Louisiana Revised Statutes Tit. 38, § 1595.1. Jefferson Parish; drainage service fees; bonds

A. The governing authority of the parish of Jefferson and of any drainage district, subdrainage district, and municipality located in the parish of Jefferson, each hereinafter referred to as an “entity”, may determine, establish, impose, and collect drainage service fees from the users of the drainage systems to pay the costs of developing, acquiring, designing, constructing, improving, extending, operating and maintaining, and replacing public drainage systems, and to pay debt obligations issued for such purposes by an entity. The drainage service fees shall be equal and uniform for each grade or class of user of the drainage system as determined by the governing authority. Prior to taking any decisive action in connection with such drainage service fees, the governing authority of the entity shall hold at least two public meetings to discuss the drainage service fees. Said drainage service fees shall be collected in the manner and at the times determined by the governing authority. The governing authority shall call an election to obtain the approval of the electors prior to the imposition of drainage service fees.

B. Any entity may incur debt and issue bonds payable from an irrevocable pledge and dedication of the drainage service fees collected within said entity for the purpose of developing, acquiring, constructing, improving, extending, and replacing public drainage systems. Such bonds shall be issued in the name of the entity and shall be limited obligations secured by a pledge of the drainage service fees of the entity. Said bonds shall be issued in the manner provided in R.S. 39:1011 et seq., R.S. 39:1421 et seq., and R.S. 39:1431 et seq. For the purpose of the application of R.S. 39:1421 et seq. and R.S. 39:1431 et seq., any bonds issued shall be considered to be revenue bonds.

C. This Section shall be liberally construed to the end that the authority herein granted shall enable the implementation of drainage programs for the benefit and preservation of the lives, health, and property of the citizens of Jefferson Parish.