2018 February LMR Issue

Louisiana Municipal Review
PUBLISHED BY THE LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL ASSOCIATION
VOL 83, NO. 2
FEBRUARY 2018
LMA Mid-Winter
Conference
Governor John Bel Edwards to
headline conference on
“Municipal Leadership”
Municipal
governments do
more with less
Page 6

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The Louisiana Municipal Review, the official publication of the Louisiana Municipal Association, serves as a medium for the exchange
of ideas and information for municipal officials in Louisiana. With a circulation of over 3,200, this publication is read by employees of
Louisiana municipal governments, sheriffs, parish presidents, state government officials, and members of the state legislature and
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for display, professional-listing, and classified advertising available upon request at editor@lma.org.
Statements or expressions of opinions appearing herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Louisiana Municipal
Association.
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COST
any advertisement
To
shall not
Your
be considered
City!
an endorsement of the product or service involved. No material
from this publication may be reprinted without the express permission of the editor.
Editorial offices: Louisiana Municipal Association, 700 North 10th Street, Suite 400, Post Office Box 4327, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-
4327, editor@lma.org, www.lma.org, (225) 344-5001, (800) 234-8274, FAX (225) 344-3057.
LOUISIANA MUNICIPAL REVIEW
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President – Lawrence Henagan – Mayor, DeQuincy
First Vice President – Harry Lewis – Mayor, Rayville
Second Vice President– Jimmy Williams – Mayor, Sibley
Immediate Past President – Barney Arceneaux, Mayor, Gonzales
District A Vice President – Tommy Davis, Mayor, Minden
District B Vice President – Eugene Smith, Mayor, Arcadia
District C Vice President – Paxton Branch, Mayor, Tallulah
District D Vice President – Rick Allen, Mayor, Leesville
District E Vice President – Nathan Martin, Councilman, Pineville
District F Vice President – Purvis Morrison, Mayor, Scott
District G Vice President CALL –(225) Greg Jones, 344-5001 Mayor, Crowley
District H Vice President – Michael Chauffe, Mayor, Grosse Tete
District I Vice President – Donald Villere, Mayor, Mandeville
2017-18 LMA EXECUTIVE BOARD (non-affiliate, non-advisory)
LaMATS
District J Vice President – Rodney Grogan, Mayor, Patterson
LMA Past President – Glenn Brasseaux, Mayor, Carencro
LMA Past President – Carroll Breaux, Mayor, Springhill
LMA Past President – Vern Breland, Mayor, Sterlington
LMA Past President – David Butler, Mayor, Woodworth
LMA Past President – David Camardelle, Mayor, Grand Isle
LMA Past President – Clarence Fields, Mayor, Pineville
LMA Past President – Norman Heine, Councilman, Baker
Vice President at Large – Jennifer Vidrine, Mayor, Ville Platte
Vice President at Large – Mark Piazza, Mayor, Abbeville
Vice WWW.LAMATS.NET/SERVICES
President (< 1K) – Clarence Beebe, Mayor, Hornbeck
Vice President (1K – 2.5K) – Kathy Richard, Mayor, Arnaudville
Vice President (2.5K – 5K) – Kenneth Stinson, Mayor, Vinton
Page 2
LMR | February 2018

Inside the LMA
February has arrived. That means Mardi Gras is right
around the corner and many of Louisiana’s municipalities
are preparing for celebrations and parades, which will
culminate on Fat Tuesday, February 13. We wish you all
a safe and happy Mardi Gras season. February is also
National African American History Month, and this year’s
theme is “African Americans in Times of War.” Please
join me in taking time to reflect on the contributions of
generations of African American leaders, including our
diverse membership of elected and appointed municipal
officials throughout the state.
The week after Mardi Gras, we will host our 2018 Mid-
Winter Conference on February 20 and 21 at the Crowne
Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge. I urge you to register for
this event, which promises to be both entertaining and
informative. The theme for this year’s conference is
“Leadership,” and our opening session keynote speaker,
Ron Holifield, CEO of Strategic Government Resources
(SGR), will set the stage by providing an entertaining
and motivational talk on the importance of leadership
for elected officials. You may have heard him speak at a
workshop during our 2017 annual conference in Shreveport,
and we are happy that he will join us this month.
His presentation will be followed by Choudrant Mayor
Bill Sanderson, who will speak on turning confrontation
into community collegiality. Mayor Sanderson is a
nationally-acclaimed speaker on this topic, and he will
teach our members persuasion techniques from the book
Verbal Judo: The Gentle Art of Persuasion by George
J. Thompson, PhD. You will also learn how to apply
social media outlets to municipal operations from LMA
Communications Consultant Anita Tillman, and elected
officials will have the opportunity to receive the mandatory
hour of sexual harassment training. The second day will
be highlighted by our luncheon speaker, Governor John
Bel Edwards. Workshops will allow attendees to listen to a
variety of workshops on the Lawrason Act, Open Meetings
& Public Records, economic development, security matters,
and public bid laws and procurement. Attendees can also
fulfill the obligatory training under the Campaign Finance
Disclosure Act and the Louisiana Code of Governmental
Ethics. Throughout the event, attendees will enjoy visiting
with exhibitors and thanking sponsors for making this
event possible.
The LMA legislative team began reviewing bills last month
in anticipation of the 2018 Regular Legislative Session.
This is a general subject matter session, meaning all issues
are in play except for state fiscal issues (such as raising
or creating new state taxes). A non-fiscal session is
unfortunately timed considering the looming $1 billion-plus
state deficit as temporary budgetary fixes - the one-cent
state sales taxes and suspension of exemptions – are set
Director’s Viewpoint
RACING TOWARDS MID-WINTER
BY JOHN GALLAGHER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
to roll off on June 30, 2018. Since
the legislature cannot address these
issues during the regular session, we
await word on the possibility of a
special session, either shortly before
convening the regular session or at
its conclusion. No doubt, Governor Edwards will provide
some insight during his Mid-Winter Conference address.
I have talked about my affinity for running. I completed my
5th half-marathon at the Louisiana Marathon last month,
thankfully without the broken bone and heel spur I had last
year! Special congratulations to RMI’s Buddy Couvillion,
who accepted the challenge, competed in the freezing
temperatures, and finished his first 5K race on January 12.
Buddy trained hard throughout the fall, and he certainly
“earned his donuts”. Good job Buddy and keep it up!
On behalf of the LMA Executive Board and staff, we look
forward to seeing you at the 2018 Mid-Winter Conference
in Baton Rouge on February 20 and 21.
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LMR | February 2018 Page 3

President’s Message
WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER
BY MAYOR LAWRENCE HENAGAN, CITY OF DEQUINCY, LA
Welcome 2018! I hope your new
year has gotten off to a smooth
start! If nothing else, it has been an
interesting and challenging start
weather-wise! While snow is pretty
and the drier, northerly winds and cooler temperatures are
a welcome change, it surely can cramp our style in Louisiana!
Hopefully, we have weathered the worst and will have
a nice, long spring ahead.
As February is upon us, I encourage you to mark your calendars
for February 20 – 21 and make plans now to attend
our Mid-Winter Conference to be held at the Crowne Plaza
in Baton Rouge. Conference attendance has increased
each year for the past several years and we hope that you
are planning to be part of this year’s growth. As always, we
will have a variety of relevant sessions with knowledgeable
guest speakers who will address many issues you and/
or your staff may encounter. I am sure that you will find
something of benefit and I, again, encourage you to consider
joining us if you haven’t in the past.
We are especially excited and honored that Governor John
Bel Edwards has agreed to be our keynote speaker for
the luncheon. As you read in last month’s LMR, Governor
Edwards is committed to partnering with municipal government
and understanding our issues. Whenever state
and local government can sit together and find solutions,
we all benefit. In this month’s issue, you can read part two
of the sit-down meeting that our Executive Director, John
Gallagher, had with the governor. We are looking forward
to his address and hearing more about issues that impact
local government.
Just beyond the Mid-Winter Conference is the looming
possibility of a special session being called in advance of
the regular session which is scheduled to start at noon
on Monday, March 12 and adjourn on Monday, June 4. The
purpose of this session will be to address the impending
fiscal cliff. I encourage you to stay informed and visit
with your local representatives between now and then,
for surely decisions could be made that will impact local
governments. As always, our Legislative Team will monitor
activities at the capital and keep us informed. Their insight
is only a phone call away!
Page 4
LMR | February 2018

Inside the LMA
Legal Briefs
SUPREME COURT TO DECIDE BILLON DOLLAR SALES TAX CASE
In November 2017 a Government Accountability Office
report estimated that states and local governments
could “gain from about $8 billion to about $13 billion in
2017 if states were given authority to require sales tax
collection from all remote sellers.”
In January 2018 the Supreme Court agreed to decide
South Dakota v. Wayfair. In this case South Dakota is asking
the Supreme Court to rule that states and local governments
may require retailers with no in-state physical
presence to collect sales tax.
This case is huge news for states and local governments.
This article describes how we got here and why
it is likely South Dakota will win.
In 1967 in National Bellas Hess v. Department of Revenue of Illinois,
the Supreme Court held that per its Commerce Clause
jurisprudence, states and local governments cannot require
businesses to collect sales tax unless the business
has a physical presence in the state.
Twenty-five years later in Quill v. North Dakota (1992),
the Supreme Court reaffirmed the physical presence
requirement but admitted that “contemporary
Commerce Clause jurisprudence might not dictate the
same result” as the Court had reached in Bellas Hess.
Customers buying from remote sellers still owe sale tax
but they rarely pay it when the remote seller does not
collect it. Congress has the authority to overrule Bellas
Hess and Quill but has thus far not done so.
To improve sales tax collection, in 2010 Colorado began
requiring remote sellers to inform Colorado purchasers
annually of their purchases and send the same information
to the Colorado Department of Revenue. The
Direct Marketing Association sued Colorado in federal
court claiming that the notice and reporting requirements
were unconstitutional under Quill. The issue the
Supreme Court decided in Direct Marketing Association v.
Brohl (2014), was whether the Tax Injunction Act barred
a federal court from deciding this case. The Supreme
Court held it did not.
The State and Local Legal Center (SLLC) filed an amicus
brief in Direct Marketing Association v. Brohl describing the
devastating economic impact of Quill on states and
local governments. Justice Kennedy wrote a concurring
opinion stating that the “legal system should find an appropriate
case for this Court to reexamine Quill.” Justice
Kennedy criticized Quill for many of the same reasons
the SLLC stated in its amicus brief. Specifically, internet
sales have risen astronomically since 1992 and states
and local governments have been unable to collect
most taxes due on sales from out-of-state vendors.
Following the Kennedy opinion a number of state
legislatures passed laws requiring remote vendors to
collect sales tax in clear violation of Quill. South Dakota’s
law was the first ready for Supreme Court review.
In September 2017 South Dakota’s highest state court
ruled that the South Dakota law is unconstitutional
because it clearly violates Quill and it is up to the U.S.
Supreme Court to overrule Quill. In October 2017 South
Dakota filed a certiorari petition asking the Supreme
Court to hear its case and overrule Quill. The SLLC filed an
amicus brief supporting South Dakota’s petition. The
Supreme Court ultimately agreed to decide the case.
It seems likely the Supreme Court will rule in favor
of South Dakota and overturn Quill for a number of
reasons. It is unlikely the Supreme Court accepted
this case to congratulate the South Dakota Supreme
Court on correctly ruling that South Dakota’s law is
unconstitutional. Said another way, if the Supreme
Court wanted to leave the Quill rule in place it probably
would have simply refused to hear South Dakota v. Wayfair.
It is easy to count at least three votes in favor of South
Dakota in this case. First, Justice Kennedy of course.
Second, Justice Thomas. While he voted against North
Dakota in Quill he has since entirely rejected the concept
of the dormant Commerce Clause, on which the
Quill decisions rests. Third, Justice Gorsuch. The Tenth
Circuit ultimately decided Direct Marketing Association v. Brohl
ruling that Colorado’s notice and reporting law didn’t
violate Quill. Then-judge Gorsuch wrote a concurring
opinion strongly implying that given the opportunity
the Supreme Court should overrule Quill.
That said, the Supreme Court, and the Roberts Court
in particular, is generally reticent about overturning
precedent. The Quill decision illustrates as much. The
Supreme Court looks at five factors in determining
whether to overrule a case. One factors is whether a
rule has proven “unworkable” and/or “outdated . . .
after being ‘tested by experience.’” This factor weighs
strongly in favor of overturning Quill. As Justice
Kennedy pointed out in Direct Marketing Association v.
Brohl: “When the Court decided Quill, mail order sales
in the United States totaled $180 billion. But in 1992,
the Internet was in its infancy. By 2008, e-commerce
sales alone totaled $3.16 trillion per year in the United
States.”
The Court will hear this case this term meaning it will
issue an opinion by the end of June 2018.
LMR | February 2018 Page 5

Municipal Governments Do More with Less
BY KAREN DAY WHITE, EXECUTIVE COUNSEL
As we approach the start of the
2018 Regular (non-fiscal) Legislative
Session, the subject on everyone’s
mind is one that’s outside of the
scope of a regular session: the
impending $1 billion fiscal cliff in
the FY19 budget. Whether legislators advocate for
decreased spending or increased revenue as a remedy
for the shortfall, local governments are inevitably
maligned. Many paint a picture of state subsidization of
local government operational expenses. An examination
of the state budget breakdown, however, reveals that to
be a patently unfair characterization.
It must first be noted that the Louisiana legislature has
historically constrained local governments from raising
their own revenue,
through Constitutional
limitations, a myriad
of mandatory tax
exemptions and
exclusions, and
statutory limitations.
The legislature chose
instead to lock the state
into non-discretionary
spending through
Constitutional and
state law measures,
and to provide certain
statutory dedications.
Neatly stated, if indeed
there is some system
of state subsidization,
it is a system that was
created by the same
legislative body that
condemns it.
It is also important to
understand that “local governments,” while sharing the
same intimate proximity to the needs of citizens, are
not a single amorphous body. There are many distinct
entities within that class, including parish authorities,
municipal governments, school boards, sheriffs, district
attorneys, and taxing districts. So, it must be understood
that the collective amount of state general fund dollars
allocated to “local governments” does not accurately
reflect the funds that flow to any particular entity.
For example, the state budget for FY16 was $25.1 billion
- $9 billion of that was state general fund dollars. Of
that amount, $3.4 billion (over one-third) went solely to
fund the Minimum Foundation Program for K-12 schools.
Another $124 million was allocated to state supplemental
pay for local law enforcement, a legislative creation
that dates back to 1956. While the benefit granted
to law enforcement officers is certainly appreciated,
many fail to realize that local governments must in turn
bear increased costs because of this supplemental pay,
including expanded retirement benefits. The balance
of constitutionally-protected, non-discretionary funding
allocated to local governments amounted to about $284
million; and the non-discretionary state general fund
disbursements that were set forth in state law went to
fund state needs, along with some local needs.
Setting aside legislative funding of K-12 education
and supplemental law enforcement pay, the amount
of money exclusively dedicated to the myriad of local
governmental entities (303 municipalities and 64
parishes, for starters) is not disproportionate to the
plethora of needs that local governments must fulfill.
Recently, a subcommittee of the Joint Legislative
Committee on the Budget has focused special attention
on state funds that are dedicated to certain entitles or
purposes, so-called “stat ded” funds. Of the $3.8 billion
in statutory dedications, what trickles down to local
governments, through a variety of conduits, is about
$300 million, which is less than 8% of so-called “stat
ded” funding.
Louisiana’s large businesses have been very vocal in their
attempts to vilify local governments as the cause of the
Page 6
LMR | February 2018

Inside the LMA
state’s budget woes. No one wants
to see businesses thrive more than
municipal government leaders,
who invest precious public dollars
to support the needs of these
industries. Yet, the availability of
resources for B&I stands in stark
contrast to local governments. For
example, since 2000, the industrial
tax exemption for businesses has
grown an astounding 1,465%, from
$313 million in 2000 to $4.9 billion
in 2016.
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
In 2016, the state paid out at 1000
least $210 million more in tax
credits and rebates to Louisiana 0
corporations than it collected in
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
corporate income and franchise
Corporate Income Taxes Corporate Franchise Taxes Industrial Tax Exempion
taxes. At a time when the
legislature has been unable to
perceptions of local governments among state elected
produce a modest $5 million annual allocation The Louisiana for the Association of Business and Industry stated in its Recommendations for Budget
officials and the public, and fight to prioritize the
Local Government Assistance Program Reform, (LGAP) “We should for the take the word ‘prioritization’ to heart as difficult decisions are made.” We agree.
budgetary needs of our members.
past two years, Louisiana B&I has benefitted from $22.5
billion in state government subsidies since Considering 2012. A 2015 that 86% of the country’s population lives in cities, and that 88% of total real
LDR report showed that of the 87 largest income companies is generated in within municipalities, local government should be considered a priority in
Calendar of Events
Louisiana, only ¼ of them paid corporate budgeting. income Locals taxes provide the essential services upon which citizens rely every day, including public
and only ½ paid corporate franchise utilities, taxes. infrastructure, and fire and police protection. FEBRUARY
What municipal governments have accomplished
despite a restricted tax base and 13 limited The state LMA funding office is impressive. will be closed Municipal on government Mardi leaders
Over a five-year period, FY12 through have FY16, utilized the innovative state’s economic development Gras Day, strategies Tuesday, and financing February tools to 13th. improve infrastructure,
total operating budget remained substantially expand business static, and residential opportunities, and advance the quality of life for their citizens.
even decreasing slightly by 1.18%. During that same 20 LMA Executive Board Meeting will start
period, however (as tax attorneys learned how to
at 10:00 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza in
As the unified voice for municipal government, the LMA will continue to work diligently to
navigate the myriad of corporate tax exemptions/
Baton Rouge.
change erroneous perceptions of local governments among state elected officials and the public, and
exclusions), the payment of corporate fight income to prioritize taxes the budgetary 20-21 needs of LMA our members. will host its first conference of the
plummeted by 31.2% and corporate franchise tax
year, the Mid-Winter Conference, at the
payments decreased by 30.1%, all while industrial tax
Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge.
exemptions for businesses skyrocketed i Louisiana by 533%. Economic Development, February 2017
ii www.subsidytracker.goodjobsfirst.org/state/LA 28 LMGA Executive Committee Meeting
The Louisiana Association of Business iii State
and
of
Industry
Louisiana Annual Tax Collection Report, will 2015-2016, start at Louisiana 10:00 a.m. Department and the of Revenue LMGA
stated in its Recommendations for Budget Reform, “We should
Executive Board Meeting will follow at
take the word ‘prioritization’ to heart as difficult
11:00 a.m. in the LMA office building in
decisions are made.” We agree.
the first-floor rooms.
Considering that 86% of the country’s population lives
in cities, and that 88% of total real income is generated
within municipalities, local government should be
considered a priority in budgeting. Locals provide the
essential services upon which citizens rely every day,
including public utilities, infrastructure, and fire and
police protection. What municipal governments have
accomplished despite a restricted tax base and limited
state funding is impressive. Municipal government
leaders have utilized innovative economic development
strategies and financing tools to improve infrastructure,
expand business and residential opportunities, and
advance the quality of life for their citizens.
As the unified voice for municipal government, the LMA
will continue to work diligently to change erroneous
Comparison: Corporate Taxes vs. Industrial Tax ExempNon
(in millions)
FY12 - FY16
MARCH
1-2 58th LA Municipal Clerks Association
Annual Spring Conference.
9 The City Attorneys Association Spring
CLE will take place in Hammond, LA.
12 Start of the 2018 Regular Legislative
Session.
18-20 BOAL Annual Conference will take place
in Lake Charles, LA.
21 LMA Executive Committee Meeting will
start at 10:00 a.m. in the LMA office
building on the first floor.
LMR | February 2018 Page 7

February is Black History Month
The 2018 theme, “African Americans in Times of War,”
commemorates the centennial of the end of the First
World War in 1918, and explores the complex meanings
and implications of this international struggle and its
aftermath. The First World War was initially termed by
many as “The Great War,” “The War to End All Wars,” and
the war “to make the world safe for democracy.”
Those very concepts provide a broad, useful framework
for focusing on the roles of African Americans in every
American war, from the Revolutionary War Era to that
of the present “War against Terrorism.” Times of War
inevitably provide the framework for many stories
related to African American soldiers and sailors, veterans,
and civilians. This is a theme filled with paradoxes
of valor and defeat, of civil rights opportunities and
setbacks, of struggles abroad and at home, of artistic
creativity and repression, and of catastrophic loss of life
and the righteous hope for peace.
The theme suggests that contemporary conditions,
past and present, give us cause for critical pause in our
studies and deliberations to consider the specific and
unique issues faced by African Americans in times of
war. These issues include opportunities for advancement
and repression of opportunities during wartime; the
struggle to integrate the military and experiences during
segregation/apartheid and successful integration;
veterans experiences once they returned home; the
creation of African American Veteran of Foreign War
posts; cultures and aesthetics of dissent; global/
international discourse; including impact and influence
of the Pan African Congresses; the impact of migration
and urban development; educational opportunities;
health care development; the roles of civil rights and
Black liberation organizations, including the Black
Power movement and the Black Panther Party; the
roles of African American businesses, women, religious
institutions, and the Black press; in the struggle abroad
and at home; the topographies and spaces of Black
military struggle, resistance and rebellion; and how Black
soldiers and/veterans are documented
and memorialized within public and
private spaces. These diverse stories
reveal war’s impact not only on men
and women in uniform but on the
larger African American community.
Page 8
LMR | February 2018

Last year at this time, LaMATS
announced a new online
procurement service designed
specifically for LMA members
to deliver savings, streamline
the process for purchasing
goods and services and improve
outreach to suppliers looking
to do business with Louisiana
municipalities and parishes.
The service, LaMATS BidBoard
Procurement Network, has
successfully instituted electronic
sealed bidding and reverse auction capabilities that
allow its members to invite qualified vendors to submit
bids for contracts through a dedicated and interactive
website.
In addition, the Network also includes expansive
shopping capabilities for registered members. BidBoard
Shopping provides LMA members and eligible entities
a simple solution to access and purchase from prenegotiated
contracts. Through the procurement portal,
members can buy goods and services from qualified
vendors at significant cost savings compared to
traditional procurement methods.
Now in its second year, LaMATS BidBoard continues to
pursue contracts that meet the demands of its member
base. Members have the option to “pioneer” network
contracts or simply purchase through existing contracts.
Our centralized, user-friendly database facilitates the
procurement process by increasing efficiency and
access.
Our network contracts leverage the purchasing power of
participating members to deliver the best-valued goods
and services at the lowest possible prices from national,
statewide and regional vendors.
Through the LaMATS BidBoard Portal, members
can expect to secure cost savings on a wide range of
products and services without having to endure the time
consuming process of identifying and negotiating with
each individual vendor.
Here’s how it works:
• First, a buyer determines the value of the annual
spend for a particular supply. Under the Public Bid
Law, if the buy is over $30K for a single commodity,
good or service, then the purchase will require bids.
LaMATS BidBoard can quickly and efficiently provide
the support services a buyer needs to place an
A Word from
Our Affiliates
LAMATS Bidboard Enters Second Year Strong
electronic solicitation as a sealed
bid, a request for proposals or a
reverse auction.
• Next, the buyer will visit the
LaMATS BidBoard user portal
(lamatsbidboard.com) to
determine if a contract for the
supply has already been bid and
established with one or more
vendors.
• If the buy is under $10K: The
buyer may compare the prenegotiated
discounted pricing offered on LaMATS
BidBoard Shopping and can select one of the preexisting
contracts that best meets their requirements.
• If the buy exceeds $10K but is under $30K: The
buyer may contact the available LaMATS BidBoard
Shopping vendors directly to compare quotes and
can select the contract it believes offers the best and
lowest quote.
• If the buy is over $30K: Then our team will work
with you to determine if a “piggyback” opportunity
already exists or the best way to ensure a competitive
bid (e.g., via a reverse auction, sealed bid, or by joining
a solicitation already underway).
• If no contract opportunity is found, the buyer should
contact LaMATS BidBoard to initiate a procurement
event. LaMATS BidBoard will work with the buyer
to implement a sealed bid, a reverse auction or to
employ another strategy to buy the needed items.
• As new competitively sourced contracts are
established, they may be posted to LaMATS BidBoard
Shopping and made available to all registered users
of the site.
As we enter our second great year, LaMATS BidBoard
Procurement Network looks forward to growing with
you. Contract LaMATS anytime for technical assistance
and consultation regarding your procurement needs: Call
(225) 344-5001.
Searching for the right fit?
THAT IS OUR SPECIALTY.
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LMR | February 2018 Page 9

Clerks’ Corner
- 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
5 8 t h A n n u a l S p r i n g C o n f e r e n c e
H i l t o n S h r e v e p o r t
S h r e v e p o r t
M a r c h 1 - 2 , 2 0 1 8
NAME
BADGE NAME
TITLE
MUNICIPALITY
ADDRESS
(STREET OR P.O. BOX) (CITY) (STATE) (ZIP CODE)
TELEPHONE ( ) FAX ( )
EMAIL
GUEST NAME (if attending)
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 Thursday? Yes No
• Will you attend Friday night’s Annual Banquet? Yes No
ACCOMMODATIONS:
A block of rooms has been reserved
at Hilton Shreveport at a rate of
$ 129/night. Please call (318) 698-
0900 to make your reservations and
mention that you are with L M C A
S p r i n g C on f e re n ce to secure this
special rate. R eservations cut- off date
is 5:00 p.m., Monday, January 29,
2018 . Check- in time is 4:00 p.m. and
check- out is 11:00 a.m.
Recommended arrival is Thursday,
March 1 st and departure Saturday,
March 3 rd .
H i l t o n S h r e ve p o r t
1 04 M a r k e t S t r e e t
S h r ev ep o r t , L A 7 1 1 01
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H A V E A Q U E S T I O N ?
REGISTRATION FEE:
$150 p e r d e l e g a te (includes 1 guest)
Complete this form and return with
your registration fee payment in full,
no later than February 1 6 , 2018 .
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
Louisiana Municipal Clerks Association
5 8 th Annual Spring Conference
P.O. Box 4327
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
REGISTER ONLINE:
WWW.LMA.ORG
Please log in and proceed to
Upcoming Events.
Click on ‘58 th LMCA Annual
Spring Conference’.
Contact: Nikki Samrow, P.O. Box 4327, Baton Rouge, LA 70821, (225) 344-5001 Phone, nsamrow@lma.org
.
Page 10
LMR | February 2018

LAMSA is preparing
an exciting spring
conference, adding
an extra day for full
conference credit
and certification. It
will be held March
21-23 in Marksville at
the Paragon Casino Resort. On Wednesday, Lieutenant
Governor Billy Nungesser will be our guest speaker.
Members are invited to prepare exhibits entitled
“Staycation Stations”, demonstrating to our members and
Lieutenant Governor the benefits and highlights of visiting
their home town or parish. Each station will be given time
for their own presentation.
On Thursday, Mayor John Lemoine of Marksville will
formally welcome LAMSA and sessions begin with
Karen White, Executive Counsel for LMA who will offer
mandatory training for sexual harassment, followed by
“What to do if you are a victim”. Marlaine Peachey will
also review “What message are you sending?” inspiring
assistants to professionally present themselves at all times.
LAMSA is also honored to have at this conference, Senator
Eric LaFleur, Chairman of the State Finance Committee
and Attorney for the City of Ville Platte who will give us an
update on the “State of the State.”
Our annual business meeting held at the lunch hour, will
include elections for every member of the board, as all
terms expire this year. Members who are running for
director must have their application (found on our website,
www.lma.org/LAMSA/20) and a letter of support by their
mayor or supervisor no later than February 21 to Marlaine
Peachey, 419 Juliette Lane, Mandeville, LA 70448 or
emailed to lamsaconference@att.net. All nominees must
be a member of LAMSA for two years to be eligible for
office. Those running for President, Vice President and
Secretary must also send in their application and letters
and have served on the board for one year. Certifications
and re-certifications for municipal assistants will be
awarded at this lunch. LAMSA offers both educational
scholarships and conference scholarships and will be
announced at the luncheon. Please visit our website for
details and instructions on how to apply. All scholarship
applications must be turned in 30 days prior to the
conference, or by February 21st. If you have any questions
on eligibility, please refer to our bylaws also on our website.
After lunch, members will be inspired by a LAMSA sought
after guest speaker, Mr. Ron Anderson, who will speak on
the topic, “Code Red: Negativity in the Workplace.”
On Friday, our newly elected President will welcome our
Mayor’s Panel, followed by Mr. Steve Morgan, who will
speak on “The Challenge of Change.” The conference
A Word from
Our Affiliates
Tour the state at LAMSA’s spring conference!
BY MARLAINE PEACHEY, LAMSA CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
will close out with roundtable discussions, a wrap up, gift
exchange and distribution of training certificates.
Membership is open to all municipal secretaries and
assistants or persons performing the duties of a secretary
or assistant, regardless of title, in any incorporated village,
town, city or parish chartered under and in conformity with
the laws of the State of Louisiana. For more information
or any questions you may have about the election
process, contact Marlaine Peachey at 985-630-1798 or at
lamsaconference@att.net.
LMR | February 2018 Page 11

Twenty Years of Gratitude
CLIFF PALMER, LAMATS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As LaMATS celebrates two decades of service to the
great municipalities of our state, there are a few “thank
yous” I’d like to offer. Allow me to start by thanking
the entire LMA Board of Directors in service the year
I submitted our initial business plan (1997/98) and
especially former executive director, Gordon King. Our
first board’s collective foresight, ideas and guidance
were invaluable to establishing LaMATS structure and
management.
For 13 of our 20 years, former LMA executive director
Tom Ed McHugh kept the LaMATS ship on course
and moving forward. Former Gretna Mayor Ronnie
Harris served LaMATS, uniquely, as an initial board
members and later LMA executive director, providing
great energy and ideas for how best to assist local
governments. Over the years, LaMATS has been
blessed with mayors and clerks who served as board
leaders and visionaries. Our current board continues
this tradition: I thank mayors Brasseaux, Breaux,
Breland, Camardelle, D’Aguilla, Fields, Henagan,
Richard, Smith and Vidrine, Councilman Martin, Gay
Nell Pepper (CMC), and LMA Executive Director John
Gallagher for their unwavering support, trust and
guidance.
Thank you to the various consultants and companies
that have provided valuable services over the years in
the areas of labor, capital outlay, procurement, millage,
strategic communications, and salary/benefits data. Of
particular note, retired labor law expert, Don Strobel
of Labor Consultants Central, has helped countless
municipalities navigate the complexities of compliance.
And, for all twenty years LaMATS has provided our
Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) collection service,
La. Department of Insurance’s Director of Revenue
Services, Tommy Coco, has been with us every step of
the way. Tommy’s knowledge and kind help have made
a significant impact on the strong IPT program we
provide to 207 municipalities and parishes today.
In closing, two long-serving (now retired) LMA staff
members deserve recognition for their years of
stewardship and oversight of LaMATS. Cami Barlow
and Ken Drone carried the majority of the staff work
for LaMATS. Cami kept the board informed and
maintained immaculate records, while Ken ensured our
finances were properly managed and invested. We also
thank Kerry Landry and the LMA accounting team for
ars of Gratitude
ATS Executive Director
brates two decades of service to the great
f our state, there are a few “thank yous” I’d like to
to start by thanking the entire LMA Board of Directors
ar I submitted our initial business plan (1997/98) and
r executive director, Gordon King. Our first board’s
ght, ideas and guidance were invaluable to establishing
re and management.
years, former LMA executive director Tom Ed McHugh
S ship on course and moving forward. Former Gretna
arris served LaMATS, uniquely, as an initial board
ter LMA executive director, providing great energy and
st to assist local governments. Over the years,
n blessed with mayors and clerks who served as board
naries. Our current board continues this tradition: I
asseaux, Breaux, Breland, Camardelle, D’Aguilla, Fields,
d, Smith and Vidrine, Councilman Martin, Gay Nell
nd LMA Executive Director John Gallagher for their
port, trust and guidance.
taking the torch from Ken, and keeping our bills paid
and auditors happy.
We are already looking forward to the next 20
years serving and assisting the LMA members with
exciting programs that ultimately help your residents.
Please know we always welcome your feedback and
suggestions for improvement and better service.
20 for 20: LaMATS
Expands LMCA/LAMSA
Scholarships
In recognition of the twenty years of
valuable support and assistance
from the Louisiana Municipal Clerks
Association (LMCA) and the
Louisiana Association of Municipal
Secretaries and Assistants (LAMSA),
LaMATS will provide funding for 20
scholarships this year to be used for
education and training members of
these fine organizations.
If you are interested in applying for
a scholarship, please contact LAMSA
and LMCA officials to obtain the
necessary forms.
LaMATS is grateful for the
dedication and professionalism
found throughout the leadership
and members of both groups. We
are proud to assist you through our
programs and services.
e various consultants and companies that have
le services over the years in the areas of labor, capital
ent, millage, strategic communications, and
ata. Of particular note, retired labor law expert, Don
Consultants Central, has helped countless
avigate the complexities of compliance. And, for all
MATS has provided our Insurance Premium Tax (IPT)
e, La.
Page
Department
12
of Insurance’s Director of Revenue
y Coco, has been with us every step of the way. Tommy’s knowledge and kind help have
nt impact on the strong IPT program we provide to 207 municipalities and parishes
LMR | February 2018

Partner Insight
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LMR | February 2018 Page 13

2018 Municipal Bond Outlook
BY NNAMDI THOMPSON, GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS
As the year closed, one of the biggest stories was the
Tax Reform Bill and its various versions. This uncertainty
in December of 2017 led to one of the biggest months in
municipal bond history as far as issuance is concerned.
Many cities, counties, parishes and other issuers rushed
to the market to take advantage of the advance
refunding option that was eliminated in this new bill. As
we look to the new year, there are a couple of aspects
that could affect the market even more.
Tax reform could have the biggest impact on the
muni bond market next year. The legislation would
make general obligation bonds more attractive for tax
reduction purposes while limiting new issuances to
borrowings from states and local governments. This
could translate to less supply of higher-yield revenue
L. Gordon King
Nnamdi I. Thompson
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Dede Riggins
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Specializing in Bond Issues and Financing
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Modern day government has become a large financial
enterprise, handling millions of dollars and facing
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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.
bonds and more demand for specialty state general
obligation bonds moving into next year. This might
drive down rates for general obligation bonds and thus
making them more attractive.
The muni market dodged a bullet when the final bill
omitted a House provision seeking to end the tax break
for private activity bonds. These bonds, which accounted
for 27 percent of issuance in 2015, are sold for an array
of projects including hospitals, nursing homes, colleges,
airports and affordable housing.
At the same time, the tax reforms eliminated several tax
deductions for wealthy individuals, including property
and sales tax deductions, while slightly reducing the top
tax rate. This could make muni bonds more attractive
SEE OUTLOOK, PAGE 15
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
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• 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.
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Page 14
LMR | February 2018

Partner Insight
Treasury Notes
IMPROVING TRANSPARENCY WILL HELP LOUISIANA GET ITS
FINANCIAL HOUSE IN ORDER
BY STATE TREASURER JOHN M. SCHRODER
My background is in small business and real estate
development, and I’m always amazed when people
don’t sweat the small stuff when it comes to costs. I see
it all the time, especially in the construction industry.
If you’ve ever built a house or watched an HGTV
renovation show, I’m sure you’ve heard it before. “The
flooring ended up costing more money, but only by a
few hundred dollars.” “We ran into a problem, and it’s
going to cost you more than our original quote, but
not much.” Well, add up $100 here and $100 there, and
before you know it, your project is totally over budget.
Believe it or not, structuring the state’s budget is a
lot like building or renovating a house. In order to
craft something credible, you have to first look at the
structure. We need to strip the budget down to the
studs in order to get a better look. Then we can truly
build something that stands on a solid foundation.
The way to build a credible budget is to know what
you’re working with, and the only way to truly know
that is to improve transparency. Transparency must
be a priority in order to have a true and accurate
understanding of how much the state spends and what
it spends its money on.
But here’s where we hit a snag. What’s transparent to
one person often isn’t transparent to another. Groups
in the non-profit and public sectors have made strides
in improving transparency over the years, but it’s time
for an update. I’ll admit, some information may be out
there, but it can be hard to locate and understand. You
need computer access, know where to find the links,
understand government lingo, and sometimes you have
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13: OUTLOOK
to high-net-worth investors and stimulate demand. The
corporate tax rate could limit corporate demand for
muni bonds across the board.
President Trump has appointed Jerome H. Powell as
the next Chairman of the Federal Reserve to replace
Janet Yellen. The thought is that he favors low interest
rates, which could reduce the pace of rate hikes and
ultimately help support bond prices. He has always
to dig in multiple places.
We need to consolidate state budget and spending
information in one place, make it easy to understand
and search, and go from there. We don’t have to
go to the Legislature to improve transparency and
accountability in order to regain the public’s trust.
There are things we can do right now.
Several good government groups in Louisiana are
spearheading transparency initiatives, and I’m willing to
partner with any of them. Some are starting awareness
campaigns; others have bought website domain names;
and some lawmakers are considering legislation to
move this idea forward.
At the Treasury, we’re reviewing what financial
information and reports we can post online to
improve transparency in our office. I encourage local
governments to look at ways they can create or
improve transparency on the local levels. As we work
together, there will be ample opportunities for local
governments to participate and provide their input.
Money and funding for a project like this may become
an issue. But in the end, increased transparency could
provide the state with an opportunity to generate
savings and revenue.
We can get Louisiana’s fiscal house in order. But, we
have to clean the house, before we put the furniture
inside. For too long Louisiana has been spending money
on furniture before the house was ready. Let’s change
this process, and do it in the light of day for everyone to
see. I ask for your help in making this happen.
voted alongside Janet Yellen on policy decisions in the
past and speeches suggest that he favors a cautious
approach, but some experts believe he could be a little
less dovish than Yellen. So, the market will closely be
watching where he falls on the spectrum.
As you move forward with capital projects, make sure
your financial team, is watching the market closely.
Novice professionals could have you pay in the long run.
LMR | February 2018 Page 15

Municipalities
Attorney General’s Opinions
BY JEFF LANDRY, ATTORNEY GENERAL
Public Finance
Opinion: 16-0187 Under La. Const. art.
VII, § 14, the District Attorney’s Office
for the Ninth Judicial District
may not transfer public funds or
newly purchased equipment to local law enforcement
agencies without receiving anything in exchange for
such transfer. Opinion Released: 12/11/2017
Opinion: 17-0118 The Town of Independence may contribute
to the cost of removing trees on a neighboring
property if it concludes that enforcing any potential
legal obligation of a third party exceeds the cost of
removal. Opinion Released: 12/12/2017
Opinion: 17-0157 The West Allen Parish Water Board may
waive or otherwise reduce excessive water usage fees
caused by leaks that were a result of Hurricane Harvey
in order to preserve property and aid in the recovery
from the natural disaster caused by the hurricane.
Opinion Released: 12/14/2017
Dual Officeholding
Opinion: 17-0103 The Dual Officeholding and Dual Employment
Law is applicable only when multiple public
positions are held simultaneously. La. R.S. 33:385(A)
provides the qualifications for an alderman. Opinion
Released: 12/11/2017
Opinion: 17-0127 The provisions of the Dual Officeholding
and Dual Employment Law do not prohibit a full-time
firefighter with the City of New Orleans Fire Department
from holding part time employment with the City
of New Orleans Department of Emergency Medical
Services. Opinion Released: 12/18/2017
Opinion: 17-0163 The provisions of the Dual Officeholding
and Dual Employment Law do not prohibit the full time
appointed Chief of Police of the Town of Greensburg
from holding part time employment at the Lallie Kemp
Regional Medical Center. Opinion Released: 1/11/2018
Municipal Charters
Opinion: 17-0149 The amendment to the Town of Greensburg’s
Legislative Charter is consistent with the constitutions
and laws of the United States and Louisiana.
Opinion Released: 12/12/2017
Opinion: 17-0139 A majority of the aldermen is needed
to provide advice and consent to confirm the mayor’s
appointment of city attorney. The Mayor may refuse to
appoint a city attorney, and by extension, may refuse
a name submitted by the City Council. A resolution is
not subject to veto by the Mayor. Opinion Released:
1/12/2018
City Court
Opinion: 17-0099 The District Attorney has exclusive authority
over prosecutions for violations of state statutes.
The Thibodaux City Attorney does not have authority
to prosecute state charges and such an action
would violate the Louisiana Constitution. However, the
Thibodaux City Attorney is not limited to prosecutions
of violations of local city ordinances. Opinion Released:
1/3/2018
The 2018 Congressional City Conference will take place in Washington, D.C. March 11-14, with pre-conference NLC
University Seminars taking place March 10-11. More than 2,000 city leaders will gather to represent and advocate
for the interests of cities in the Nation’s Capital. Registration for the 2018 Congressional City Conference is now
open, register today at ccc.nlc.org.
Page 16
LMR | February 2018

Sibley Alderwoman Picks
Up Husband’s Mantle
Alderman
Doyle Chanler
passed away on
November 25,
2017. He was a
retired school
bus driver and
his wife, Helen
Chanler was a
retired cafeteria
supervisor.
Everyone
in Sibley
and around
Webster
Parish knew
the couple to
be loving and
devoted to their
Alderman Doyle Chanler receiving his LMA service
award from Mayor and LMA 2nd Vice President Jimmy
Williams, on August 8, 2017.
church and community. Mr. Doyle served as a Sibley Board of
Alderman for 17 years before he passed away.
On December 12, 2017, Mrs. Helen Chanler was sworn in for
the Sibley Board of Aldermen, taking the vacated seat of her
husband. It is a pleasure for the Town of Sibley to have her
continue to voice the opinion of her husband, Doyle.
Municipalities
Mrs. Helen Chanler, widow of Alderman Doyle Chanler being sworn
in by Webster Parish Clerk of Court, Holli Vining, for the vacant seat
on the Town of Sibley Board of Alderman with her son, Ray Chanler,
looking on.
Alderwoman Helen Chanler with her
trusted friend Kathleen Heflin Richardson
and Mayor Jimmy Williams.
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LMR | February 2018 Page 17

The City of Tallulah held a
groundbreaking ceremony on December
7, 2017 to kick off the long awaited
Harlem Street Drainage Improvement
Project. The project is being funded
entirely through
Thornton,
FEMA’s
Musso,
Hazard
&Bellemin
Mitigation Grant Program.
“Individuals who have lived on the
Fairgrounds area in Tallulah have been
experiencing severe flooding for the last
40 years,” said Mayor Paxton J. Branch.
“Many of those families have had their
homes affected multiple times. This
project will improve the capacity of the
existing drainage system and reduce
the reoccurring Index flooding, Listings overtopping of
streets and flooding of adjacent homes
in the area,” he WATER said. TREATMENT CONSULTANTS
Construction will include re-grading
the existing ditches in the area
(approximately 4,800 linear feet),
replacing the two (2) culverts under
Harlem Street, and installing two (2)
– 48” diameter drainage pipes crossing beneath US
Highway 80 in Tallulah. The 48” diameter drainage
pipes will connect the existing drainage to an outfall in
local Bushy Bayou. Additionally, 600 liner feet of 8’ x
6’ concrete box culverts will be
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Tallulah Breaks Ground on FEMA Funded
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(l to r) City Superintendent C.J. Oney, City Attorney Raymond Cannon, Fairgrounds resident
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Juror Jane Sanders and Frank Williams, Fairgrounds resident.
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LMR | February 2018
8/21/14 8:33 PM

Features
Views from the 4th Floor:
A Candid Conversation with Governor John Bel Edwards, Part 2
On, Monday, December 11, 2017, LMA Executive Director
John Gallagher had the historic opportunity to sit down
with Governor John Bel Edwards to share views on local
government issues. John, along with LMA Executive
Counsel Karen Day White, LMA Legislative Team members
Brandon Brewer and Paulette Bailey Wilson, and
LMA Communications Consultant Anita Tillman, journeyed
from the 4th floor of the LMA building to the 4th
floor of the Louisiana State Capitol for a sit-down with
the Governor about issues important to local government.
Governor Edwards and his staff graciously welcomed the
LMA delegation to his office and then proceeded to share
his thoughts and plans on hot topics including the state
budget, ITEP, transportation and infrastructure, and disaster
recovery.
This segment is the continuation of the conversation published
in the January LMR.
JAG: What are your thoughts on impacts to local government
due to efforts to eliminate miscellaneous stat
ded funds, mainly LGAP?
JBE: We’re committed to working with local governments
and understand how important the Local Government
Assistance Program (LGAP) is for many municipalities
and parishes. As many of you are aware, capital outlay
funding as a whole has been reduced for the past two
years, and it has had a direct impact on LGAP and other
important programs. Since taking office, my administration
has made good on a promise to realistically prioritize
recommendations for capital outlay. Unfortunately, the
difference between the amount of cash available to the
state and the amount of debt we owe does not allow us
to have the same level of capital outlay funding as in previous
years. As a result, funding for LGAP has had to shift
from state general fund to general obligation bonds. However,
we have tried to maintain funding for existing LGAP
commitments and add available cash to the program. I
support including $5 million in new funds in capital outlay
for Fiscal Year 2019, but we must first find a successful
solution to the state’s fiscal crisis, namely replacing the
nearly $1 billion in temporary revenue that is set to expire
at the end of June. We must replace that revenue in order
to avoid catastrophic cuts to important programs and
services the people we serve rely on. I recently presented
the executive budget I am constitutionally obligated
to submit to the legislature, which to be very clear is not
the one I want implemented. The cuts are too drastic.
This cliff is something we have known was coming for 27
months. The solutions have not changed and the comprehensive
plan I’ve proposed to avoid the fiscal cliff (gov.
la.gov/planofaction) contains options that we have all
seen before. It is based off of recommendations from a
bipartisan task force created by the legislature. I implore
all of your members to encourage state lawmakers, particularly
House Republicans, to work with me in finding a
solution to the fiscal cliff so that we can make life better
for everyone.
JAG: Governor, during your campaign, you pledged to
defend the inventory tax and we thank you for your efforts
to do just that. Are there any thoughts going forward?
JBE: We continue to await recommendations from the
task force created to address property taxation. My position
on ensuring that local governments have the means
to provide their funding has not changed. I have expanded
that commitment with my ITEP executive order giving
locals an approval role in the process. The changes
that have been made to the inventory tax credit over the
past few sessions have tightened up its use but have not
sought to repeal the credit.
JAG: Municipal leagues nationwide are continuing to see
bills being filed that preempt local government. What are
your thoughts?
JBE: The biggest nationwide preemption movements
right now are small cell units within municipal rights of
way, and sharing economies such as ride and home sharing.
Locals are in the best position to make decisions for
their communities based on economic development considerations,
and ensuring that locals recapture the local
expenditures required to implement these new programs
is critical. It is imperative as a state that we support local
policies as we adapt to an ever changing marketplace.
Local communities are the economic engines of our state
and make Louisiana a unique and exciting place to live
and work. We will always work with municipalities to ensure
they remain strong.
JAG: Our members are reporting that the growing opioid
epidemic is impacting their budgets by putting an added
strain on emergency services and law enforcement. How
can the state and local government collaborate to combat
this?
JBE: Since the early days of my administration, we have
been working to stem the tide of opioids in Louisiana.
Opioid prescription limits implemented by the Louisiana
LMR | February 2018 Page 19

Department of Health in early 2017 have been successful
in decreasing the number of opioid pills prescribed by
more than 40 percent year-over-year for first time users,
which is critically important to preventing addiction.
Thanks to those rules put in place by our Healthy Louisiana
(Medicaid) program along with legislative changes implemented
through legislation, physicians are prescribing
fewer total opioids and fewer opioids per person. At the
same time, Medicaid is providing specialized substance
abuse services to more people who need it and likely did
not have access to these services before expansion.
I supported significant legislation that was passed during
the 2017 Regular Legislative session aimed at fighting the
state’s opioid epidemic:
o Act 76 - strengthens the Prescription Monitoring
Program (PMP) by requiring automatic enrollment of
a prescriber’s controlled dangerous substance license,
requires prescribes to check the system upon initial
prescription of a Schedule II drug, including opioids,
with exceptions for cancer and hospice, and it requires
prescribers to take three hours of continuing medical
education.
o Act 82 - provides for a seven (7) day limit on opioid
prescriptions for first time patients with acute conditions.
o Act 88 - establishes the 13- member Advisory Council
on Heroin and Opioid Prevention and Education.
According to the Medicaid Expansion dashboard, nearly
16,000 people are receiving substance abuse treatment
because of expansion. A standing order has been issued
for Naloxone making it available at pharmacies without a
formal prescription. This means families with a loved one
with a substance abuse problem can have this life-saving
drug on hand if it is ever needed. Naloxone is also available
to first responders, and in some case provided at no
cost thanks to grant funding.
Today, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is implementing
opioid-related initiatives under federal grants.
Grant dollars are being directed to local opioid treatment
programs in 10 regions of the state. The goal is to provide
access to evidence-based treatments, particularly
Medication Assisted Treatment, education and training on
non-opioid alternatives, develop and implement prevention
strategies.
JAG: What accomplishments are you most proud of after
two years and what do you hope to accomplish in the
next two years?
JBE: Let me begin by saying that Louisiana is well positioned
to enter an era of prosperity the likes of which we
have not seen in decades, and I am grateful to the LMA,
it’s leadership and members, for the work you have done
in helping to move Louisiana forward. Your continued
support is integral to our success. Thanks to your help,
together, we have made meaningful and substantive accomplishments
in the last two years. I inherited an historic
budget deficit when I came into office and have worked
hard and collaboratively to overcome major challenges in
the nearly two years since then – providing balanced budgets
as required by the state constitution.
Unemployment Rate Declines:
The state’s unemployment rate has been on an historic
decline – dropping to 4.6 percent. The last time the unemployment
rate was lower than 4.8 percent was May
2008. As I have always said, the best social program out
there is a good job, and more and more people in Louisiana
are finding work.
Higher Education/Economic Development:
Our flagship university, LSU, is seeing a 28 percent increase
in admission requests from in-state students, and
new businesses are looking to Louisiana to expand. In
2017, we announced that DXC Technology will open in
New Orleans, the largest economic development project
in our state’s history and one which brings with it 2,000
permanent direct jobs. Business Facilities magazine recently
named it the second best economic development
deal in the country for 2017. DXC based its decision to
invest here largely because of our commitment to higher
education and workforce development. This is the key to
future investments and job creation as well.
Medicaid Expansion:
Medicaid expansion has been tremendously beneficial to
our state. Not only has it resulted in a $329 million state
general fund savings to the state but most importantly it
is changing and saving the lives of hundreds of thousands
of Louisianans who could not afford health coverage prior
to expansion. Many of them were working but not earning
enough to cover the costs. Here are the latest expansion
statistics:
• More than 460,000 people have benefitted by getting
health care coverage.
• 75 percent of those newly covered adults are now
going to the doctor for primary and preventive care.
• More than 30,000 Louisiana women have had breast
cancer screening as a result of Medicaid expansion
since July 1, 2016, with 296 women diagnosed with
breast cancer as a direct result of having access to
healthcare through Medicaid.
• 18,728 adults have received colon cancer screening,
with more than 5,916 colon cancers averted!
Page 20
LMR | February 2018

Features
• More than 162,000 Louisiana adults have received a
preventive healthcare or new patient service since July
1, 2016.
Foster Care:
Last year was another record-setting year for adoptions
from foster care - 771 children were adopted. Nearly one
third adopted more than one child. Some were siblings
and some were unrelated. Additionally, the First Lady and
I unveiled Louisiana-Fosters website to help people find
out how they can adopt children under our care or support
foster families. It’s LouisianaFosters.la.gov.
Criminal Justice Reform:
On June 15, 2017, I signed into law the most comprehensive
criminal justice reform in our state’s history. The bipartisan
package of 10 bills primarily focused on non-violent,
non-sex offenders and was designed to steer less
serious offenders away from prison, strengthen alternatives
to imprisonment, reduce prison terms for those who
can be safely supervised in the community, and remove
barriers to successful re-entry.
The Justice Reinvestment Initiative is estimated to save
the state $262 million, with more than $180 million of
those savings being reinvested into local programs to reduce
recidivism, provide offenders with the tools necessary
to become productive members of society and provide
more services for crime victims.
Louisiana is the latest state to enact such reforms. Many
others, including Southern states such as Georgia, Mississippi,
and South Carolina, have experienced simultaneous
drops in their crime and imprisonment rates and there is
every reason to believe that the reforms will be equally as
effective in Louisiana. Here are the statistics:
• Texas: Since their 2007 reforms, the imprisonment rate
is down 16%, and crime is down 30%.
• South Carolina: Since their 2010 reforms, their imprisonment
rate is down 16%, and crime is down 16%.
• North Carolina: Since their 2011 reforms, their imprisonment
rate is down 3% and crime is down 20%.
• Georgia: Since their 2012 reforms, their imprisonment
rate is down 7% and crime is down 11%.
Those are just some of the accomplishments we’ve made
together, and they give me hope for our future. In the coming
years, I will remain focused on creating and maintaining
budget stability and predictability; continue helping
survivors recover from severe flooding and storms as well
as work toward building up our flood prevention efforts;
improving our economy; addressing our transportation
and infrastructure needs; equal pay; raising the minimum
wage; improving education at ever y level and advancing
workforce training. There is certainly more work to be
done, and I look forward to working with the LMA in moving
our state forward for future generations.
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LMR | February 2018 Page 21

Governor John Bel Edwards to Headline
LMA Mid-Winter Conference
Our Mid-Winter Conference, which
will focus on municipal leadership,
is February 20 and 21 at the
Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge and
we are excited about the valuable
information that dynamic presenters
will provide to our members.
We are thrilled that Governor
John Bel Edwards will serve as the
keynote speaker for the luncheon
on Wednesday, February 21. The
Edwards administration has been
a valuable partner and resource for the LMA, and we
appreciate him taking the time to address our members
directly.
Ron Holifield, CEO of Strategic
Government Resources, will open the
conference as the keynote speaker
on Tuesday, February 20. SGR helps
local governments recruit, assess and
develop innovative thought leaders.
His current clients include over 550
local governments in 45 states,
training up to 1,000 employees
per month. Ron has also provided Ron Holifield
strategic consultation to some of
the leading companies in America,
including American Express, Xerox,
IBM, PeopleSoft, Verizon, Aramark,
Space Imaging, NASA and many
more.
Following Mr. Holifield, and leading
off the three power-packed
workshops and vendor reception,
will be Choudrant Mayor Bill
Mayor Bill Sanderson
Sanderson, who will present Turning
Confrontation into Community
Collegiality. This workshop will
give leaders the tools to mediate
disputes and restore peace in their
communities.
On Wednesday, City of Baton Rouge
and East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-
President Sharon Weston Broome
will open the general session. Mayor
Broome was sworn in on January 2,
2017. She is the first woman to be
elected leader of Louisiana’s capital
Gov. John Bel
Edwards
Mayor-President
Sharon Weston
Broome
city. Since the campaign trail, her focus has been to unite
the citizenry around the common goals of equality in
education, economic development, justice, housing and
other quality ways of life.
A plethora of information will be shared through the
six workshops that follow the general session on
Wednesday. The afternoon includes a luncheon, vendor
networking, and mandatory ethics training, which will
close out the day.
Registration is now available and may be completed
either by check using the registration form, or online by
credit card at www.lma.org. Please email registration@
lma.org to request a username and password or if you
need assistance registering online.
Join us to learn from experts who will empower you
to be the best municipal leader you can be. From
operational fundamentals to conflict resolution to
security, our Mid-Winter Conference has you covered.
Page 22
LMR | February 2018

Features
LMA MID-WINTER CONFERENCE
FEBRUARY 20-21, 2018 • CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL • BATON ROUGE
LMA MID-WINTER CONFERENCE
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Keynote Speaker :
Keynote Speaker :
LMA MID-WINTER CONFERENCE
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
20-
20-
21,
21,
2018
2018
CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL
BATON LUNCHEON
ROUGE
Honorable John Bel Edwards
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Honorable Governor, John State Bel of Louisiana Edwards
Governor, State of Louisiana
“LEADERSHIP FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS”
“LEADERSHIP FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS”
REGISTRATION
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION
EXHIBITS
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
EXHIBITS Welcome
Honorable Lawrence Henagan, Mayor, City of DeQuincy, LMA President
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Legacy Welcome Leadership
Honorable Ron Holifield, Lawrence Chief Executive Henagan, Officer, Mayor, Strategic City of DeQuincy, Government LMA Resources President
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. Legacy BREAK Leadership
Ron Turning Holifield, Chief Confrontation Executive Officer, into Strategic Community Government Collegiality Resources
2:00 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. Honorable Bill Sanderson, BREAK Mayor, Village of Choudrant
2:10 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Turning Confrontation into Community Collegiality
disputes and restore peace Honorable in your community. Bill Sanderson, Mayor, Village of Choudrant
2:10 3:00 p.m. – 3:00 3:15 p.m.
Conflict in the workplace can be a huge distractor BREAK and time waster. Managers spend, at a minimum, an
estimated one quarter of their time Social managing Media and workplace Local Government
conflicts. Come learn the tools to mediate
disputes and restore Anita peace Tillman, in your Communications community. Consultant, Louisiana Municipal Association
3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. BREAK
to more effectively connect with Social the community, Media and lawmakers, Local Government
and other local government stakeholders.
4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Anita Tillman, Communications Consultant, BREAK Louisiana Municipal Association
3:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Today’s communications channels Discrimination are all about easy in access the Workplace and speed. Social media is one of the key
channels that municipal Karen leaders White, need Executive to open Counsel, up-and fast! Louisiana This session Municipal will Association cover ways to use social media
4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
to more effectively connect with the community, lawmakers, and other local government stakeholders.
4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. imparting valuable information about federal and BREAK state law and workplace appropriateness.
5:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Discrimination VENDOR RECEPTION
in the Workplace
Karen White, Executive Counsel, Louisiana Municipal Association
4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Every public servant must complete WEDNESDAY, one hour of sexual FEBRUARY harassment 21, training 2018 per year, an especially timely
topic given recent national developments. This workshop fulfills that annual training requirement while
imparting valuable information “ LEADERSHIP about federal and state FUNDAMENTALS”
law and workplace appropriateness.
Conflict in the workplace can be a huge distractor and time waster. Managers spend, at a minimum, an
estimated one quarter of their time managing workplace conflicts. Come learn the tools to mediate
Today’s communications channels are all about easy access and speed. Social media is one of the key
channels that municipal leaders need to open up-and fast! This session will cover ways to use social media
Every public servant must complete one hour of sexual harassment training per year, an especially timely
topic given recent national developments. This workshop fulfills that annual training requirement while
REGISTRATION
5:15 8:00 p.m. a.m. – 6:45 5:00 p.m. VENDOR RECEPTION
EXHIBITS
8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Welcome Address
Honorable Sharon Weston WEDNESDAY, Broome, Mayor-President, FEBRUARY City of Baton 21, Rouge, 2018 Parish of East Baton Rouge
RMI Update and LMA Policy Committees
Jerry
“ LEADERSHIP
Cronin, General Manager,
FUNDAMENTALS”
Risk Management, Inc.
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. BREAK
The Lawrason Act REGISTRATION
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Open Meetings and Public Records
Jerry Guillot
EXHIBITS
Emalie A. Boyce
Chief of Staff, Louisiana State Senate
Director, Division of Administrative Law
Welcome Address
This session’s focus is to provide a working This session will provide an overview of the Open
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
knowledge Honorable and understanding Sharon Weston Broome, of the Lawrason Mayor-President, Act Meetings City of Baton Law, Rouge, including Parish the of East notice Baton that Rouge
8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
must be
and an overview of recent developments RMI Update including and LMA provided, Policy Committees how electronic communications impact
Attorney General opinions and Jerry case Cronin, law. General Manager, this Risk area Management, of the law, and Inc. what issues are appropriate
10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
for an executive session.
BREAK
11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. The Lawrason Act VENDOR NETWORKING Open Meetings and Public Records
Creating Economic Jerry Guillot Development
Security: Physical Emalie A. and Boyce Cyber Security
Chief of Staff, Opportunities
Louisiana State Senate
Director, Keith Bates, Division Criminal of Administrative Investigator, LDEQ Law
This session’s Kate MacArthur, focus is to President/CEO, provide a working This session Eric Fry, will Sales provide Consultant, overview TraceSecurity of the Open
10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
knowledge Ascension and Economic understanding Development of the Corporation Lawrason Act Meetings Staying safe Law, from including soup the to nuts, notice this that session must will be
Scot Byrd, CLED, CAO/City Clerk, City of Gonzales
tips for all aspects of your life including
and an overview of recent developments including provided, how electronic communications impact
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Mandi Mitchell, Assistant Secretary,
securing yourself, your home, your vehicle, and
Attorney General opinions and case law.
this
Louisiana Economic Development
your area work of the environment. law, and what In addition, issues are you appropriate will learn
This session is designed to give useful strategies for information an executive useful session. for protecting online data on
11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
that elected officials can use to develop a your home and work electronic devices and how to
comprehensive plan for their communities VENDOR that NETWORKING
stay safe in the cyber world.
includes recruiting, retaining, and creating
businesses through entrepreneurship.
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. BREAK
Campaign Finance Disclosure Act
Public Bid Law and Procurement
Kathleen Allen
Paul A. Holmes
Executive Administrator, Louisiana Ethics Commission
Procurement Consultant, LaMATS
Required under Louisiana law, all elected municipal This session will review the basics of the Public Bid
officials must undergo one hour of training in The Law, update recent developments, and review
2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Campaign Finance Disclosure Act during a four- recent technological innovations regarding the
LMR | February 2018 Page 23

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Mandi Mitchell, Assistant Secretary,
securing yourself, your home, your vehicle, and
Louisiana Economic Development
your work environment. In addition, you will learn
This session is designed to give useful strategies information useful for protecting online data on
that elected officials can use to develop a your home and work electronic devices and how to
comprehensive plan for their communities that stay safe in the cyber world.
includes recruiting, retaining, and creating
businesses through entrepreneurship.
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. BREAK
Campaign Finance Disclosure Act
Public Bid Law and Procurement
Kathleen Allen
Paul A. Holmes
Executive Administrator, Louisiana Ethics Commission
Procurement Consultant, LaMATS
Required under Louisiana law, all elected municipal This session will review the basics of the Public Bid
officials must undergo one hour of training in The Law, update recent developments, and review
2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Campaign Finance Disclosure Act during a fouryear
term. This class will serve as your required receipt of public bids and quotes.
recent technological innovations regarding the
training, with the required forms available to be
submitted directly to the Ethics Commission.
Attendees should be on time and remain for the
entire session to be eligible.
3:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. BREAK
The Code of Governmental Ethics
Brett Robinson, Attorney, Louisiana Ethics Commission
Have you met your one hour of ethics training for this year as required under LA law? If not, come to this
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
session to check that item off your “To Do” list. This ethics training will meet that requirement and comes
complete with the mandatory forms for submission to receive your credit. Attendees should be on time and
remain for the entire session to be eligible.
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LMR | February 2018