

citizens or otherwise. 

In light of these natural disasters, debate over the 

proposed reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance 

Program (NFIP), which was set to expire on September 

30, was indeed timely. Instead of crafting a long-term 

From left, Councilman Joseph “Blackie” Landry, Addis, Councilman Russell “Rusty” Parrish, 

solution 

Addis, Councilwoman 

for reauthorization, 

Edith Williams, Logansport, 

Congress, 

Mayor William 

as part 

Jeanmard, 

of 

Ville 

its 

Platte, 

aid 

package for the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, 

Mayor Michael Chauffe, Grosse Tete, were given service award pins marking six terms, or 24 

passed years, of a elected short-term service. Not present resolution were Councilman to extend David Adams, the Golden NFIP Meadow, until 

Councilman John Hoagland, Many, Councilman I. D. Bostian, Many, Mayor Kenneth Freeman, 

December Many, and Councilman 8. We Patrick continue Loftus, Stonewall. to monitor the progress of 

NFIP reauthorization and are working closely with our 

peers in the southern municipal leagues, the Coalition for 

From left, Mayor Lavelle Brown, Oak Grove, Alderman Scott Kelly, Hessmer, Alderman Wayne 

Bolton, Sibley, Mayor Pro Tempore Oscar S. Mellion, Plaquemine, Councilwoman Carol Alfred, 

Amite, Mayor Lynn Bordelon, Hessmer, Alderman Robert P. Roy, Hessmer, Councilman Rodney 

Rainwater, Sterlington. Honored posthumously was Alderman Brent Bencaz of Livingston, who 

Councilman Ronald Kevin Gantt, Rosedale, Mayor Lawrence “Football” Badeaux, Rosedale, and 

Sustainable Flood Insurance, and the 

National League of Cities, to protect 

municipal interests as this matter 

moves forward. 

October is a month replete with educational opportunities 

in all facets of municipal government. The LMA staff has 

From left, Councilman Arthur L. Perkins, Denham Springs, and Mayor Carroll P. Bourgeois, Addis, 

been busy working with affiliate organizations to organize 

received diamond service pins marking eight terms, or 32 years, of elected municipal service. Not present 

their were retired annual Councilwoman meetings Clara Bass, and Newellton, conferences. and Councilman Clovis The J. Dardeau, Louisiana 

Ville Platte. 

City Attorneys Association will hold its annual Continuing 

Legal Education Professional (CLE) conference Listings 

in Baton Rouge on 

October 21 and 22. I encourage all municipal attorneys 

Call today to find out how you can take your place in this 

to Professional attend this Listing informative Service seminar of the Louisiana focused Municipal on municipal Review 

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LMR | October 2017 Page 3

President’s Message 

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, LMA IS THERE 

BY MAYOR LAWRENCE HENAGAN, CITY OF DEQUINCY, LA 

It never ceases to amaze me 

how unpredictable life can be. 

By this time last year, Louisiana 

had experienced two Great 

Floods of 2016 that left their 

marks on over 80 percent of our state. Trillions of 

gallons of water infiltrated our homes, our vehicles, 

our schools, our infrastructure, our agriculture, and our 

nightmares. Serious help was needed and soon. Good 

people stepped up to the plate and neighbors helped 

neighbors - and even now, they continue to aid the 

recovery effort. 

Everyone stepped up. In DeQuincy, just like in towns 

all across the state, the churches opened their doors 

as shelters. Organizations gathered food and water. 

Ordinary citizens showed up with boats and rescue 

equipment. Volunteers cooked meals and helped 

gut houses. Neighbors helped neighbors and we’re 

recovering together. 

Now, one year later, enters Hurricane Harvey which 

brought unprecedented amounts of rainfall in southeast 

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Texas prompting the Sabine River Authority to open 

the floodgates to relieve pressure on the Toledo Bend 

Dam. This inundated, once again, the homes along 

the Sabine’s east and west side. Many of these folks 

have only recently completed restoration, and now 

find themselves flooded again. Once again, we have 

extended a helping hand within our state and have 

even had many opportunities to reach across its border. 

Neighbors are helping neighbors and once again, we’re 

recovering together. 

I’m proud of the way we have helped each other over 

the past year and I want to encourage everyone to 

keep being a good neighbor. Oftentimes a catastrophic 

event makes it easy to see the people around us 

in need, but we go back to our regular lives and 

sometimes forget that there are folks in our community 

who are still struggling on any given day. Remember, 

everyone needs help sometimes, so let’s not stop being 

good neighbors because the flood waters recede or 

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Page 4 



Governor’s Column 

RECOVERING TOGETHER 

BY JOHN BEL EDWARDS, GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA 

The last several months have been extremely busy for 

Louisiana. Hurricane Harvey commanded our attention 

for days and caused damage in southwest Louisiana, 

while our neighbors in Texas took the brunt of the storm. 

We quickly mobilized more than a dozen state agencies 

to assist our citizens and more than 2,000 Texas 

residents who desperately needed to be evacuated. 

Local and American Red Cross shelters were opened 

along with two state mega shelters in Alexandria and 

Shreveport. Louisiana stepped up to the plate in a 

major way and to help our neighbors during their time 

of need just as they have helped us. I’m proud of every 

Louisianan who had a part in making that happen, and 

much of that credit goes to the local governments. 

On the recovery front at home, more than 44,000 

flood-impacted homeowners have completed the survey 

to participate in the Restore Homeowner Assistance 

Program, but there are many more citizens who need 

help. The program is working and homeowners are 

receiving help with repairs and reimbursements. 

Something important to share is that the program is 

now available to homeowners who had flood insurance 

during the 2016 March and August floods. Additionally, 

reimbursement awards as well as the amount of repair 

costs that can be covered have both been increased. 

Please encourage your constituents to take the survey at 

restore.la.gov or call 866-735-2001 for assistance. 

As you know, we are facing a $1 billion fiscal cliff on 

July 1, 2018 when the additional one-cent sales tax, 

approved by state lawmakers in 2016 will roll off the 

books along with a temporary reduction of tax credits. 

The only way we can address that shortfall is by either 

replacing the revenue or imposing deep budget cuts 

across state government. To be clear, I do not believe 

the additional penny of sales tax should be extended, 

but the revenue that penny generates must be replaced 

by other measures. I am not asking for new revenue, only 

to maintain what the state is currently collecting. 

As public servants, we have an obligation to the people 

we serve to come together and avoid the financial crisis 

that is quickly approaching. You have an important role 

to play and your input is valuable. That’s why I have 

been traveling the state and meeting with community 

stakeholders and business leaders to discuss our 

options and solicit their input. I 

have held eight meetings thus far 

and they have all been productive. Ideas have been 

offered by leaders who are invested in the success 

of their communities and this state. They clearly 

understand the gravity of our financial problems and are 

committed to finding viable solutions that will provide 

the long-term predictability and stability our state 

budget desperately needs. 

In addressing our budget shortfall, it is important that 

we deal with the facts and not myths. The truth is the 

State General Fund in 2017 is $1 billion less than it was 10 

years ago. Since taking office, I have cut more than $600 

million in state general funds, more than any governor 

has ever done. For the first time in nine years, higher 

education funding has been stabilized with no cuts in 

the current year’s budget and TOPS is fully funded. 

Medicaid expansion has created more jobs in the 

health care sector than ever before, and our medically 

uninsured rate has dropped significantly to 10 percent. 

On top of that, we ended the last fiscal year with the 

state’s first budget surplus since Fiscal Year 2014 and the 

state’s unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest rate 

since August 2008. 

There are viable options to help us overcome our budget 

problems, many of which were recommended by the 

bipartisan task force that was created by the legislature 

to study the state’s budget and tax structure. We have 

made some difficult choices since I took office, but we 

are on the cusp of doing great things for our state. 

Party affiliations aside, it will take input from many 

people to develop a plan to stabilize our state 

budget. The necessary steps won’t always be the easiest 

to take, but by working together we can improve our 

future and prevent serious harm from being inflicted 

on our citizens which could happen if we don’t resolve 

this budget crisis. All of the information shared during 

my meetings around the state will be taken under 

serious consideration. I look forward to talking with you 

and the LMA to get your ideas as well. God bless you all 

and our great state. 


Legal Briefs 

OT REGULATION OVERTURNED 

BY KAREN DAY WHITE, EXECUTIVE COUNSEL 

In June of 2016, this column 

discussed the new U.S. Department 

of Labor rule that expanded the 

number of workers eligible for overtime compensation 

by about 4 million persons. The rule, which was issued 

on May 18, 2016, sought to significantly increase the 

minimum salary level necessary for employees to be 

properly classified as exempt executive, administrative, 

and professional employees. The rule also provided 

that the salary threshold would be automatically 

adjusted periodically, so that no additional rules would 

be required to adjust that level in the future. 

Almost immediately, the DOL rule was challenged in 

several states, including Texas. In November of 2016, 

Texas U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant issued a 

nationwide injunction staying the effective date of the 

rule (December 1) until resolution of the lawsuit. Nine 

months later, on August 31, 2017, Judge Mazzant issued 

a ruling invalidating the Obama-era regulation. The 

court’s ruling centered on the rule’s overemphasis on 

salary as a determinative factor in deciding whether an 

employee is exempt (not entitled to overtime) or nonexempt 

(entitled to overtime). 

Mazzant wrote, “The department has exceeded its 

authority and gone too far with the final (overtime) 

rule.” Mazzant opined that nothing in the Fair Labor 

Standards Act “allows the department to make salary 

rather than an employee’s duties determinative of 

whether a ‘bona fide executive, administrative, or 

professional capacity’ employee should be exempt 

from overtime pay.” Based on the same reasoning, 

Mazzant also invalidated the portion of the rule that 

mandated automatic increases in the overtime pay cap 

every three years. 

For Louisiana municipalities, this is welcome news. 

As the state’s budgetary woes continue, available 

local revenue and resources become more scarce; 

so, implementing a massive expansion of overtime 

compensation for municipal employees would have 

been problematic, to say the least. 

Interestingly, the court expressly gave the nod to 

the Trump administration to promulgate its own 

DOL rule on the matter, should it choose to do so. 

There is no indication that the Trump administration 

plans on appealing Mazzant’s decision, so nearly all 

legal analysts agree that Obama’s DOL rule is dead. 

Those same scholars also believe that the Trump 

administration will adopt a new DOL rule that modestly 

expands overtime eligibility through salary criteria 

adjustments, while maintaining focus on the employee’s 

job duties as an integral part of the analysis. We will 

keep you apprised of any new overtime rules as they 

are adopted. 

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

replacement for consultation with your own municipal attorney, 

and it should not be considered legal advice for any particular case 

or situation. You are encouraged to use the contents of this column 

as a platform to have meaningful discussions with your municipal 

counsel regarding possible litigation issues. 

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Page 6 



Attorney General’s Opinions 

BY JEFF LANDRY, ATTORNEY GENERAL 

Dual Officeholding 

Opinion: 16-0131A The provisions of 

the Dual Officeholding and Dual 

Employment Law do not prohibit 

the full time Director of Finance and Human Resources 

of Lafourche Parish from overseeing and supervising 

the Lafourche Parish Department of Finance and the 

Lafourche Parish Department of Human Resources. 

Opinion Released: 8/14/2017 

Opinion: 17-0009 The provisions of the Dual Officeholding 

and Dual Employment Law do not prohibit a member 

of the Hammond City Council from holding full time 

employment as the manager of the Tangipahoa Parish 

Sewerage District No. 1. Opinion Released: 8/14/2017 


and Dual Employment Law do not prohibit a full-time 

employee of the Lafourche Parish government from 

serving as a member of the Board of Commissioners of 

the Lafourche Parish Communications District. Opinion 

Released: 8/16/2017 


and Dual Employment Law do not prohibit the elected 

Chief of Police of the Village of Edgefield from holding 

full time employment as a police officer in the Town of 

Coushatta. Opinion Released: 8/14/2017 


and Dual Employment Law do not prohibit the 

part time City of Broussard Street Commissioner 

from holding part time employment with the City 

of Broussard Department of Parks and Recreation. 

Opinion Released: 8/14/2017 


and Dual Employment Law do not prohibit a member 

of the Board of Aldermen of the Village of Athens 

from providing water meter reading services through a 

contract with the Village of Athens. Opinion Released: 

8/22/2017 


and Dual Employment Law prohibit the Marshal of the 

City Court of Jeanerette from serving as the full time 

Chief of Police of the City of Jeanerette. The provisions 

of the Dual Officeholding and Dual Employment 

Law do not prohibit the Marshal of the City Court of 

Jeanerette from serving as the part time Chief of Police 

of the City of Jeanerette. Opinion Released: 8/21/2017 


and Dual Employment Law do not prohibit a full-time 

police officer with the City of Lake Providence from 

holding the part time position of Resource Officer 

with the East Carroll Parish School System. Opinion 


Police Chief 

Opinion: 17-0023 Obtaining a new telephone service 

is within the inherent power of the police chief to 

supervise his office. Opinion Released: 8/16/2017 

Fire Chief 

Opinion: 17-0054 The Kenner Fire Chief is the appointing 

authority for the employees of the Kenner Fire 

Department. Opinion Released: 8/17/2017 

Municipal Property 

Opinion: 17-0061 The Town of Benton must adhere to 

the mandates of La. Const. art. VII, Sec. 14 and La. R.S. 

33:4712 in the sale of a servitude on immovable Town 

property. Opinion Released: 8/18/2017 

Zoning 

Opinion: 16-0194 Three votes of the five members of 

the Council of the City of Hammond are required to 

approve or deny an amendment to the City’s zoning 

map. Opinion Released: 8/21/2017 

Telecom Charges 

Opinion: 17-0010 The Madison Parish Communications 

District is prohibited from expending the telephone 

service charge funds or the parish millage tax funds 

for the purpose of paying volunteer firemen fees on 

a monthly “per call” basis pursuant to the restrictions 

of La. R.S. 33:9109.2(A) and La. R.S. 39:704. Opinion 


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4: PRESIDENT 

Continue on with your good neighbor efforts where you 

can - you never know when you will be the one in need 

of the helping hand. Furthermore, be assured that the 

LMA family is ready to assist in any way possible. 

There is much work to be done. Stay tuned to next 

month’s message for more on that front! 


Gretna Heritage Festival 

Sept 29 - Oct 1, Gretna 

www.gretnafest.com 

Beauregard Parish Fair 

Oct 3-7, DeRidder 

beauregardparishfair. 

vpweb.com 

Red River Parish Fair 

and Rodeo 

Oct 3 – 7, Coushatta 

Pine Beetle Festival 

Oct 4-7, Village of Castor 

St. Tammany Parish Fair 

Oct 4 - 8, Covington 

www.sttammanyparishfair. 

info 

Tangipahoa Parish Fair 

Oct 4 - 8, Amite 

www.tangipahoaparishfair. 

org 

West LA Forestry Festival 

Oct 4-8, Leesville 

www.vppjla.com 

Town of Sibley National 

Night Out 

Oct 10, Sibley 

Zwolle Tamale Fiesta 

Oct 13-14, Zwolle 

www.zwolletamalefiesta. 

com 

La Fete Des Vieux Temps 

Oct 6-8, Raceland 

Lighthouse Festival 

Oct 7-8, Berwick 

www.townofberwick.org 

Hometown Happenings 

Livingston Parish Fair 

Oct 10-15, Livingston 

www.livingstonparishfair.org 

LA Cotton Festival 

Oct 10-15, Ville Platte 

www. 

louisianacottonfestival.com 

Calcasieu Cameron 

Parish Fair 

Oct 18-22, Sulphur 

www.calcamfair.com 

LA Cattle Festival & Fair 

Oct 12-15, Abbeville 

www.louisianacattlefestival. 

org 

Bridge City Gumbo Festival 

Oct 13-15, Bridge City 

www. 

bridgecitygumbofestival.org 

LA Gumbo Festival of 

Chackbay 

Oct 13-15, Thibodaux 

www.lagumbofest.com 

St. John Andouille Festival 

Oct 13-15, LaPlace 

www.andouillefestival.com 

St. Peters Fishermen’s 

Festiva 

Oct 20-22, Reserve 

www.stpeterreserve.org 

Ragley Heritage 

& Timber Festival 

Oct 21, Ragley 

www.visitlakecharles.org 

LA Tournoi De La 

Ville Platte 

Oct 15, Ville Platte 

www.louisianatournoi.com 

Washington Parish Free Fair 

Oct 18-21, Franklinton 

www.freefair.com 

International Rice Festival 

Oct 19-22, Crowley 

www.ricefestival.com 

Harvest Moon Festival 

Oct 21, Franklin 

La Ville Uni Festival 

Oct 21, Westlake 

Rougarou Fest 

Oct 21-23, Houma 

www.rougaroufest.org 

Harry L. Hooker Memorial 

Holy Smoke BBQ Cook-off & 

Praise Festival 

Oct 28, DeQuincy 

Maringouin Fall Festival 

Oct 29, Maringouin 

Vendors contact 

(225) 625-2630 for details 

State Fair of Louisiana 

Oct 26-Nov 12, Shreveport 

www.statefairoflouisiana. 

com 

French Food Festival 

Oct 27-29, Larose 

www.bwayoucivicclub.org 

Greater Baton Rouge State 

Fair 

Oct 26 – Nov 5, Baton Rouge 

www.gbrsf.com 

Calendar of Events 

OCTOBER 

4 LIDEA Economic Development Training, 10:00 a.m.- 

3:00 p.m. at Arcadia Event Center, 1819 S. Railroad 

Ave., Arcadia, LA. Lunch will be provided. 

10-12 Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police Fall 

Conference will be held Oct 10-12 in Baton Rouge at 

the Downtown Hilton. 

11 Louisiana Municipal Association Executive Board 

Meeting will start at 10:00 a.m. in the LMA Office 

Building, 700 North 10th Street, Baton Rouge, 70802, 

First Floor Meeting Room 3. Info: Cami Barlow, 

Executive Assistant, cbarlow@lma.org. 

18 LMGA Executive Committee Meeting will start at 

10:00 a.m. and the LMGA Board Meeting will start at 

11:00 a.m. in the LMA Office Building, 700 North 10th 

Street, Baton Rouge, 70802. Info: Samantha Bell, 

LMGA Accountant, (at sbell@lma.org. 

20-21 Louisiana City Attorneys Association’s 2017 Fall 

Conference and CLE will be held at the Embassy 

Suites Hotel, 4914 Constitution Avenue in Baton 

Rouge. Info: Penny Ambeau-Scott, Membership 

Services Coordinator, pambeau@lma.org. 

22-26 Louisiana Municipal Clerks Institute. Embassy Suites, 

Baton Rouge. Please register for this event on our 

website, www.lma.org. Info: Kelly Drone, Membership 

Services Coordinator, kelly@lma.org. 

Page 8 



Employee Spotlight 

WELCOME ABOARD! 

BY CLAIRE SHAW, LMA MEMBER SERVICES ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 

Please join us in welcoming four new faces in the LMA 

building: 

Slated to graduate from LSU 

Law School in the spring of 2018, 

Torrie Lawson hails from Loyola 

University with a B.A. in History 

and a minor in Political Science. Her 

academic achievements and work 

experience are assets for the LMA 

Legal Department in her role as a 

law clerk. She previously worked 

in the 4th Circuit Court of Appeal 

and the Louisiana Supreme Court, 

and has served as a teaching assistant at LSU. While 

attending law school, Torrie has received two merit 

scholarships. She currently serves as Historian for the 

Black Law Student Association and is a LSU Law School 

Ambassador. In her leisure time, Torrie enjoys teaching 

dance fundamentals and choreographing routines for 

students of all ages at a local dance studio. 

David Marcase joined the LMA 

Legal Department at the end of 

August. As Defense Counsel, David 

defends members of the Louisiana 

Municipal Risk Management 

Agency’s interlocal fund. David 

has a B.A. in History from Louisiana 

College – where he later returned 

to teach history for about 13 years 

– and a Master’s degree in History 

from LSU. He received his Juris 

Doctorate from Mississippi College School of Law in 

1993, where he served on the Law Review. David comes 

to us from Louisiana House Legislative Services where 

he worked as a staff attorney for the House Insurance 

Committee. Prior to that, David worked at two law firms 

in Marksville and Pineville, specializing in personal injury 

and workers’ compensation cases. He also served as 

Vice-President and General Counsel for The Cottonport 

Bank/Eagle American Life Insurance Company, and as 

a liaison in the 12th Judicial District Court in Avoyelles 

Parish. David enjoys spending time with family, golfing, 

and is an avid sports fan and statistician. 

Laura Pousson is also a welcome 

addition to the LMA Legal 

Department. As a second-year law 

student, Laura is involved in the 

Public Interest Law Society, is an 

LSU Law Ambassador and member 

of the Law School Yearbook 

Committee, and is a founder of the 

LSU Law Tennis Club. Passionate 

about writing, Laura serves as a 

Junior Associate on the Journal 

of Energy Law and Resources, which is a prestigious 

invitation-only position. Born and raised in Lake Charles, 

Laura graduated from McNeese State University with a 

B.A. in English and a minor in Education. Although she 

is a certified secondary English teacher, Laura’s end 

goal was always to be a trial lawyer. Outside of her busy 

work and school regimen, Laura loves outdoor activities, 

photography, and travelling. 

LaMATS is pleased that Southern 

University student Chandler Vidrine 

has come on board as an intern. 

Chandler hails from Ville Platte, 

where he held a leadership role 

at Mamou High School; as Class 

President for four years, Beta Club 

President, and Vice President of 

the Future Business Leaders of 

America, among others. Chandler 

was recognized as a Mamou High 

School Master Student for two years. For the past 

three summers, Chandler worked as an Administrative 

Assistant in both the Evangeline Parish Courthouse and 

Ville Platte City Hall. Chandler is currently enrolled in 

pre-law classes with the goal of one day being either 

a criminal prosecutor or an attorney with a nursing 

background who handles medical malpractice cases. He 

was recently honored by being appointed SU Freshman 

Class Chief of Justice. In his spare time, Chandler enjoys 

learning new things, traveling, going out with friends, and 

meeting new people. 

The LMA is fortunate to benefit from the unique 

experiences of our newest employees as each makes a 

personal, distinctive contribution to our organization. 


LaMATS BidBoard and LA-PTAC 

Team Up on Vendor Recruitment 

Because a strong 

vendor base is 

key to success 

at the BidBoard 

Procurement 

Network, LaMATS has 

partnered with the 

nonprofit Louisiana 

Procurement Technical Assistance Center (LA-PTAC), 

located on the campus of ULL, a move that will bring 

news of local government bids to hundreds of contractready 

Louisiana product and service providers. 

LA-PTAC, a free service that offers specialized assistance 

to Louisiana businesses seeking contracts with federal, 

state and local governments, has facilitated more than 

$8.6 billion in contract awards for its clients since 1989. 

The new partnership with LaMATS BidBoard will give 

LA-PTAC clients immediate access to LMA members’ 

sealed bids and reverse auction opportunities by 

automatically pulling BidBoard postings into its popular 

bid matching database and helping vendors understand 

and respond to local government solicitations. 

“Pairing up with LA-PTAC is a natural match,” said 

LaMATS Procurement Director Paul Holmes. “As LaMATS 

posts bid opportunities for municipal members, their 

local vendors and contractors will receive notice of the 

opportunity by having registered, free of charge, with 

LA-PTAC. This should increase responses to member 

solicitations and expand access to new business for LA- 

PTAC clients.” 

Sherrie Mullins, LA-PTAC Program Manager, agrees. 

“We have a common goal to make municipal bids easily 

available to Louisiana small businesses,” said Mullins. 

“Our vision is that the LAMATS Bid Board System will 

become a dynamic list of municipal bid opportunities 

to share with Louisiana companies, therefore expanding 

their opportunities for success in the government 

marketplace and boosting the economy of Louisiana.” 

To take advantage of this new partnership, LaMATS 

encourages all Louisiana vendors interested in doing 

business with local government to register with LA- 

PTAC through its online application form [http:// 

www.ptassist.com/services/ptac_web_application. 

php?id=6F40B16274]. 

Applicants to the site will be matched with a counselor 

and included in LA-PTAC’s bid matching program, which 

conducts customized lead searches based on vendor 

needs and geography and 

will now include all current 

solicitations from participants 

in the LaMATS Bidboard 

Procurement Network. 

LMA member municipalities 

that wish to participate in the 

BidBoard should register for 

access at lamatsbidboard.com 

or contact Paul Holmes via 

email at paul@lamats.net. 

Page 10 


You Are Under Arrest! 

BY JERRY CRONIN, RMI GENERAL MANAGER 

So that there is no misunderstanding 

as to the attitude with which 

I undertake penning this article, 

please know that, without exception, 

I sincerely believe that a law 

enforcement officer, carrying out 

his/her daily assignment, has not only the right, but the 

duty, to do all that is necessary and legal to return home 

safely at the end of their tour of duty. 

Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 201 

through 233 provide an expansive codification of the 

rationale for making an arrest, as well as the duties of 

the arresting officer(s). These articles also provide the 

rationale for summons and detention, and the provisions 

for arrest by a private person. Further, these articles 

detail the discretion an officer has when determining 

whether to make an arrest or to issue a summons in each 

situation, and authorize the right to use necessary force 

to make an arrest. 

Despite these clear definitions/instructions, each year 

there are numerous petitions filed claiming that the 

petitioner was falsely arrested and/or was subjected to 

excessive force while being arrested, which must be resolved 

by either judicial action or negotiated settlement. 

When the petitioner is convicted of, or pleads guilty to, 

the charges forming the basis for the arrest, the false 

arrest issue becomes moot; however, the excessive force 

claim may remain a viable issue to be decided by the 

judge or jury. 

Sadly, in many cases, the criminal charges are not prosecuted, 

leaving the municipality and the arresting officer 

in jeopardy on the issue of false arrest. 

The Code of Criminal Procedure also states that, “a person 

shall peacefully submit to a lawful arrest”, thereby 

establishing their obligation to obey the law. Yet their 

failure to “peacefully submit” seems to be overlooked or 

downplayed in some cases, while, simultaneously, the officer’s 

actions are strictly scrutinized under the required 

legal standard. 

Let’s first deal with the issue of failure to prosecute: is 

this decision reasonable? If the officer has failed to execute 

a lawful arrest, or fails to provide sufficient documentation 

of the offense to support the charge for which 

the arrest occurred, the decision to not prosecute is 

principled. Otherwise, considering the consequences to 

the municipality and the officer, the failure to prosecute 

doesn’t seem appropriate. 

A Word from 

Our Affiliates 

The issue of excessive force can be complicated because 

while the officer is permitted to use whatever force is 

reasonable and necessary to overcome resistance of the 

individual, that decision must be made by the officer 

based on the perception and judgment of immediate, 

cogent circumstances – often in a split second. This is 

a critical consideration in excessive force claims since 

hindsight and after-the-fact analysis can alter what the 

officer would have done had he/she had exhaustive facts 

and time to make the decision. 

In the months and years following an incident, litigation 

may unfold. Because delays are permitted for filing an 

action and serving notice, it is critically important that 

the entity insuring or indemnifying the municipality be 

notified immediately of incidents that will likely result 

in future civil action. Further, the successful defense of 

a claim for damages will strongly depend on detailed 

reporting of all that was said and done by all parties, 

witness statements, and available audio and/or video 

evidence of the incident. 

Diligence in collecting and preserving all evidence – 

good and bad – is essential for bringing the claim to a 

proper resolution. Equally important are the officer’s 

ability to demonstrate professionalism and the officer’s 

credibility on the stand. 

Providing additional guidance, the Code obliges an officer 

to “advise fully the reason for his arrest.” Failure to 

adequately advise a subject has, in some cases, justified 

subsequent resistance. It appears, then, that clarification 

of the officer’s rationale behind an arrest would be helpful 

to gain peaceful submission. 

Although I have never been arrested, I believe that the 

moment is fraught with emotion for the subject, regardless 

of the actions giving rise to the arrest. For the 

officer, executing an arrest may also be an emotional experience, 

depending on the circumstances preceding the 

arrest. However, as a law enforcement professional, the 

officer is expected to maintain emotional control. The 

demeanor, tone, and attitude of the officer may go a long 

way toward defusing a very bad situation and fostering a 

peaceful outcome. 

The officer can do everything right and the arrest may 

still go awry. In those cases, it is the job of defense counsel 

to ensure that the court/jury understand that the officer 

was faithfully performing his/her duty and exercising 

his/her right to return home safely. 

If you have questions concerning this article contact me 

at Risk Management, Inc. 


Clerks Corner 

BY CHRISTINE TRAHAN, LMCA PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER 

LMCA GEARS UP FOR THE 42ND ANNUAL CLERKS INSTITUTE 

The 42nd Annual Louisiana 

Municipal Clerks Institute will take 

place from October 22-26, 2017 in 

Baton Rouge at the Embassy Suites 

Hotel. 

Seventeen applicants were awarded the Gloria King 

Memorial Scholarship this year. Through generous 

contributions from LaMATS, LMA and LMCA, clerks who 

might not otherwise be able to attend this Institute due 

to limited resources of their municipality are given the 

opportunity to attend and gain knowledge needed to be 

effective municipal clerks. 

The Institute is a week full of classes and discussions on 

topics which affect all sizes of municipalities, whether 

villages, towns or cites. This Institute also provides 

continuing education for clerks who have served for 

many years. As municipal clerks we all understand the 

importance of having the most up to date information on 

the issues with regard to operations of local government. 

I recently had the opportunity to 

participate in the Clerk’s Technical 

Assistance Program. I traveled to 

a nearby town and spent the day 

there with a new clerk as well as the 

new mayor. I highly recommend 

this program to any clerks who 

are just overwhelmed with the 

enormous amount of responsibility that comes with this 

position. For those clerks who can help, please consider 

participating, even if its just to be available by phone or 

email to answer questions. If you haven’t done so, please 

complete the survey which was sent out and return them 

to Sherry McCann at mccann.sherry@bellsouth.net. 

I’m looking forward to meeting clerks who are new to 

the LMCA and visiting with all returning clerks. Don’t 

forget to bring your municipal pins. See you in Baton 

Rouge! 

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Contact your Water System Consultant 

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Page 12 


Partner Insight 

New Opioid Fighting Initiative 

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry – in 

partnership with Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, and 

Fire Chiefs – has announced a collaborative 

initiative to arm first responders with a 

drug to aid opioid overdose victims. 

Naloxone, commonly called Narcan, is a 

prescription medication that counteracts 

the effects of opioids to restore breathing 

during an overdose. Attorney General 

Landry’s office, through a $1 million settlement, 

will make single draw-down doses of naloxone 

available to first responders who request them. Once 

requesting agencies submit a brief application to the 

Louisiana Department of Justice (LADOJ), they will 

receive a voucher or vouchers which can be redeemed 

for naloxone at local pharmacies. The naloxone will 

come at no cost to the agency itself. 

“Our office is pleased by this settlement which will 

help get first responders much needed resources to 

help fight the opioid epidemic plaguing our State,” 

said Attorney General Landry. “I am appreciative of the 

partnership between our office and Pfizer, as well as 

the continued support from our first responders who 

strive daily to rid Louisiana of opioid related overdoses 

and deaths.” 

Naloxone works by temporarily blocking opioid receptors 

and, if administered timely, can reverse an opiate 

overdose, saving lives. Experience has shown that 

non-medical personnel are able to administer naloxone 

with minimal training, enabling law enforcement personnel 

to act swiftly in the case of a suspected opioid 

overdose. 

The LADOJ will coordinate the transfer of naloxone 

from Pfizer to local drug wholesalers, who will then distribute 

the product upon receipt of the DOJ vouchers. 

“The Attorney General worked for months to not only 

come up with a solution, but also a way to implement 

that solution,” said State Senator Fred Mills. “I 

want to thank Attorney General Landry for coming up 

with something that the other 49 states couldn’t come 

up with.” 

“We, along with other communities throughout the 

country, have seen our heroin overdose cases quadruple,” 

said Lafayette Sheriff Mark Garber. “Equipping our 

deputies with Narcan will aid our efforts to save lives 

as we respond to overdose calls. On behalf of Acadiana 

law enforcement, I want to thank Attorney General 

Landry for helping us obtain this valuable life-saving 

tool at no additional cost to our agencies.” 

This new initiative comes on the heels of 

the “End the Epidemic LA” informational 

campaign, launched last month by Attorney 

General Landry. The website (www. 

EndtheEpidemicLA.org) offers resources 

and information to those who may 

be struggling with opioid abuse or know 

someone who is. 

“We will remain steadfast in fighting back 

against opioid abuse, misuse, and overdose,” said Attorney 

General Landry. “This is a real problem that has 

directly affected our families and friends and it must be 

stopped in order to make our State a safer and healthier 

place.” 

Before digging, call 811 

at least two full work days in advance. 

That’s all it takes to notify LA One Call 

members, so they can mark nearby utility 

lines and pipelines to prevent injury and 

costly accidents. 

IT’S THE LAW. IT’S FREE. 

Call or click www.LAOneCall.com 


Rural Development 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ENDEAVORS 

ARE VITAL TO GROW AND SUSTAIN RURAL AREAS 

BY LEE A. JONES, ACTING STATE DIRECTOR, USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT, LOUISIANA 

Many rural communities 

throughout the state are 

struggling to survive. 

These difficulties might 

include responding to high poverty rates, 

attracting and retaining jobs, quality housing, 

and access to affordable food, new capital, and 

new business. USDA Rural Development (RD) programs 

can help fund rural projects with a focus on quality of life, 

economic development, workforce, and innovation. 

To ensure that rural residents enjoy the same basic quality 

of life services enjoyed by those in urban areas, a vibrant 

community must have essential resources and facilities 

for utilities, telecommunications, community facilities, and 

business development – especially in underserved and 

economically distressed areas. 

RD Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program 

can provide funding to develop essential facilities in rural 

areas, villages, and towns with no more than 20,000 

residents according to the latest U.S. Census Data. 

Funding is available to public bodies, community-based 

non-profit corporations, and federally recognized tribes. 

RD leverages funding with other public and private credit 

sources to meet business and credit needs in underserved 

areas. 

In your community, are you experiencing an upturn 

in drug abuse and addiction? Did you know that RD 

has programs for construction of treatment facilities, 

telemedicine, and transitional housing to help with 

opioid addiction? Are you one of those small towns in 

need of modernized facilities? RD funds can help with 

constructing hospitals, schools, fire and police stations, 

building or renovating public facilities such as town halls, 

courthouses, or street improvements, and expanding 

food banks, farmers markets, and so much more. Do you 

have internet access in your town? Connection to modern 

technology is vital for rural schools, households, and 

businesses. 

Making long-term investments in your community will 

help to ensure that rural areas throughout the state are 

self-sustaining, repopulating, and thriving economically. 

RD programs and services are critical for the survival 

of small municipalities. As leaders and citizens, your 

leadership and guidance for community improvement 

is imperative. Let us know what your challenges are and 

we can collaborate with you to develop and 

improve your communities. 

For more information, visit www.rd.usda. 

gov/la or contact RD field staff in the Area 

Offices. RD Area Offices are located in Monroe 

(318) 343-4467, Natchitoches (318) 352-7100, 

Lafayette (337) 262-6601, and Amite (985) 

748-8751. For further direction, call the State Office at 

(318) 473-7920. RD launched RD Apply, a system that 

allows customers to submit applications online for loans 

and grants. 

Details: For more information about this message and 

USDA Rural Development programs and initiatives, 

contact Karen Lawson, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA 

RD Louisiana State Office, (318) 473-7917, karen.lawson@ 

la.usda.gov. 

Looking for 

Salary Data? 

Through a partnership with 

SurveyNavigator, LMA 

members can find salary data for 

more than 60 jobs commonly 

found in Louisiana local 

government. With an easy online 

interface, Louisiana’s elected and 

appointed officials can make 

hiring and advancement decisions 

with confidence in the most 

current and accurate data 

Compare directly 

between munis 

Accurate and 

timely info 

Customized 

search and save 

available in the market. 

LaMATS 

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

Page 14 


Partner Insight 

Treasury Notes 

ESTABLISHING THE KEVIN P. REILLY SR. LOUISIANA EDUCATION 

QUALITY TRUST FUND ONE OF SMARTEST MOVES STATE EVER MADE 

BY RON HENSON, STATE TREASURER 

Over the past decade, higher 

education institutions have felt the 

sting of repeated budget cuts to 

the tune of $82 million in overall funding. Louisiana’s 

universities and community colleges continue to take 

a beating when the state seeks out the money it needs 

to fill budget holes. If education were truly a priority for 

our state, we would “put our money where our mouth is” 

by enacting measures that ensure education funding is 

protected. 

Louisiana voters did this in 1986 when they approved a 

constitutional amendment establishing the Kevin P. Reilly 

Sr. Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund (LEQTF). It’s 

hard to believe that more than 30 years have passed 

since the creation of the trust fund, and it’s still one of 

the smartest moves the state ever made for education. 

The LEQTF was established with a $641 million 

settlement with the federal government over oil and gas 

revenues. Instead of using the windfall to fund current 

operating expenses, the state put $541 million away into 

a trust fund for education. 

The LEQTF was the brainchild of my friend, the late Kevin 

P. Reilly, Sr., who spearheaded the legislation that led to 

its creation. Kevin was a former legislator and lifelong 

proponent of education. His legislation permanently 

dedicated the proceeds from the oil and gas settlement 

with the federal government to benefit students in 

elementary, secondary and higher education. In 2013, 

lawmakers renamed the LEQTF in his honor. 

The State Treasury has unique oversight of the LEQTF, 

and we work to preserve the fund’s capital, enhance 

its market value, and provide a stable income stream. 

The three major sources of income for the trust fund 

are investments, capital gains/losses and royalties. For 

FY 2016, total income from all sources equaled $81.75 

million. 

Annual earnings on LEQTF investments are allocated 

pursuant to Act 698 of the 2001 Regular Legislative 

Session and then split between the Board of Regents 

for higher education and the Board of Elementary and 

Secondary Education (BESE) for students in K-12. For 

the 2016 Fiscal Year, the fund allocated $21.61 million to 

Regents and $21.55 million to BESE. Over the life of the 

LEQTF, these two agencies have received $1.635 billion in 

total allocations. 

There are internal and legislative benchmarks the 

Treasury strives to meet when it comes to the investment 

of LEQTF dollars. The fund’s total rate of return during 

FY 2016 was 5.47 percent, which beat legislative 

benchmarks of the 30-day Treasury Bill which earned 0.11 

percent, and the Two-year Treasury Note, which earned 

1.25 percent. Fixed income investments earned a total 

rate of return of 5.44 percent during this time, beating 

the Barclays Government/Credit bond benchmark, 

which earned 4.33 percent. Equity investments earned 

a whopping 20.74 percent, beating the S&P 500, which 

earned 3.99 percent. 

Investment income generated by the LEQTF is dedicated 

to providing educational enrichment programs. BESE and 

Regents use the money earned on LEQTF investments 

to fund research projects, grant proposals and other 

educational enhancements. 

Because of the LEQTF, BESE has been able to dedicate 

millions for pre-K programs, teacher certifications, and 

virtual/state-wide distance learning. Regents has been 

able to fund graduate fellowships, scholarships and 

research projects. Because of continued budget cuts 

across education, many of these programs would fall by 

the wayside without the LEQTF. 

The LEQTF, along with TOPS and the START 529 College 

Savings program, is one of a handful of programs in 

Louisiana that gets it right when it comes to prioritizing 

education. Louisiana leaders should continue to support 

programs like these that demonstrate our state’s 

commitment to education and protect much-needed 

funding for students of all ages. 


Louisiana Housing Corporation 

L. GORDON KING 

GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS, INC. 

FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LMA (1993 – 2000) 

The LHC has been around since the late-1970’s providing 

loans for homes and assistance for affordable multi-family 

housing for our citizens. Recently, the LHC has been 

through a series of changes, and you should contact them 

to see how to assist your constituents. 

Last year, an almost entirely new board was named by the 

Governor and other appointing authorities. Now, Buddy 

Spillers - who created in the ‘90’s and ran the Macon 

Ridge Economic Development Corporation in northeast 

Louisiana for years - is the Chairman of LHC. I had the 

privilege of working with Buddy in my years with the LMA, 

and he knows virtually every mayor and elected official 

in that portion of the state!! Buddy is from Ferriday, and 

understands the importance of networking with local 

governments. In addition, Mayor Jennifer Vidrine is the 

LHC Vice-Chairwoman. No stranger to LMA functions, 

this Ville Platte Mayor never stops trying to help her 

constituents (and now the citizens of this state). You 

know when the Mayor walks into the room - she’s a great 

spokeswoman for our state!! Buddy and the Mayor are 

working with the other LHC Board members to get the 

word out. 

In addition, the LHC has a new Executive Director,Keith 

Cunningham (who previously served as General Counsel to 

the LHC), and a new Chief Operating Officer, Brad Sweazy 

(who worked for the Kentucky Housing Corporation at one 

point in his extensive housing career). All of whom have 

SEE HOUSING, PAGE 17 

GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS, INC. 

Specializing in Bond Issues and Financing 

OVERVIEW 

L. Gordon King 

Nnamdi I. Thompson 

Shaun B. Toups 

David M. Medlin 

James R. Ryan 

Stephen Holley 

Dede Riggins 

(SEC Registered Municipal Advisors) 

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 grown. 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 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. 

700 North 10 th Street Annex Bldg. 

Baton Rouge, LA 70802 

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

gcla@gc‐la.net (email) 

We Have The Experience! 

Page 16 


Municipalities 

City of Zachary Continues to Recover 

BY DAVID AMRHEIN, MAYOR, CITY OF ZACHARY 

January 10th, 2017 was the sixth 

anniversary of the City’s current 

administration. It also served to 

remind us that one hundred fifty-two 

days prior, August rains triggered a 

series of weather events that would 

forever change the lives of many 

Zachary families, friends, neighbors and fellow citizens. 

The resultant “1000” year rain and flood event, better 

known in government as FEMA – DR 4277 would have 

far ranging effects, without regard for its victims or 

the debilitating socio-economic impacts that it would 

generate during its short life. 

The long term effects are still painfully obvious and all one 

needs to do is to drive through the parts of Zachary most 

heavily impacted by the storms passage in order to bear 

witness to the loss and devastation suffered by so many. 

There are those who would say that Zachary fared better 

than many other communities; a statement arguably 

challenged by the 450 Zachary homeowners and 50 

businesses severely impacted by this singular event. 

“Resilience”, a now favored recovery buzz word and one 

given new life following the flooding is seemingly in use 

everywhere. By definition, its current relevance pertains 

to the local rebuilding effort, one intent on lessening the 

impact of some like or future occurrence. 

Personally for me, “resilience” best describes the Zachary 

residents most impacted by the event, as well as those 

spared from it. All have been touched by the knowing of 

someone directly impacted by the disaster, with all readily 

conceding that much still remains to be done. 

Unfortunately, patience with the pace of recovery (or 

the lack thereof) has long since been replaced by the 

same nagging frustration shared by so many. Thankfully, 

salvation and its sense of comfort can still be found in 

Zachary’s very giving and ever present community spirit, 

one which remains as an abiding reminder that a better 

and more peaceful time will return. Daily challenges 

however do remain, and others may likely evolve as 

recovery efforts continue. Zachary’s landscape, now 

dotted with temporary manufactured housing units and 

the occasional lingering debris pile, serve as constant 

reminders of how far we still need to go until once again 

made whole. Together we will get there, and in the process 

become a stronger and better community for having done 

so. 

The Mayor’s Annual Message while often viewed as the 

opportunity to tout the City’s year of accomplishments, 

simply pales in comparison to the many individual and 

personal losses experienced locally. 

I would however, use this opportunity to thank Zachary’s 

very dedicated and committed City Council members 

who spent countless hours of their own in support of their 

constituents impacted by the flooding event. 

I would be extremely remiss if I did not acknowledge too, 

the collective efforts of Zachary’s City workers who aided 

in the local government’s recovery effort. Several of them 

continued the long hours and days of work in spite of 

having been victims of flooding themselves, and to them I 

remain especially grateful. 

If there is a valuable lesson to be learned from the 

experiences of the past year, it is that we’ve proven we are 

stronger together and should continue building on that 

base going forward. 

As a community we should remain mindful and clearly 

focused when “reflecting on our present blessings of 

which we all have many, and not on past misfortunes of 

which we all have some.” 

Our community’s commitment to progress through 

recovery will surely guide us, and may God continue to 

bless our Zachary community and its entire people. 

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17: HOUSING 

breathed a breath of fresh air into the Corporation, and 

they are open for business!! 

In terms of single family homes, the LHC offers several 

loan programs that provide down payment grant 

assistance (3 or 4%) to potential homebuyers. Rates are 

published daily on their website. The provision of DPA to 

borrowers is often the lift that gets them into a home, and 

this is a niche product that LHC offers. 

In terms of multi-family rental units, the LHC provides 

Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to developers to 

assist in their construction of affordable housing units. The 

recently concluded 2017 allocation plan cycle has been 

one of the most competitive in LHC’s history, and points 

out the fact that developers understand that LHC is open 

for business. In some areas of the state, there is an acute 

shortage of affordable units for our state’s workforce -and, 

the LHC MF LIHTC programs are vital to helping fix this 

problem. 

In addition, the LHC is THE state entity dealing with 

housing, and oversees a number of other state programs 

including weatherization assistance for citizens. 

So, you should contact the LHC if you have any questions 

or want to learn more about how they can help your 

constituents. Check out their website at www.lhc.la.gov OR 

call them at 225/763-8700. You, too, will be impressed!! 


LMA District C Mayors Meet 

BY YVONNE LEWIS, CITY OF TALLULAH 

District C Vice President 

and Tallulah mayor Paxton 

Branch hosted a luncheon 

for District C mayors to 

introduce his Tallulah 

Industrial Parkway 

project, a mixed use 

project combining retail, 

lodging, entertainment 

and big box distribution/ 

intermodal transportation. 

With the potential for 

up to 1,800 jobs, Branch 

invited the mayors to 

come and see how 

the regional project 

could impact economic 

development for all of 

northeast Louisiana. 

“The City of Tallulah 

owns approximately 250 

acres of land that fronts 

Interstate 20,” Branch 

said. “This is prime land 

for the type of mixed use 

development that I am envisioning. Because of the 

number of potential jobs, I knew that Tallulah wouldn’t 

be able to supply the entire workforce which is why 

I wanted to bring in the region’s mayors. We are all 

searching for ways to bring jobs to our constituents. I 

really believe that this will be an economic driver for 

many of the cities, towns and villages in Northeast 

Louisiana. The project includes a partnership with 

Louisiana Delta Community College to provide a 

pathway from education to employment in the big box 

distribution/intermodal transportation industry. I’m a 

big believer in education so I wanted to find a way for 

individuals to combine education in a specific industry 

with the potential for employment once the education 

component is completed.” 

The project is designed to be developed in three 

initial phases. “We’re going to develop in a manner 

that is the most cost effective and feasible for the 

project,” Branch continued. “I am working with several 

developers because of the size of the project. To 

develop 250 acres would be a large undertaking for 

just one developer. And, I also believe that a little 

competition will help to encourage the developers 

(Front Row l to r) Tallulah mayor Paxton Branch, St. Joseph mayor Elvadus Fields, Richmond Mayor Olga Butler, 

Winnsboro representative Alice Wallace, LMA First vice President and Mayor of Rayville, Harry Lewis, MB Design 

Consultants owner Jatinder Goel, Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo (Back Row l to r) Delta Mayor Marvin Ashley, 

Delhi Mayor Jesse Washington, Paxton Branch II, Bastrop mayor Henry Cotton, Tallulah City Attorney Raymond 

Cannon, Mangham Mayor Jonnie Natt and Madison Journal Publisher LaTrena Lewis 

as the project goes along.” Branch said that while 

lodging, retail and restaurants will be important to 

the project, he is looking forward to the distribution/ 

intermodal element. “Northeast Louisiana is one of the 

poorest areas in the State of Louisiana,” he said. “I’ve 

researched the containerization transfer industry. There 

is no true transfer station between Dallas, Texas and 

Atlanta, Georgia. Tallulah sits right smack in the middle 

of those two major cities on I-20. This project has the 

potential to be an intermodal transfer station that will 

allow cargo containers to be transferred between truck, 

rail and ships for destinations east, west, north, south, 

nationwide and internationally.” 

Branch said that he has been in discussions regarding 

the project with state and federal legislators and has 

received tremendous support for this project. “Not 

only do we have the support of our federal and state 

legislators, we have support from almost every mayor 

in District C,” Branch said. “This is an exciting time 

for northeast Louisiana. All of our municipalities are 

facing many of the same issues – with jobs being at the 

forefront. I truly believe that this project will be one 

that is good for our entire region.” 

Page 18 


Municipalities 

LFCA President Takes Expertise to Haiti 

BY CHAD ROBERSON, LFCA PRESIDENT 

Louisiana Fire Chief Association 

President and St. George Fire 

Protection District Assistant Fire 

Chief Chad Roberson recently 

participated in an assessment of the 

Haiti Fire Service. At the request of 

the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) 

Chief Roberson was part of a 5-person 

assessment team that visited with 

the Haitian National Police and Fire 

Department, city and fire leaders from 

the following cities: Port-Au-Prince, 

Croix-des-Bouquests, Carrefour, 

Petionville, Delmas, and Tabarre over 

three days. Chief Roberson was one of 

two subject matter experts from the 

Louisiana fire service. 

The Haitian government established 

a partnership with LANG back in 

2011 as Haiti was recovering from 

the 2010 earthquake as part of the 

State Partnership Program. This 

program allows National Guard 

units from the U.S. to partner with 

nations from around the world to 

increase capacity in the areas of 

homeland security, disaster response 

and mitigation, crisis management, 

border, port, and aviation security, 

and emergency medical response. 

The assessment team reported out 

with an initial report to the Senior 

Defense Official and Defense Attaché’ 

of the Security Cooperation Office 

at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti. The 

assessment report will be submitted 

to the Ministry of Justice through 

the Haitian National Police and Fire 

Department. In addition, the report 

will be presented to the United States 

Southern Command (USSouthCom) 

which oversees the Security 

Cooperation Office later this month. 

Chief Roberson stated “it was an 

honor to represent the St. George Fire 

Protection District and the Louisiana 

Fire Service to assist the Louisiana 

National Guard and the Haitian Fire 

Service in this assessment.” 

Croix-des-Bouquests Fire Department with the Assessment Team. 

The Carrefour Fire Department and their new station. 

SEE HAITI, PAGE 20 


HAITI: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 

Carrefour Engine 

Assessment Team with Haiti National Police & Fire Service Leaders along 

with the city and fire service leaders from the city of Carrefour. 

More Powerful 

Procurement 

Is Here! 

LaMATS 

& Technical Services Bureau 

CALL (225) 344-5001 

Our newest service offers a better way to save 

money on your city's annual purchasing. 

The BidBoard Procurement Network provides a 

secure, no-cost platform for online sealed bids, 

reverse auctions, contract sharing and even 

"shopping" for frequent purchases on prenegotiated 

contracts. 

VISIT: LAMATSBIDBOARD.COM 

Page 20 


Cover Story 

Operation Give Back 

BY CLAIRE SHAW, LMA MEMBER SERVICES ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 

What do you get when you mix sweet memories of 

receiving pure, unadulterated kindness during a natural 

disaster with a burning desire to truly make a difference 

for victims of another catastrophic water event, 

Hurricane Harvey? As a survivor of the Great Flood 

of 2016 and one of thousands of people dramatically 

impacted by it, LMA Membership Services Coordinator 

Amber Jones recently felt this intense struggle pulling at 

her heartstrings. After the 2016 flood waters destroyed 

her home and all of its contents, Amber experienced the 

stinging pain of loss. Amber remembers watching the 

horrific images on the news countless times, feeling a 

sense of hopelessness and longing for someone to tell 

her what to do next. Amber also recalls being one of 

fourteen LMA and RMI employees who were recipients 

of a Go Fund Me account established by the National 

League of Cities following the August floods. Donations 

totaling over $17,000 came pouring in from across 

the nation - some from familiar faces, but many from 

benevolent strangers. The LMA staff’s profound sense 

of gratitude for the immense goodness of friends and 

strangers in supporting rebuilding homes and lives 

manifested itself through the creation of an initiative to 

pay it forward: Operation Give Back. 

While Hurricane Harvey was dumping an estimated 

33 trillion gallons of water, an informal early morning 

coffee conversation in the hallway of the LMA building 

prompted the employees to spring into action. Over 

the following two weeks, LMA employees donated 

over $1,000 worth of clothes, pillows, blankets, food, 

household items, cleaning supplies, Sears gift cards, 

diapers, baby items, diabetic supplies, a pallet of water, 

and other miscellaneous items to the cause. Amber 

spear-headed the initiative as the LMA team donated, 

organized, and boxed the items to distribute to flood 

victims in the Acadia Parish area and Texas through 

Operation HOPE (Helping Other People Endlessly). On 

September 5, Mayor Greg Jones of Crowley drove a 

trailer to Baton Rouge where LMA employees loaded 

the items, and then returned to the Acadia Crawfish 

Company facility, who provided warehouse space 

in Crowley to store the items. Acadia Crawfish also 

furnished an 18-wheeler and a driver, Roland Broussard, 

who transported the combined twenty-four pallets of 

donated goods to League City, TX on September 11. 

“I just couldn’t imagine not doing anything,” Amber 

stated. “We’re just ordinary people living our lives. But 

even in the midst of life’s most difficult moments, LMA 

employees always come together to make a difference.” 

If you would like to assist victims of Hurricanes Harvey 

and Irma, please visit the LMA website homepage. 


#LMAStrong 

Merriam-Webster defines ‘resilient’ as tending to recover 

from or adjust easily to misfortune or change. That word has 

become all-too-familiar to us as we face the continued 

effects of natural disasters that seem to know no 

boundaries. In those times when our members need us 

the most, we choose we stand, ready to serve, even as 

we face the reality of our own road to recovery. 

In 2016, over a dozen members of the LMA/RMI family 

were directly impacted by flooding, yet the resilience 

of this team and the resolve to continue to serve others 

ultimately prevailed. Our fellow municipal leagues 

from around the country contributed to a GoFundMe 

campaign started by the National League of Cities 

on behalf of our team. The generosity of so many 

individuals, along with the prayers and support, can 

never be repaid. Stories like the one below from Mary 

Joseph, LaMATS Program Manager, is the reason why we 

will continue to pay it forward. 

When the electricity went off at 10:30 pm on Saturday night, 

August 13, 2016, I was hoping it would not be off for a long time. 

Apparently, I had fallen asleep and at 3:30 am, I suddenly woke up. 

I thought, well, since I am up, I might as well go upstairs a take a 

shower. I had no idea that we were about to be in the middle of a 

flood. As I was getting dressed, I felt such an urgency that we had 

to get out. My roommate, Crissy, was sound asleep in her room. I 

started yelling, “Get up and pack all of your important papers, we 

have to leave now.” I still did not know why we had to leave, but 

knew it we had to leave NOW. I had not watched the news, so I 

didn’t know we were in trouble. Once I opened the door to leave, 

I saw the reason…rising water! We barely made it out of the 

complex and the road that led to the main highway. It was now 

4:00 am. 

Since we each had a car, we decided to meet at Whole Foods. At 

5:00 am, I called my friends on Jefferson and asked if we could 

park in their driveway. They did not even think that was a strange 

request! My great friends, Jim and Ginny took us in. We had no 

idea that we would be living with them until January 1, 2017 for me 

and October 1, 2017 for Crissy. 

We were able to see the unit on the following Sunday. The door had 

been busted in and our upstairs, which was in great condition, had 

been ransacked. Our downstairs had taken on 5 feet of water. 

Friends helped us get out all the furniture, appliances and wet stuff. 

Two women from California, and 6 men from Georgia helped with 

the gutting of the downstairs. A woman, whom I had met the day 

before, came to help me pack up the upstairs. 

The generosity of people was incredible! I was overwhelmed and 

so thankful for everyone’s help. I was also blown away by the 

generosity of my family, friends, strangers, the NLC and the LMA (my 

employer), with monetary contributions. The main scripture that 

As flood waters inundated her home, Amber Jones waded through the 

waters with any belongings she could carry. 

Volunteers from California and Georgia helped Mary Joseph clear out 

damage in her home. 

held me together was “He works all things together for good for 

those who love Him…”. The goodness of the Lord and the people 

who helped me has overcome the evil of those people that had 

broken into my unit. They did not get the $50.00 that was under my 

bible in a basket. 

I was able to sell the unit, gutted and that satisfied my mortgage. I 

am now renting a nicer place, in a nicer neighborhood, until I can 

decide what will be my next home. 

On behalf of Cami Barlow, Amber Jones, Mary Joseph, 

Karen White, Candice Rodgers, Anita Tillman, Bettie 

Bean, Stephanie Bramlet, Dana Johnson, Ann Phillips, 

Molly Smiley, Amanda Paul, Bill Corley, and Edna 

Perkins – thank you LMA, NLC and every individual and 

organization who not only assisted us, but continue to 

help so many others. We are indeed grateful and there is 

no doubt that we will remain #LMAStrong! 

Page 22 


LMR | September 2017 Page 23

Property Auctions 

Starting at $0 plus closing costs. 

Governments across Louisiana are auctioning thousands 

of tax-adjudicated properties online at CivicSource.com. 

Auctions start at $0, you just pay closing costs. All 

properties come with clear title and title insurance 

provided by US National Title Insurance Company. 

PRESORT 

STANDARD 

U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

BATON ROUGE, LA 

PERMIT #319 

Page 24

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