What is the Crime Prevention & Improvement District?
The Riverbend Crime Prevention & Improvement District (the "District") was created in 2015 through Legislative Act No. 127 and is a public body which was approved by the voters of the District. The District is a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana as defined in the Constitution of Louisiana and it must abide by all the laws that govern a political subdivision. All voters who own or reside in the District were eligible to vote on November 11, 2015 to create this District. The District Bill passed by a margin of 64.43% FOR 35.57% AGAINST.
History
For over a decade, we have been struggling to meet security and beautification needs, but have not been completely successful due to the lack of funding. Many of you have supported us throughout the years, and we graciously thank you. But for every one of you who have contributed, two or three of your neighbors do not pay. And yet they enjoy the same police protection and the same benefits you receive from your dues.
This new district will address the aforementioned concerns. Every homeowner will pay an equal amount. The money will be used to help support neighborhood watch, bolster beautification, and most importantly, potentially increase funding for police patrols.
Concerning police patrols, in 2014 we could afford a little over nine hours per month for these patrols. With the district, we could potentially have patrols in our neighborhood every day.
This district will also have a review or audit of its financial statements every year by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.
The cost for the district will be shouldered equally by all single family dwelling property owners for an annual parcel fee of $150. Budgets are being reviewed now, and we should be able to fund everything that concerns the Riverbend Subdivision community with this revenue. That would cost less than 41 cents per day per homeowner in Riverbend.
Benefits/Facts
Boundaries
The boundaries of our District are the boundaries of Riverbend Subdivision which is shown on the plat plan listed with the City/Parish. This does not include any other subdivisions that surround Riverbend Subdivision. It includes all of the homes in Riverbend Subdivision not the surrounding neighborhoods that branch off Riverbend (ie. Riverbend Lakes, Laurel Lakes and Laurel Estates).
Governance
The District is supported by all property (parcel) owners in Riverbend Subdivision. A parcel fee in the amount of $150 per year is placed on each parcel of property. The parcel fee will expire fifteen years from its initial levy as provided for on the ballot of November 11, 2015. It will be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ad valorem taxes are collected in the Parish. The parcel fee is allowed to increase one time not to exceed $250 in the course of the fifteen-year period.
Riverbend Crime Prevention and Improvement Board of Directors
Responsibility of the Commission Board
The board will meet quarterly and is governed by Open Meeting Laws, Public Records Law, and the Code of Governmental Ethics. The board will adopt an annual budget in accordance with the Louisiana Local Government Budget Act and shall be subject to audit by the Legislative Auditor.
Purpose
The District was created specifically to provide an increase in the presence of law enforcement personnel in the District, to provide security measures deemed necessary for added protection to the District, as well as to provide opportunities for the upkeep of the District.
All business which the Commission Board conducts will be reported here on this Crime Prevention District Page. If you have any questions or concerns about the District, you may e-mail them to crimedistrict@riverbendsub.org
Camera Policy
All meetings are held at:
Carver Library
720 Terrace Avenue
6:00 p.m.
Meetings currently scheduled (tentative) are:
The board may call for additional meetings if necessary and these to will be subject to the Open Meeting laws.
January 4, 2017 | |
March 15, 2017 | |
April 5, 2017 | |
September 6, 2017 | |
November 1, 2017 | |
January 24, 2018 | |
March 7, 2018 | |
May 2, 2018 | |
September 5, 2018 | |
November 14, 2018 | |
January 15, 2019 | |
March 14, 2019 | |
May 7, 2019 | |
September 3, 2019 | |
November 5, 2019 | |
January 14, 2020 | |
March 10, 2020 | |
May 5, 2020 (Canceled) | |
September 1, 2020 (Canceled) | |
November 10, 2020 |