RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 201 (HB 332) 2021 Regular Session Willard
New law creates the Vista Park Crime Prevention District in Orleans Parish for the purpose
of promoting and encouraging the beautification, security, and betterment of the district.
Provides for district boundaries. New 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, composed as follows:
(1) Three members appointed by the board of directors of the Vista Park Civic and
Improvement Assoc.
(2) One member appointed by the member of the La. House of Representatives whose
district encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district.
(3) One member appointed by the member of the New Orleans City Council whose
district encompasses all or the greater portion of the area of the district.
New law provides relative to the powers and duties of the district.
New 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. Provides that the maximum
fee shall be as follows: $400 per year for unimproved residential parcels and improved
single-family residential parcels; $600 per year for multiple adjacent residential parcels
housing a single-family dwelling; $1000 per year for improved multi-family residential
parcels and for commercial parcels. Defines "parcel" as a lot, a subdivided portion of
ground, or an individual tract.
New law provides that the fee expires at the time provided in the proposition authorizing the
fee, not to exceed eight years, but authorizes renewal of the fee for a term not to exceed eight
years, also subject to voter approval. Further provides that the fee shall be collected at the
same time and in the same manner as ad valorem taxes and that any unpaid fee shall be added
to the city's tax rolls and enforced with the same authority and subject to the same penalties
and procedures as unpaid ad valorem taxes. Requires the city to remit amounts collected to
the district not later than 60 days after collection, but authorizes the city to retain 1% as a
collection fee.
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's office.
New law provides that it is the purpose and intent of new law that the additional law
enforcement or security 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 New Orleans police dept. Further provides that if the district ceases to exist,
all district funds shall be transmitted to the city to be used to provide for the overall
betterment of the area which comprised the district.
Effective upon signature of governor (June 11, 2021).
(Adds R.S. 33:9091.26)