DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Hunter HB No. 928
Abstract: Creates the Monroe-West Monroe Improvement and Security District in Orleans
Parish for the purpose of promoting and encouraging the beautification, security, and
overall betterment of the district. Provides for a board of commissioners and for the
imposition and use of a parcel fee.
Proposed law creates the Monroe-West Monroe Improvement and Security District in Ouachita
Parish as a political subdivision of the state for the purpose of promoting and encouraging the
beautification, security, and overall betterment of the district. Provides that the district
boundaries shall be coterminous with the cities of Monroe and West Monroe.
Proposed law provides that the district has the following powers and duties:
(1)To receive and expend funds collected pursuant to proposed law and in accordance with a
budget adopted as provided by proposed law.
(2)To enter into contracts with individuals or entities, private or public, for the provision of
security patrols.
(3)To purchase items and supplies instrumental to achieving the district's purpose.
(4)To perform or have performed any other function or activity necessary for achieving the
district's purpose.
Proposed law authorizes the governing authority of the cities of Monroe and West Monroe,
subject to voter approval, to impose and collect a parcel fee within the district which amount
shall be as requested by duly adopted board resolution. Provides that the amount of the fee may
be increased or decreased, subject to voter approval. Provides for a reduced combined parcel fee
if multiple adjacent parcels are combined for the purpose of housing a single family dwelling.
Provides relative to calculating the combined parcel fee. Defines a parcel as a lot, a subdivided
portion of ground, an individual tract, or a condominium parcel as defined in present law (R.S.
9:1121.103).
Proposed law provides that the fee shall be collected in the same manner and at the same time as
ad valorem taxes and that any unpaid fee shall be added to the parish tax rolls and enforced with
the same authority and subject to the same penalties and procedures as unpaid ad valorem taxes.
Proposed law requires that the fee proceeds be used solely and exclusively for the district's purpose and benefit. Authorizes the city to retain 1% of the amount collected as a collection fee
and requires the city to remit to the district all amounts collected not more than 60 days after
collection.
Proposed law requires the district's board to adopt an annual budget in accordance with the Local
Government Budget Act and provides that the district shall be subject to audit by the legislative
auditor.
Proposed law provides that it is the purpose and intent of proposed law that the additional law
enforcement personnel and their services provided for through the fees authorized by proposed
law shall be supplemental to and not in lieu of personnel and services provided in the district by
the police departments of Monroe and West Monroe.
Proposed law requires the district's board, if the district ceases to exist, to transmit all district
funds to the cities. Requires that such funds together with any other funds collected by the city
pursuant to proposed law be maintained in a separate account by the city. Requires that such
funds be used only to promote, encourage, and enhance the security, beautification, and overall
betterment of the area included in the district.
(Adds R.S.33:9091.22)