RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 610 (SB 111) 2016 Regular Session Barrow
New law creates the Parkwood Terrace Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Improvement
District in East Baton Rouge Parish for the purposes of providing security for district
residents and serving the needs of district residents by funding beautification and
improvements for the overall betterment of the district. Provides for district boundaries.
Provides that the district is governed by a board of commissioners. Requires each board
member to be a resident and qualified voter in the district. Provides that the board shall be
composed of seven members as follows:
(1)The president of the Parkwood Terrace Improvement Association shall be an ex
officio member.
(2)The board of directors of the Parkwood Terrace Improvement Association or its
successor shall appoint one member.
(3)The member of the La. House of Representatives who represents House District 63
shall appoint one member.
(4)The member of the La. Senate who represents Senate District 15 shall appoint one
member.
(5)The assessor for East Baton Rouge Parish shall appoint one member.
(6)The mayor-president of East Baton Rouge shall appoint one member.
(7)The Metro Council member or council members who represent the district shall
appoint one member.
Provides that members serve staggered four-year terms. Requires board members to serve
without compensation and provides that they shall not receive reimbursement for expenses.
Provides that the district, acting through the board, shall have the following powers and
duties:
(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 new law and in accordance
with a budget adopted as provided by new law.
(4) To enter into contracts with individuals or entities, private or public, for the
provision of security patrols in the district.
(5)To purchase items and supplies which the board deems instrumental to
achieving the purpose of the district.
(6) To perform or have performed any other function or activity necessary for the
achievement of the purpose of the district.
Authorizes the governing authority of East Baton Rouge Parish to impose and collect a parcel
fee within the district. Provides that the amount of the fee shall be as requested by the board.
Further provides that the fee shall be a flat fee per improved parcel not less than $100 per
parcel per year for lots zoned for residential. Requires that the fee be imposed on each
improved parcel located within the district.
Defines a parcel as a lot, a subdivided portion of ground, or an individual tract. Provides that
a parcel does not mean a condominium parcel as defined in prior law (R.S. 9:1121.103).
Provides that with respect to condominiums, the fee collector shall impose the parcel fee on
each lot on which condominiums are situated and not on individual condominium units. Provides that the fee shall be imposed only after the question of its imposition has been
approved by a majority of the registered voters of the district voting on the proposition at an
election held for that purpose. Provides that no other election shall be required except as
provided by new law.
Requires the board of commissioners, at least 30 days prior to any election held to approve
imposition of a parcel fee, to mail notification of the upcoming election to each registered
voter of the district, and the owner of a parcel if the owner is not a registered voter of the
district.
Requires the initial election on the question of the imposition to be held at the same time as
a regularly scheduled election in East Baton Rouge Parish. Provides that the fee shall expire
10 years from its initial levy. Authorizes renewal of such fee.
Requires that the fee be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ad valorem
taxes are collected in the parish. Provides that any fee shall be added to the tax rolls of the
parish and shall be enforced with the same authority and subject to the same penalties and
procedures as ad valorem taxes.
Requires the sheriff to collect and remit to the district all amounts collected not more than
60 days after collection. Authorizes the board to enter into an agreement with the sheriff to
authorize the sheriff to retain a collection fee.
Provides that it is the purpose and intent of proposed law that the additional law enforcement
personnel and services provided by the district shall be supplemental to and not in lieu of
personnel and services provided in the district by the city of Baton Rouge and East Baton
Rouge Parish. Further provides that if the district ceases to exist, any funds of the district
shall be transmitted to the governing authority of the city of Baton Rouge and parish of East
Baton Rouge and shall be used for law enforcement purposes in the area included within the
district.
Effective upon signature of governor (June 17, 2016).
(Adds R.S. 33:9097.28)