The Tangi Times
October 2, 2026
Minutes of the Board of Commissioners of Gravity Drainage District No. 4 of
Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, held on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the
regular meeting place, Amite City Hall, Amite, Louisiana.
The Board of Commissioners of Gravity Drainage District No. 4 of Tangipahoa Parish,
Louisiana met on the above date in regular session and was called to order by the
President, Mrs. Lori B. Petitto, at 8:30 a.m. o’clock instead of 4:30 p.m., with proper
notification, with the following members present:
Present: Lori B. Petitto, Lafete Tucker, James C. Ricks, Lionel Sutton
Absent: Kyle Warren
The president called on Mr. Lafete Tucker to voice the invocation and the pledge.
The roll call showed a quorum to be present. Whereupon a motion was made by Mr.
Ricks duly seconded by Mr. Tucker and unanimously carried that the reading of the
minutes of the last regular meeting, dated August 31, 2026, be dispensed with and
that they be adopted as of record and published in the official journal.
The secretary presented bills in the amount of $9878.94 for canal maintenance,
material, supplies, contract labor, printing, etc. Whereupon a motion was made by Mr.
Tucker duly seconded by Mrs. Petitto and unanimously carried that the payment of the
bills be authorized and approved.
The financial report on the general condition of the district was given, and a motion
was made by Mr. Tucker duly seconded by Mr. Ricks and unanimously carried that the
report of the treasurer be approved and accepted.
In attendance: Calvin Graham
The following action was taken:
GRAVITY DRAINAGE DISTRICT NO. 4 OF
TANGIPAHOA PARISH, LOUISIANA
The following Resolution was offered by _James C. Ricks____ and sec-
onded by _
_Lafete Tucker_____________________:
RESOLUTION
A Resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in
Gravity Drainage District No. 4 of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
(the “District”) on Saturday, April 17, 2027, for the purpose of
authorizing the renewal of the levy and collection of a 2.0 mills
tax on assessed valuation of all property subject to taxation
in the District, for a period of five (5) years for the following
purposes: one-half shall be for the purpose of maintaining
and operating gravity drainage works in the District, and the
other one-half shall be for the purpose of constructing gravity
drainage works in the District, title to which shall be in the public;
and further making application to the State Bond Commission
for consent and authorization to hold the aforesaid election; and
further providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Gravity Drainage District No. 4
of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana (the “Governing Authority”), acting as the governing
authority of Gravity Drainage District No. 4 of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana (the “Dis-
trict”), desires to order and call a special election to be held in the District on SATUR-
DAY, APRIL 17, 2027, to authorize the renewal of a 2.0 mills ad valorem tax for a period
of five (5) years, commencing with the tax collection for the year 2028, and annually
thereafter, to and including the tax collection for the year 2032, for the following pur-
poses: one-half shall be for the purpose of maintaining and operating gravity drainage
works in the District, and the other one-half shall be for the purpose of constructing
gravity drainage works in the District, title to which shall be in the public (the “Tax”); and
BE IT RESOLVED by the Governing Authority, that:
SECTION 1. Election Call. Subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission and
under the authority conferred by Article VI, Sections 30 and 32 of the Constitution of the
State of Louisiana of 1974, as amended (the “Constitution”) La. R.S. 38:1902 and the
applicable provisions of Chapters 6 and 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Stat-
utes of 1950, as amended (the “Election Code”) and other constitutional and statutory
authority supplemental thereto, a special election (the “Election”) is hereby called and
ordered to be held in the District, on SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2027, between the hours
of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in compliance with the provisions of Section 541 of Title 18
of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 18:541), and that
at the Election there will be submitted to all registered voters residing in the District,
qualified and entitled to vote at the Election under the Constitution and laws of the State
of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following proposition, to-wit:
PROPOSITION
(TAX RENEWAL)
Shall the Gravity Drainage District No. 4 of Tangipahoa Par-
ish, Louisiana (the “District”), under the provisions of Article VI,
Sections 30 and 32 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, as
amended, La. R.S. 38:1902 and other constitutional and statu-
tory authority, be authorized to renew the levy and collection of a
special ad valorem tax of 2.0 mills on the dollar of assessed val-
uation on all property subject to taxation within the boundaries of
the District (the “Tax”) (an estimated $104,383.27 is reasonably
expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax
for an entire year), for a period of five (5) years, commencing
with the tax collection for the year 2028, and annually thereafter,
to and including the tax collection for the year 2032, and shall
the proceeds of said Tax (after paying the reasonable and nec-
essary expenses of collection and administration) be dedicated
and used solely for the following purposes: one-half shall be
for the purpose of maintaining and operating gravity drainage
works in the District, and the other one-half shall be for the pur-
pose of constructing gravity drainage works in the District, title
to which shall be in the public?
SECTION 2. Publication of Notice of Special Election. Pursu-
ant to La. R.S. 18:1285, a Notice of Special Election concerning
the Election will be published in the Tangi Times (the “Official
Journal”), a newspaper of general circulation within the District,
and is the official journal of the District, once a week for four (4)
consecutive weeks, with the first publication to be made not less
than fortyfive (45) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to
the date fixed for the Election, which notice will be substantial-
ly in accordance with the Notice of Special Election annexed
hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference, to the
same extent as if it were set forth in full.
SECTION 3. Canvass of Election Returns. This Governing
Authority will meet on Monday, May 31, 2027, at 4:30 p.m. at
212 E. Oak Street, Amite, Louisiana, and will then and there
in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass
the official election returns and declare the results of the said
Election, pursuant to Section 1292 of Title 18 of the Louisiana
Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended.
SECTION 4. Polling Places; Commissioners. The polling plac-
es set forth in the attached Notice of Special Election, and situ-
ated within the corporate limits of the District, and the same are
hereby designated as the polling places at which the Election
will be held. Pursuant to the provisions of La. R.S. 18:1286(B),
the Commissioners-in-Charge and the Commissioners autho-
rized to be selected by the Board of Election Supervisors to
serve at the Election on Saturday, April 17, 2027, are hereby
designated as the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commission-
ers to serve at the polling places designated for this Election.
SECTION 5. Designation of Commissioners and Commission-
ers-in-Charge. As required in La. R.S. 18:1286(B), the officers
designated to serve as Commissioners-in-Charge and Commis-
sioners pursuant to Section 4 hereof, will hold the Election as
herein provided solely in compliance with the provisions of Parts
II and V of the Election Code, as amended, and will make due
returns of said Election in accordance with the aforesaid provi-
sions of the Election Code. The compensation of said officers
be and the same is hereby fixed at the sum prescribed by law.
All registered voters in each precinct and residing in the District
are entitled to vote at the Election.
SECTION 6. Authorization of the Chairwoman. The Chairwom-
an of the Governing Authority be and she is hereby empowered,
authorized and directed to arrange for and to furnish the Elec-
tion officers, in ample time for the holding of said Election, all
equipment, forms and other items which may be required in
order to hold said Election. The Chairwoman of the Governing
Authority is further authorized, empowered and directed to take
any and all further action required by State and/or Federal law
to arrange for the Election.
SECTION 7. Furnishing Election Call. In accordance with
La. R.S. 18:1285(B)(1), certified copies of this Resolution will
be forwarded promptly to the Secretary of State, the Clerk of
Court and Ex-Officio Custodian of Voting Machines in and for
the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana and the Registrar
of Voters in and for the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of Louisiana,
as notification of the call for the Election in order that each may
prepare for said Election and perform their respective functions
as required by law.
SECTION 8. Estimated Collections. Pursuant to La. R.S. 18:1284(c), an estimated
$104,383.27 is reasonably anticipated at this time to be collected from the levy of the
Tax for an entire year.
SECTION 9. Application to State Bond Commission. Application be and the same is
hereby formally made to the State Bond Commission for consent and authorization to
hold a special proposition election in the District, as previously specified herein, said
Election to be held within the District on Saturday, April 17, 2027, and in the event the
aforesaid proposition is carried for consent and authorization to levy and collect the Tax
provided for by said proposition in the amount, for the purposes and for the number of
years herein specified; and that a certified copy of this Resolution will be forwarded to
the State Bond Commission on behalf of the Governing Authority, together with a letter
requesting the prompt consideration and approval of such application.
SECTION 10. Approval of Parish Council. Pursuant to Section 1415 of Title 33 of the
Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, application is hereby formally autho-
rized to be made for the approval of the Parish Council of the Parish of Tangipahoa,
State of Louisiana, as the governing authority of the Parish of Tangipahoa, State of
Louisiana.
SECTION 11. Additional Notice Requirement. This Governing Authority made the
announcement with respect to this Resolution required by La. R.S. 42:19.1, at its public
meeting on Monday, August 31, 2026, and published said announcement in the Official
Journal on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Such announcement was also transmitted
via email to State Senators and Representatives on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
This Resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS: Lori B. Petitto, Lafete Tucker, James C. Ricks, Lionel Sutton
NAYS: None
ABSENT: Kyle Warren
And the Resolution was declared adopted on this, the 28th day of Septem-
ber 2026.
Mary Lynn Thompson, Secretary Lori B. Petitto, Chairwoman
EXHIBIT A
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION
Pursuant to the provisions of a Resolution adopted on September 28, 2026
by the Board of Commissioners of Gravity Drainage District No. 4 of Tangipahoa Parish,
Louisiana (the “Governing Authority”), acting as the governing authority of Gravity
Drainage District No. 4 of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), NOTICE IS
HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held in the District on SATURDAY, APRIL
17, 2027, and that at said election there will be submitted to all registered voters of
the District, qualified in and entitled to vote at said election under the Constitution and
laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following
proposition, to-wit:
PROPOSITION
(TAX RENEWAL)
Shall the Gravity Drainage District No. 4 of Tangipahoa Par-
ish, Louisiana (the “District”), under the provisions of Article VI,
Sections 30 and 32 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, as
amended, La. R.S. 38:1902 and other constitutional and statu-
tory authority, be authorized to renew the levy and collection of a
special ad valorem tax of 2.0 mills on the dollar of assessed val-
uation on all property subject to taxation within the boundaries of
the District (the “Tax”) (an estimated $104,383.27 is reasonably
expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax
for an entire year), for a period of five (5) years, commencing
with the tax collection for the year 2028, and annually thereafter,
to and including the tax collection for the year 2032, and shall
the proceeds of said Tax (after paying the reasonable and nec-
essary expenses of collection and administration) be dedicated
and used solely for the following purposes: one-half shall be
for the purpose of maintaining and operating gravity drainage
works in the District, and the other one-half shall be for the pur-
pose of constructing gravity drainage works in the District, title
to which shall be in the public?
The special election will be held at the following polling places situated in the
District, and which polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. on SATURDAY,
APRIL 17, 2027, in compliance with the provisions of Section 541 of Title 18 of the
Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 18:541). The Commission-
ers-in-Charge and the Commissioners authorized to be selected by the Parish Board of
Election Supervisors at the special election on SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2027, are hereby
designated as the Commissioners-in-Charge and the Commissioners to serve at the
following described polling places designated for this election, to-wit:
WARD/PRECINCT POLLING PLACE
00/011 Roseland Elementary School, 12516 Time
Avenue, Roseland
00/015 Agriculture Building, 305 E. Oak Street, Amite
00/016 (PART OF) Agriculture Building, 305 E. Oak Street, Amite
00/017 Amite City Hall, 212 E. Oak Street, Amite
00/028 (PART OF) Independence Elementary School Gym, 221
Tiger Avenue, Independence
00/107 Roseland Elementary School, 12516 Time
Avenue, Roseland
00/109 (PART OF) Parish Library-Amite Branch, 204 NE Central
Avenue, Amite
00/111A (PART OF) Advanced College & Career Magnet Center,
300 W. 2nd Street, Independence
00/115B Advanced College & Career Magnet Center,
300 W. 2nd Street, Independence
The polling places set forth above and situated in the District, be and the
same are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the special election,
and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those
persons designated according to law.
A portion of the monies collected from the Tax shall be remitted to certain
state and statewide retirement systems in accordance with the provisions of Subtitle 1
of Title 11 of Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 11:82).
In accordance with La. R.S. 18:1285(A)(1)(a)(v), the estimated cost of hold-
ing the election will be $3,400.00.
The special election will be held in accordance with the applicable provi-
sions of Chapters 5 and 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as
amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority as applicable thereto, and the
officers appointed to hold the election, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected
and designated in compliance with law, will make due returns thereof to the Governing
Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will
meet on Monday, May 31, 2027 at 4:30 p.m. at 212 E. Oak Street, Amite, Louisiana,
and will then and there, in open and public session, proceed to examine and canvass
the returns and declare the result of the special election. All registered voters residing
in the District are entitled to vote at the special election and voting machines will be used
in connection therewith.
[Remainder of this page intentionally left blank]
THUS, DONE AND SIGNED at Amite, Louisiana, on this, the 28th of Sep-
tember 2026.
Lori B. Petitto
Lori B. Petitto, Chairwoman
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF TANGIPAHOA
I, the undersigned Secretary of Gravity Drainage District No. 4 of
Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana (the “District”) do hereby certify that the foregoing
constitutes a true and correct copy of a Resolution adopted by the District on September
28, 2026, ordering and calling a special election to be held in Gravity Drainage District
No. 4 of Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana (the “District”) on Saturday, April 17, 2027, for
the purpose of authorizing the renewal of the levy and collection of a 2.0 mills tax on
assessed valuation of all property subject to taxation in the District, for a period of five
(5) years for the following purposes: one-half shall be for the purpose of maintaining
and operating gravity drainage works in the District, and the other one-half shall be for
the purpose of constructing gravity drainage works in the District, title to which shall be
in the public; and further making application to the State Bond Commission for consent
and authorization to hold the aforesaid election; and further providing for other matters
in connection therewith.
I further certify that this Resolution has not been amended or rescinded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have subscribed my official signature of said
District on this, the 28th day of September 2026.
Mary Lynn Thompson
Mary Lynn Thompson, Secretary
The following jobs were discussed as follows:
1. Erosion problem on Brickyard Road (Rosemary Lee)
2. Refuge Temple Church location on Highway 51- larger culvert needs to be
purchased by property owner for proper drainage flow before assistance
with installation. (Pastor Ricard)
3. Robin Street/High Tide Consultants project: if and only if ditches can be
widened and slopes of ditches can be fixed, a retention pond can be by-
passed.
4. Call from Mike Trabona concerning drainage problem on his property (the
district is not responsible for ditches inside private property).
5. Fluker job (Gwynette Dixon)- On motion by Mrs. Petitto duly seconded by
Mr. Sutton and unanimously carried, the board agreed to submit bids for
this job with very specific and acknowledged instructions. Confirming that
the district is responsible for maintaining water flow only, a count of already
fallen trees will be verified, and those trees will be removed, etc. DOTD
will respond to their obligations. Gravity Drainage District No. 4 is not re-
sponsible for any suggested actions or expenses that have already been
taken by Ms. Dixon.
Further discussion was held concerning the removal of the work truck from Mr. Mark
Miller’s property. He will be contacted soon as to how the truck can be removed with-
out conflict.
No further business appearing, on motion by Mr. Tucker duly seconded by Mrs. Petitto
and unanimously carried, the board adjourned.
______________________________________________
Lori B. Petitto, President
Attest:
_______________________________________________
Mary Lynn Thompson, Secretary
Cost of notice: $290.00
Miscellaneous Notices