SPECIAL DISTRICTS: Creates the Real Timbers Crime Prevention and Security District in Orleans Parish. (gov sig)
Summary
SB 380 creates the Real Timbers Crime Prevention and Improvement District in Orleans Parish as a political subdivision of the state. The district covers a defined area bounded by Iowa Street, Amazon Street, Delaware Street, Memorial Park Drive, Kansas Street, and Hudson Street. Its stated purpose is to promote beautification, security, and the overall betterment of the neighborhood.
The bill establishes a seven-member board of commissioners to govern the district. The board is made up of four officers of the Real Timbers Homeowners Association and three district residents appointed by the association. The board may adopt bylaws, hold meetings, keep minutes, and serve without compensation, though members may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses. It is also authorized to contract, sue and be sued, obtain insurance, and take actions needed to carry out the district’s purposes.
Impact
The bill adds a new section to Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 33 governing special districts in Orleans Parish. It authorizes the City of New Orleans to impose and collect a parcel fee within the district, up to $315 per year per parcel, if approved by a majority of registered voters in the district. The fee is collected like ad valorem taxes, unpaid amounts are added to the tax rolls and enforced like property taxes, and the proceeds must be used solely for the district’s security, beautification, and related improvements, with the city allowed to retain a 1% collection fee. The district is also subject to the Local Government Budget Act and legislative audit requirements.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong support for the bill: SB 380 passed the Senate unanimously, 35-0, and became law without the Governor’s signature as Act 597. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no recorded debate in the supplied materials. Overall, the bill appears to have been noncontroversial or at least broadly accepted among legislators.
Contention
The main policy issue in bills of this type is the creation of a locally funded special district with authority to levy a parcel fee on property owners. Potential points of contention include the size of the fee, the use of a voter-approved assessment, and the fact that governance is closely tied to the homeowners association rather than elected officials. The bill also specifies that district-funded security services are supplemental to, not a replacement for, New Orleans Police Department services, which may reflect concern about public safety funding and service duplication. However, no specific objections or opposing arguments appear in the provided record.
Relating to the authority of the Wood County Central Hospital District of Wood County, Texas, to provide brain and memory care services to residents of the hospital district through the creation and operation of brain and memory health care services districts.