RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 202 (HB 185) 2024 Regular Session Newell
New law creates the Castle Manor Improvement District in New Orleans for the purpose of
promoting and encouraging the beautification and security of the district. Provides for
district boundaries. Provides that the district shall be governed by a seven-member board of
commissioners composed as follows:
(1) The president of the Castle Manor Improvement Assoc.
(2) The governing board of the association shall appoint two members.
(3) Each of the following shall appoint one member from nominees submitted by the
association:
(a) The mayor of New Orleans.
(b) The member of the La. House of Representatives whose district encompasses
all or the greater portion of the area of the district.
(c) The member of the La. Senate whose district encompasses all or the greater
portion of the area of the district.
(d) The member of the governing authority of New Orleans whose council
district encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district.
New law requires that all members of the board be residents and qualified voters of the
district.
New law provides for the powers and duties of the district.
New law authorizes the governing authority of New Orleans, subject to voter approval, to
impose and collect a parcel fee within the district. Provides that the amount of the parcel fee
shall not exceed the following:
(1) For parcels zoned residential, $100 per parcel per year for the first three years that the
fee is collected and $125 per parcel per year thereafter.
(2) For parcels zoned commercial, $200 per parcel per year for the first three years that
the fee is collected and $225 per parcel per year thereafter.
Existing constitution provides that property assessments shall not increase for certain
property owners who meet specified age, disability, and income requirements. New law
provides that the parcel fee shall not be imposed on parcels whose owners qualify for this
special assessment level.
New law provides that the initial term for the imposition of the parcel fee is five years but
authorizes renewal, subject to voter approval, for terms not to exceed five years. Provides
that the district ceases to exist if the fee is not renewed.
New law requires that the fee be collected in the same manner and at the same time as ad
valorem taxes. Authorizes the city to retain 1% of the amount collected.
New law requires the district's board to adopt an annual budget in accordance with existing
law (R.S. 39:1301 et seq.) and provides that the district shall be subject to audit by the
legislative auditor.
New law provides that it is the purpose and intent of new law that the additional law
enforcement personnel and services provided for through the fees authorized by new law
shall be supplemental to, and not in lieu of, personnel and services provided in the district
by the state or the city. Further provides that if the district ceases to exist, funds of the
district shall be transmitted to the city of New Orleans, and such funds, together with other
funds collected by the city pursuant to new law, shall be maintained in a separate account and
shall be used only to promote, encourage, and enhance the security of the area included in
the district.
Effective August 1, 2024.
(Adds R.S. 33:9091.28)