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)]
HB 324 Original 2015 Regular Session Badon
Abstract: Creates the Fairway Estates Subdivision Improvement District in Orleans Parish to aid
in crime prevention and to fund improvements for overall district betterment. Provides for
a board of commissioners and for the imposition and use of a parcel fee.
Proposed law creates the Fairway Estates Subdivision Improvement District in Orleans Parish as a
political subdivision of the state in order to aid in crime prevention by providing security for district
residents and to serve the needs of the residents by funding beautification and other activities and
improvements for overall district betterment. Provides for district boundaries.
Proposed law provides that the district shall be governed by a five-member board of commissioners,
all of whom shall be residents and qualified voters of the district, appointed by the Fairway Estates
Homeowners Assoc.
Proposed law provides for the district's powers and duties, including the following:
(1)To sue and be sued.
(2)To adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.
(3)To receive and expend funds collected pursuant to proposed law and in accordance with a
budget adopted as provided by proposed law.
(4)To enter into contracts with individuals or entities, private or public.
(5)To purchase items and supplies which the board deems instrumental to the district's purpose.
(6)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 city of New Orleans, 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 fee shall be a flat fee not to exceed $500 per
parcel per year. Requires that the fee be imposed on each parcel located within the district.
Proposed law defines "parcel" as a lot, a subdivided portion of ground, or an individual tract. Proposed law provides that the fee shall expire on Dec. 31, 2018, but authorizes renewal of the fee.
Provides that the term of the renewal shall be as provided in the proposition authorizing such
renewal, not to exceed eight years.
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 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 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 if the district ceases to exist all of its funds shall be transmitted to the
governing authority of the city of New Orleans and shall be used for law enforcement purposes in
the district.
(Adds R.S. 33:9091.22)