Creates the Riverbend Crime Prevention and Improvement District in East Baton Rouge Parish (EN +$119,750 LF RV See Note)
The bill grants the district the authority to impose a parcel fee on property owners to fund its activities. This fee, which will require voter approval before imposition, is capped at $150 per parcel per year, with provisions for possible increases after three years and renewals thereafter. Such funding is intended to complement existing city and parish law enforcement efforts rather than replace them, ensuring that the community benefits from both local governance and dedicated crime prevention initiatives.
House Bill 691 establishes the Riverbend Crime Prevention and Improvement District within East Baton Rouge Parish. The primary aim of this bill is to enhance public safety and improve the overall quality of life for residents in the district through increased law enforcement presence. The legislation allows for the creation of a governing body, a seven-member board of commissioners, tasked with managing the district's affairs and overseeing its initiatives, which include both crime prevention and community beautification efforts.
General sentiment appears to lean positively towards the establishment of the district, with community leaders recognizing the need for enhanced safety measures in the Riverbend area. However, as this bill transitions from proposal to implementation, the necessity of voter approval for the parcel fee may introduce some contention among residents who may have divergent views on taxation and funding local law enforcement.
One area of potential contention is the governance structure of the district and the method of funding. While proponents argue that a local board responsible for crime prevention will be more accountable and transparent, opponents may question the effectiveness of using parcel fees for funding legal and safety measures. The bill also outlines considerable powers for the board, including the ability to levy fees and create services, which some may view as granting too much authority to a local body without sufficient oversight.