PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE The St. Mary Parish Child Nu- trition Program Department is requesting bids for a Tilting Skillet Braising Pan (Gas). Sealed bids will be accepted at the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nutrition Department until 9:00 a.m. January 16, 2026 at which time they will be opened and read out loud. The public is invited to attend. Specifications may be obtained from the St. Mary Parish School Board, Child Nu- trition Program Department, P.O. Box 170, 474 Hwy 317, Centerville, Louisiana 70522 or by calling (337) 836-6039. Information is available online at www.centralauctionhouse.com. No pre-bid conference will be held. Questions should be emailed to dchaisson@stmaryk12.net by January 6, 2026. Responses will be provided via email by January 9, 2026. The St. Mary Parish School Board Child Nutrition Program is funded 92 percent with Federal funds for a total of approximately $6,445,000 per year. Adv. Dec. 17, 19 and 26, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE PROCEEDINGS OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERWICK, STATE OF LOUISIANA TAKEN AT A REGULAR MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY December 9, 2025 The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana, met in regular session at their regular meeting place, the Town Hall, Berwick, Louisiana, Tuesday De- cember 9, 2025, at six (6:00) o’clock p.m. There were present: Council members Colleen Askew, Kevin He- bert, Lud Henry, Raymond Price, and James Richard. Absent: None Pastor Herb Stanley from Cornerstone Ministries led the prayer. Councilman James Richard led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Mayor and Council of the Town of Berwick, State of Louisiana were duly convened as the governing authority of said Town, led by the Honorable Duval Arthur Jr, Mayor, who then stated that the Mayor and Council were ready for the transaction of business. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved without reading upon motion Lud Henry and seconded by Kevin He- bert. The Treasurer’s report, having been reviewed, was approved without reading upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Colleen Askew. The Beacon was shining on a Teachers and a Student for January 2025. The Beacon Shines on recipients were: Berwick Jr. High School Teacher of the year: Jennifer Romero Berwick Jr. High School Student of the year: Hank Percle There were no guests for the December 2025 meeting. Police Chief Jonathan Henry presented the police report for November, 2025. Chief Henry stated that things have been busy at the department. Officers handled 291 complaints, in addition to working tirelessly with other law enforcement agencies to apprehend two prisoners that were able to escape from the Berwick jail. An accommodation was presented to Officer Lee Howard for his bravery during the escape. Chief Henry also recognized the promotion of Detective Quentin Menard who will now serve as Assistant Chief. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, Fire re- port. Police Chief Jonathan Henry presented the fire report for November, 2025. Chief Acosta received an emergency call during the meeting requiring him to leave. Chief Henry stated that the fire department responded to 10 emergency calls. There were 3 motor vehicle accidents, 2 medical calls, 2 fire alarms, 1 vehicle fire, 1 hazmat call, and 1 grass fire. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, the Public Works re- port. Public Works Director Rafael Lopez presented the public works report for November 2025. Mr. Lopez stated that they are currently about seventy-five percent done with the sewer rehabilitation project that is being done throughout town. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, consulting engineer’s report. Town Engineer Mr. Reid Miller stated that they are still working on the water meter replacement project and hope to have the project completed by the end of the year. The mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, committee reports. The Economic Development and Public Safety Committees had nothing to report. The Historical Committee reported that they have added a new exhibit to the museum and continue to work on archiving Berwick history. The Recreation Committee will be hosting a Christmas movie night at the Berwick Civic Center on December 13, 2025 at 6:00pm. The event will include, pictures with Santa, hot dogs, chips & drinks. They will be showing “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The Planning and Zoning Committee presented the November, 2025 report. A Planning and Zoning public hearing was recently held to discuss an application for a minor subdivision by Beth Barron located on Pattie Drive. It is the recommendation of the committee that the mayor and council approve the application that would subdivide 30.688 acres into five parcels (Tracts B-1 thru B-4 (total 15.508 acres) to be divided into four lots each equaling 3.877 acres, and Tract B-5 to be 15.180 acres. All of the lots will re- main zoned as R-1 residential lots. Upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Kevin Hebert, the application was approved by a unanimous roll call vote. After no further comments, the mayor moved on to the next item on the agenda, New Business. Item No. 1 under New Business – Approve Liquor Licenses for 2026: a. St. Mary Golf & Country Club b. Ganaway’s #4 c. Country Club Express d. One 80 Downtown e. Hollywood Truck Plaza (Cash Magic) f. Hollywood Plaza Casino (Cash Magic) g. Stazione’s Deli Market h. Bayou Lag-niappe Restaurant i. Dollar General #13678 j. Cypress Lake Resort k. The Old Building Upon motion by Lud Henry and seconded by Raymond Price, the licenses were ap- proved by a unanimous roll call vote. Colleen Askew recused due to conflict of interest. Item No. 2 under New Business – Re-Appoint Janie Brashear to the Berwick Housing Authority Board. Upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Lud Henry, the appointment was approved unanimously. Item No. 3 under New Business – Sarah Gros – Carts of Christmas Cheer Parade Permit – December 20, 2025 – Country Club Estates. Upon motion by Lud Henry and seconded by James Richard, the permit was approved unanimously Item No. 4 under New Business – Approve Project 14985 Change Order No. 2 – 60 Additional Working Days to the Contract Time. Upon motion by James Richard and seconded by Raymond Price, the change order was approved by a unanimous roll call vote. Item No. 5 under New Business – Approve Payment 14985 No. 5 to Core & Main, LP for $11,545.16 – Water Meter Re- placement Project. Upon motion by Lud Henry and seconded by Colleen Askew, the payment was ap- proved by a unanimous roll call vote. Item No. 6 under New Business – Declare Surplus Property: 2007 Ford Crown Victoria – VIN# 2FAFP71W07X118679 Upon motion by Raymond Price and seconded by Colleen Askew, the property was de- clared surplus by a unanimous roll call vote. There being no further business to come before the Council, upon motion by Raymond Price and seconded by Colleen Askew the motion to adjourn was approved unanimously. ——————— Duval H. Arthur Jr – Mayor ——————— Jamie Keith – Town Clerk Adv. Dec. 17, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE BERWICK- BAYOU VISTA JOINT WATERWORKS COMMISSION POST OFFICE BOX 322 BERWICK, LA 70342 (985) 384-8990 Chairman – Troy Lombardo, Vice Chairman – Paul Tholen, Vice Chairman – N.A. Hensgens, Jr., Vice Chairman – Dwight Gray A regular meeting of the Berwick – Bayou Vista Joint Waterworks Commission was called at the Berwick Civic Center, 300 Patti Drive Berwick, La. At 5:30 P.M., November 13, 2025. Board Members Present: N.A. Hensgens, Jr., Troy Lombardo, Dwight Gray. Paul Tholen was absent. Others Present: Jacob Dupuy and Tori Henry. The meeting was called to order by N.A. Hensgens, Jr. It was moved by Troy Lombardo, seconded by Dwight Gray and unanimously agreed to accept the minutes from the September meeting. It was moved by Troy Lombardo, seconded by Dwight Gray and unanimously agreed to accept accounts payable & treasurer’s report for the month of October. It was moved by Troy Lombardo, seconded by Dwight Gray, and unanimously agreed to accept the audit engagement letters from Kolder, Slaven & Company. Jacob Dupuy presented a notice from LDH in which he will get Mr. Miller to address and he reported that there will be a sanitary survey on Tuesday. He also noted the night operator is nearing his 90 days and is performing well. N.A. Hensgens, Jr. reported it is necessary to ap- point a Chairman to replace Herb Mashburn so Dwight Gray mov-ed, seconded by N.A. Hensgens, Jr. and unanimously agreed to appoint Troy Lombardo as Chairman. There being no further business to come before the Board, it was moved by Dwight Gray, seconded by N.A. Hensgens, Jr. and unanimously agreed that the meeting be ad- journed. ——————— Troy Lombardo, Chairman Adv. Dec. 17, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF CHANGE OF BUSINESS NAME To Whom It May Concern, Please take notice that the business entity Teche Action Board, Inc., doing business as Teche Action Clinic, has changed its assumed business name to Teche Health. This change is effective as of December 2024. The reason for this change is: Aligning the name with a comprehensive service provided. All business and legal matters previously conducted under the old name are now handled under the new name. The company will continue to honor all existing contracts and commitments. Previous name: Teche Action Board, Inc. Previous As- sumed Business Name: Teche Action Clinic New Assumed Business Name: Teche Health Adv. Dec. 17, 19, 24, 26 and 31, 2025, and Jan. 2, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE December 11, 2025 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Council will hold a Public Hearing at 5:45 p.m. and will meet in Regular Session at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, in the Parish Council Meeting Room, Fifth Floor Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana. The purpose of the Public Meeting will be to receive written and/or oral comments and to adopt the following ordinance: An Ordinance amending and re-enacting Ordinance No. 2379 adopting the 2025 Combined Budgets of Revenues and Expenditures for the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana. In accordance with Act 393 of 2023 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, please contact Lisa C. Morgan, Clerk of the Council at 337-828-4100, Ext. 5050, describing the assistance that is necessary. Your attendance will be appreciated. Sincerely, GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO, CHAIRPERSON ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL Adv. Dec. 17, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION MEETING OF THE HOSPITAL SERVICE DISTRICT #2 OF THE PARISH OF ST. MARY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS HELD ON NOVEMBER 19, 2025 A regular monthly business meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Hospital Service District #2 of the Parish of St. Mary was held on Wednesday, No- vember 19, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. in the Media Room of the Morgan City Harbor & Terminal District Building located at 7327 Highway 182, Morgan City, LA 70380 PRESENT: Dr. William A. Cefalu, Jr., Jackie Cheramie, William Mc- Carty and Clarence Robinson, Jr. ABSENT: Angelena Brocato, Thane Aucoin and Barry Dufrene Also present: William E. Bourgeois, Counsel for Hospital Service District #2 Dr. Cefalu called the meeting to order. Dr. Cefalu lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was taken. Those Board Members present and those absent listed above. On motion of Mr. McCarty, second by Mr. Robinson and unanimously carried, the Board approved and signed the Minutes of October 1, 2025. Dr. Cefalu open-ed the floor for Guest/public comments. Raymond Pisani with Respiratory Therapy at Ochsner St. Mary (OSM) and Dane Robison with Robison Wealth Management attended without comments. At this time Andrew Bienvenu with Sports Director with Recreation District #4 (Patterson Civic Center) addressed the Board requesting a financial donation towards the purchase of two (2) Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and the reasons thereof. After a brief discussion, on mo- tion of Mr. McCarty, second by Mr. Robinson and unanimously carried, the Board voted to fund the purchase of the 2 AEDs. Dr. Cefalu called for the Financial Report. Mr. McCarty presented the Financial Report for the period ending October 31, 2025. On motion of Mr. Robinson, second by Mrs. Cheramie and unanimously carried, the Board approv-ed the financials as presented. Attorney Bourgeois stated that the HSD #2 had received its first check from the Sheriff’s Office for the millage proceeds and those funds had been deposited. Attorney Bourgeois then addres-sed the Board regarding the In- troduction and Publication of the Budget for the remainder of 2025 and for 2026 and the procedures that will follow. After a brief discussion, on motion of Mr. Robinson, second by Mr. McCarty and unanimously carried, the Board ordered the proposed Budget for the remainder of 2025 and for 2026 be published with a hearing to be held on December 3, 2025 at 12:00 noon to adopt said Budget. Discussions were held as to future mandatory training/workshop of the Board regarding the Budget and various other matters. Dr. Cefalu called for discussion and any action on authorization for new Master Professional Engineering Agreement with YKH Consulting, LLC with task orders. Attorney Bourgeois advised the Board of the status and the need to revise the Master Agreement to contain certain re- quirements. Dr. Cefalu called for discussion and any action on various projects (Agenda Item #9): a) Barry Lann with Grace Design Studios/Grace He- bert Curtis Architects addressed the Board concerning the current status of the front entrance overhang and the approximate completion date; b) Attorney Bourgeois advised that several bids had been received for the rooftop electrical work (contained in meeting packets). After a brief discussion and review of the bids re- ceived, on motion of Mr. McCarty, second by Mrs. Cheramie and unanimously carried, the Board awarded the contract to Rodrigue’s Electrical Service, Inc. and authorized Dr. Cefalu to sign any documents necessary; c) Mr. Lann discussed the first floor renovations and revisions re- quested by OSM. After a brief discussion and review of the proposal, on motion of Mr. McCarty, second by Mr. Robinson and unanimously carried, the Board authorized Dr. Cefalu to sign the Letter of Proposal for Architectural Services by Grace Design Studios regarding the interior renovations; d) Attorney Bourgeois and Mr. Lann then discussed the proposal for exterior replacement panels, the costs by phase and the current weather proofing on the building. After a brief discussion, it was agreed that this matter be tabled until next year; e) Attorney Bourgeois discussed the emergency generator replacement and stated no action was needed on this matter as there were issues with the time delays for advertising; f) Attorney Bourgeois discussed Phase 2 with regards to the OSM Domestic Water and Heating Water Infrastructure (water heater #2 and heat ex- changer #2). He advised that YKH Consulting, LLC provided a Basic Agreement/proposal dated 10/9/2025. After a brief discussion, on motion of Mr. Robinson, second by Mrs. Cheramie and un- animously carried, the Board authorized Dr. Cefalu to sign the Agreement/Proposal from YKH Consulting, LLC. Dr. Cefalu called for discussion and any action to authorize contract(s) with physician recruiting firm(s) or reimbursement for same. Brandon Schumacher with AMN Healthcare Physician Permanent Placement, LLC introduced himself and made a power point presentation via zoom. Attorney Bourgeois then addressed the Board concerning the costs and further discussions were held. On mo- tion of Mr. McCarty, second by Mr. Robinson and un- animously carried, the Board authorized Dr. Cefalu to sign the Physician Solutions/Search Agreement with AMN Healthcare Physician Permanent Placement, LLC. Dr. Cefalu called for discussion and any action on IGA with HSD #1 of Terrebonne Parish on Urology Services. Attorney Bourgeois stated that he, Dr. Larry Nelson, OSM Anesthesiologist and Fernis LeBlanc, Bayou Region CEO for Ochsner, met with Terrebonne, that the meeting went well. Terrebonne is actively recruiting an Urologist to practice/perform procedures in Morgan City. He further advised the Board that a new Intergovernmental Agreement may be needed to help with recruitment assistance, practice startup assistance and any necessary surgical equipment. Further discussions were held as to this matter. Dr. Cefalu called for discussion and any action on pediatric behavioral health services. Attorney Bourgeois advised that he had nothing to report nor was there a scheduled meeting to discuss the matter. Dr. Cefalu called for discussion and any action on the existing Cooperative Endeavor Agreements with Ochsner, to which Attorney Bourgeois stated that he had nothing to report. Dr. Cefalu called for discussion and any action on the renewal of PD & O Insurance with Paul’s Agency. After a brief discussion, on motion of Mr. Robinson, second by Mr. McCarty and unanimously carried, the Board voted to renew the PD & O Insurance with Paul’s Agency and authorized Dr. Cefalu to sign any necessary documents. Dr. Cefalu called for the Administrative Report. Attorney Bourgeois informed the Board of an Ordinance #2385 re- ceived from the St. Mary Parish Council advising that all Board Members must complete at least four (4) hours of training regarding duties, responsibilities, ethics, substance of their position and Roberts Rules of Order for conducting meetings. He ad- vised that an “in service meeting” will be scheduled/held at a later date at Bourgeois Law. Attorney Bourgeois advised that during discussions regarding the funding for the bonds and communications with the Tax Assessors Office regarding the tax millage, information was given regarding the top 10 tax payers in the parish and in our HSD #2 district. A brief discussion was held as to this matter. He also advised that the HSD #2 website is being worked on and questions were asked regarding the logo to be used. After a brief discussion, it was decided to let Cypress Tech provide several op- tions, have them circulated and then a decision will be made. Jennifer Wise, Chief Nursing Officer and CEO of Ochsner St. Mary ad- vised the Board that OSM had entered into an agreement with The Medicus Firm to conduct a paid search for a Family Medicine Doctor to come to Morgan City. She stated there have been lots of meetings and OSM will be provided updates twice a month on the progress of the search and the HSD #2 will be kept informed if any candidates are found. Attorney Bourgeois discussed a “welcoming reception.” Further discussions were held as to this matter. Mrs. Wise further stated she was hearing positive feedback on the new look/improvements of the building and once the front entrance is completed it will be great. Dr. Cefalu stated there were no matters to be taken up in Executive Session this date With no other business to come before the Board, on motion of Mr. McCarty, second by Mr. Robinson and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned. ——————— William A. Cefalu, Jr., M.D., Chairman ——————— Jackie Cheramie, Secretary/ Treasurer Adv. Dec. 17, 2025

14, 2026MINERAL LEASE SALENOTICE OF PUBLICATIONOFFICE OF STATE RESOURCESON BEHALF OF THE STATE MINERAL AND ENERGY BOARDFOR THE STATE OF LOUISIANABATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70821Notice is hereby given in conformity with La. R.S. 30:126 that sealed bids will be received in the Office of State Resources, LaSalle Office Building, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (P. O. Box 2827, Baton Rouge, LA 70821) on or before 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 for a lease to explore, drill for and produce oil, gas and any other liquid or gaseous minerals in solution and produced with oil or gas on the following described tracts (Tract Nos. 45991 through 46007, inclusive). The sealed bids shall be opened publicly on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 in the LaSalle Office Building, 617 N. 3rd Street, Capitol Complex, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.The descriptions for the Tract(s) nominated below were, for the purpose of acquiring a mineral lease(s) or a geophysical agreement(s), provided and corrected exclusively by the nominating party. Therefore, any mineral lease(s) or geophysical agreement(s) awarded by the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board (Mineral Board) from the Tract(s) listed below are without warranty of any kind, either express, implied or statutory including, but not limited to, title or the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.An error or omission in the nominating party’s Tract description may require that a State mineral lease(s) or geophysical agreement(s) be modified, canceled or abrogated due to the existence of conflicting leases, operating agreements, private claims or other future obligations or conditions within the Tract(s) described. In such case, however, the Mineral Board shall not be obligated to refund any consideration paid by the Lessee prior to such modification, cancellation or abrogation including, but not limited to, bonuses, rentals and royalties.Tract(s) available for leasing may be situated in the Louisiana Coastal Zone as defined in Act 361 of the Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature of 1978 (promulgated as LSA-R. S. 49:213) and may be subject to the guidelines and regulations promulgated by the Office of Coastal Management of the Department of Conservation and Energy for operations in the Coastal Zone. Further, in accordance with Article XII, Section 10 of the Constitution of Louisiana, and notwithstanding any language herein to the contrary, any mineral rights granted by the Mineral and Energy Board to the tract(s) advertised herein are subject to the surface usage for integrated coastal protection or hurricane and flood protection projects promulgated, funded and effected through the State of Louisiana, the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, the Louisiana Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration, and the Department of Conservation and Energy and its divisions, whether solely or in conjunction with other state, local or federal governmental agencies or with private individuals or entities.Bids may be for the whole or any particularly described portion of the land advertised, but no bids will be accepted that does not equal the Minimum Royalty as set forth in La. R.S. 30:127 or which are not in compliance with the provisions of Sub-part A of Chapter 2, Title 30 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, other applicable laws or the guidelines established by the Board through the Office of State Resources. The Minimum Royalty is not to be construed as an amount acceptable to the Mineral Board, it being the policy of the Mineral Board to reject any bid which does not reflect tract potential. The Board considers bonus, royalty percentage, and also compares royalty granted to landowners in the area. Multiple portion bids on the same tract may be accepted by the Mineral Board, even though they overlap. In the case of overlapping portion bids on the same tract, each of which is otherwise acceptable to the State, the Mineral Board has the sole discretion, to determine which one of the multiple bids on the same tract is most advantageous and in the best interest of the State. The Mineral Board may base it decision on factors such as but not limited to the royalty, per acre cash payment, bonus, any additional consideration. The selected bid, (referred to as “Bid A”), will be given priority in having a lease issued. The Mineral Board will also indicate the acceptability of other portion bids on the same tract, if any, in the order of their acceptance (referred to respectively as “Bid B”, “Bid C”, etc.). Once the plat of “Bid A” ‘s portion has been rendered as accurately as possible, “Bid B” will be contacted and given an option to take a lease on the remaining portion of his portion bid acreage not overlapping “Bid A” ‘s bid portion, at “Bid B’ ‘s per acre bid price (both as to bonus and rental); and thereafter, each successive bidder whose bid is otherwise acceptable will be given the option to take a lease on whatever portion remains of his portion bid acreage at his respective per acre bid price, less and except any prior portion bid acreage on which the successful bidder has opted to take a lease.The Mineral and Energy Board does not obligate itself to accept any bid, and that acceptance is at the sole discretion of the Mineral Board which reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to grant a lease on any portion of the tract advertised and to withdraw the remainder of the tract.Additional requirements to be included in all sealed bids submitted to the Office of State Resources and additional tract information associated with each tract advertised can be found at the Office of State Resources website titled “Notice of Publication” located at:https://www.denr.louisiana.gov/page/notice-of-publication-202512. It is the bidders’ responsibility to properly complete the bid package pursuant to the requirements stated in both the public notice and the Notice of Publication.The rights to geothermal resources, free sulphur, potash, lignite, salt and other solid minerals are to be excluded from any oil or gas mineral lease and any bid purporting to include those rights will be disregarded as to the extent of those rights only. If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to attend or participate in a meeting, please notify the Office of State Resources at P.O. Box 2827, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-2827 or 225-342-4615 at least two (2) working days before the meeting date.INLAND TRACTS (Tract Nos. 45991 through 46003 inclusive, herein cannot specify a lease primary term exceeding three (3) years).TRACT 45994 - St. Mary Parish, LouisianaAll of the lands now or formerly constituting the beds and bottoms of all water bodies of every nature and description as to which title is vested in the State of Louisiana, together with all islands arising therein and other lands formed by accretion or by reliction, where allowed by law, excepting tax adjudicated lands, and not presently under mineral lease on January 14, 2026, situated in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point having Coordinates of X = 1,889,472.78 and Y = 401,200.00; thence East 18,327.22 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,907,800.00 and Y = 401,200.00; thence South 14,200.00 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,907,800.00 and Y = 387,000.00; thence West approximately 18,389 feet to a point on the Eastern boundary of State Lease No. 340, as amended, having a Coordinate of Y = 387,000.00; thence Northerly approximately 2,850 feet along the Eastern boundary of said State Lease No. 340, as amended, to a point of intersection with a line bearing South and having Coordinates of X = 1,889,472.78 and Y = 401,200.00; thence North approximately 11,351 feet to the point of beginning, LESS AND EXCEPT that portion of State Lease No. 340, as amended, that lie within the above described tract, containing approximately 2,494 acres.TRACT 45995 - St. Mary Parish, LouisianaAll of the lands now or formerly constituting the beds and bottoms of all water bodies of every nature and description as to which title is vested in the State of Louisiana, together with all islands arising therein and other lands formed by accretion or by reliction, where allowed by law, excepting tax adjudicated lands, and not presently under mineral lease on January 14, 2026, situated in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point having Coordinates of X = 1,889,472.78 and Y = 401,200.00; thence South approximately 11,351 feet to a point on the Northern boundary of State Lease No. 340, as amended, having a Coordinate of X = 1,889,472.78; thence Northwesterly, Southwesterly, and Northwesterly along the boundary of said State Lease No. 340, as amended, to the point of intersection with an North-South line having a Coordinate of X = 1,870,992.78; thence North approximately 8,311 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,870,992.78 and Y = 401,200.00; thence East 18,480.00 feet to the point of beginning, LESS AND EXCEPT that portion of State Lease No. 340, as amended, that lie within the above described tract, containing approximately 497 acres.TRACT 45996 - St. Mary Parish, LouisianaAll of the lands now or formerly constituting the beds and bottoms of all water bodies of every nature and description as to which title is vested in the State of Louisiana, together with all islands arising therein and other lands formed by accretion or by reliction, where allowed by law, excepting tax adjudicated lands, and not presently under mineral lease on January 14, 2026, situated in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point having Coordinates of X = 1,852,600.00 and Y = 385,800.00; thence North 15,400.00 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,852,600.00 and Y = 401,200.00; thence East 18,392.78 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,870,992.78 and Y = 401,200.00; thence South approximately 8,311 feet to a point on the Northern boundary of State Lease No. 340, as amended, having a Coordinate of X = 1,870,992.78; thence Westerly and Southeasterly along the boundary of said State Lease No. 340, as amended, to the point of intersection with an East-West line having a Coordinate of Y = 385,800.00; thence West approximately 17,004 feet to the point of point of beginning, LESS AND EXCEPT that portion of State Lease No. 340, as amended, that lie within the above described tract, and LESS AND EXCEPT any right, title, and interest in lands owned by and not under lease from the State of Louisiana, on behalf of the St. Mary Parish School Board, situated in Section 16, Township 15 South, Range 7 East, St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, contained within the above described tract. The above described tract contains approximately 2,486 acres.TRACT 45997 - St. Mary Parish, LouisianaAll of the lands now or formerly constituting the beds and bottoms of all water bodies of every nature and description as to which title is vested in the State of Louisiana, together with all islands arising therein and other lands formed by accretion or by reliction, where allowed by law, excepting tax adjudicated lands, and not presently under mineral lease on January 14, 2026, situated in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point having Coordinates of X = 1,896,600.00 and Y = 377,306.42; thence West approximately 12,651 feet to a point on the boundary of State Lease No. 340, as amended, having a Coordinate of Y = 377,306.42; thence Northeasterly and Northwesterly along the boundary of said State Lease No. 340, as amended, to the point of intersection with an East-West line having a Coordinate of Y = 387,000.00; thence East approximately 7,189 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,896,600.00 and Y = 387,000.00; thence South 9,693.58 feet to the point of beginning, LESS AND EXCEPT that portion of State Lease No. 340, as amended, that lie within the above described tract, containing approximately 2,104 acres.TRACT 45998 - St. Mary Parish, LouisianaAll of the lands now or formerly constituting the beds and bottoms of all water bodies of every nature and description as to which title is vested in the State of Louisiana, together with all islands arising therein and other lands formed by accretion or by reliction, where allowed by law, excepting tax adjudicated lands, and not presently under mineral lease on January 14, 2026, situated in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point having Coordinates of X = 1,852,600.00 and Y = 385,800.00; thence East 12,869.48 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,865,469.48 and Y = 385,800.00; thence South 8,493.58 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,865,469.48 and Y = 377,306.42; thence West 10,690.10 feet to a point on the Eastern boundary of State Lease No. 340, as amended, having Coordinates of X = 1,854,779.37 and Y = 377,306.42; thence North 36 degrees 22 minutes 03 seconds West 3,675.40 feet along the Eastern boundary of said State Lease No. 340, as amended, to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,852,600.00 and Y = 380,265.96; thence North 5,534.04 feet to the point of beginning, LESS AND EXCEPT that portion of State Lease No. 340, as amended, that lie within the above described tract, containing approximately 2,435.33 acres.TRACT 45999 - St. Mary Parish, LouisianaAll of the lands now or formerly constituting the beds and bottoms of all water bodies of every nature and description as to which title is vested in the State of Louisiana, together with all islands arising therein and other lands formed by accretion or by reliction, where allowed by law, excepting tax adjudicated lands, and not presently under mineral lease on January 14, 2026, situated in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point having Coordinates of X = 1,865,469.48 and Y = 377,306.42; thence North 8,493.58 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,865,469.48 and Y = 385,800.00; thence East approximately 4,135 feet to a point on the Western boundary of said State Lease No. 340, as amended, having a Coordinate of Y = 385,800.00; thence Southeasterly, Northeasterly, and Southeasterly along the boundary of said State Lease No. 340, as amended, to a point of intersection with an East-West line having a Coordinate of Y = 377,306.42; thence West approximately 18,480 feet to the point of beginning, LESS AND EXCEPT that portion of State Lease No. 340, as amended, that lie within the above described tract, containing approximately 1,863 acres.TRACT 46000 - St. Mary Parish, LouisianaAll of the lands now or formerly constituting the beds and bottoms of all water bodies of every nature and description as to which title is vested in the State of Louisiana, together with all islands arising therein and other lands formed by accretion or by reliction, where allowed by law, excepting tax adjudicated lands, and not presently under mineral lease on January 14, 2026, situated in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point having Coordinates of X = 1,852,600.00 and Y = 385,800.00; thence South 5,534.04 feet to a point on the Northern boundary of State Lease No. 340, as amended, having Coordinates of X = 1,852,600.00 and Y = 380,265.96; thence along the Northern boundary of said State Lease No. 340, as amended, the following courses: North 36 degrees 22 minutes 03 seconds West 530.59 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,852,285.38 and Y = 380,693.21, North 89 degrees 45 minutes 51 seconds West 2,111.71 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,850,173.69 and Y = 380,701.90, South 44 degrees 14 minutes 25 seconds West 2,940.95 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,848,121.88 and Y = 378,594.94, South 08 degrees 06 minutes 04 seconds West 4,245.65 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,847,523.58 and Y = 374,391.66, South 64 degrees 28 minutes 44 seconds West 4,288.82 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,843,653.23 and Y = 372,543.85, South 17 degrees 15 minutes 46 seconds West 1,782.68 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,843,124.21 and Y = 370,841.47, and South 17 degrees 15 minutes 46 seconds West 2,833.57 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,842,283.34 and Y = 368,135.54; thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes 09 seconds West 17,664.46 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,842,282.59 and Y = 385,800.00; thence East 10,317.41 feet to the point of beginning, LESS AND EXCEPT that portion of State Lease No. 340, as amended, that lie within the above described tract, containing approximately 2,197 acres.TRACT 46001 - St. Mary Parish, LouisianaAll of the lands now or formerly constituting the beds and bottoms of all water bodies of every nature and description as to which title is vested in the State of Louisiana, together with all islands arising therein and other lands formed by accretion or by reliction, where allowed by law, excepting tax adjudicated lands, and not presently under mineral lease on January 14, 2026, situated in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point having Coordinates of X = 1,834,500.00 and Y = 368,135.54; thence North 17,664.46 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,834,500.00 and Y = 385,800.00; thence East 7,782.59 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,842,282.59 and Y = 385,800.00; thence South 00 degrees 00 minutes 09 seconds East 17,664.46 feet to the Westernmost point of State Lease No. 340, as amended, having Coordinates of X = 1,842,283.34 and Y = 368,135.54; thence West 7,783.34 feet to the Point of beginning, LESS AND EXCEPT that portion of State Lease No. 340, as amended, that lie within the above described tract, containing approximately 2,497 acres.TRACT 46002 - St. Mary Parish, LouisianaAll of the lands now or formerly constituting the beds and bottoms of all water bodies of every nature and description as to which title is vested in the State of Louisiana, together with all islands arising therein and other lands formed by accretion or by reliction, where allowed by law, excepting tax adjudicated lands, and not presently under mineral lease on January 14, 2026, situated in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, and more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point having Coordinates of X = 1,863,000.00 and Y = 367,600.00; thence West 4,824.99 feet to a point on the Eastern boundary of State Lease No. 340, as amended, having Coordinates of X = 1,858,175.01 and Y = 367,600.00; thence along the Eastern boundary of said State Lease No. 340, as amended, the following courses: North 07 degrees 07 minutes 03 seconds West 3,021.04 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,857,800.69 and Y = 370,597.76, North 22 degrees 33 minutes 30 seconds West 3,982.13 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,856,273.05 and Y = 374,275.21, North 23 degrees 13 minutes 32 seconds West 2,615.36 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,855,241.68 and Y = 376,678.62, and North 36 degrees 22 minutes 03 seconds West 779.66 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,854,779.37 and Y = 377,306.42; thence East 8,220.63 feet to a point having Coordinates of X = 1,863,000.00 and Y = 377,306.42; thence South 9,706.42 feet to the point of beginning, LESS AND EXCEPT that portion of State Lease No. 340, as amended, that lie within the above described tract, containing approximately 1,363.11 acres. PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF INTRODUCTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following entitled ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the St. Mary Parish Council, State of Louisiana (the “Parish Council”), on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, and laid over for publication of notice: PROPOSED ORDINANCE ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE CALLING AN ELECTION IN ST. MARY PARISH TO SUBMIT TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS THE PROPOSED AMENDED HOME RULE CHARTER AS SUBMITTED BY THE ST. MARY PARISH HOME RULE CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION PURSUANT TO LA. R.S. 33:1395.1 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2371 BE IT OR- DAINED by the St. Mary Parish Council, acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, that: SECTION 1 – Receipt of Proposed Amended Charter The St. Mary Parish Council hereby acknowledges receipt of the Proposed Amended Home Rule Charter, submitted by the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Revision Commission on December 3, 2025, pursuant to the requirements of La. R.S. 33:1395.1, the Louisiana Constitution Article VI, Section 5, Ordinance No. 2371, and Ordinance No. 2403. SECTION 2 – Publication Re- quirement In accordance with La. R.S. 33:1395.1(C), the full text of the Proposed Amended Home Rule Charter shall be published once in the official journal of St. Mary Parish within thirty (30) days of its submission to the Council. The Council directs the Council Clerk to ensure such publication is completed and properly documented. SECTION 3 – Calling of Election Pursuant to La. R.S. 33:1395.2, upon completion of the required publication, the St. Mary Parish Council shall and hereby does call an election to submit the Proposed Amended Home Rule Charter to the qualified electors of St. Mary Parish, for their adoption or rejection. The election shall be held on the next election date authorized by La. R.S. 18:402, which oc- curs not earlier than sixty (60) days after the date of publication of the full text of the Proposed Amended Home Rule Charter. The exact election date shall be filled in by the Registrar of Voters and the Louisiana Secretary of State pursuant to the election code and deadlines established by law. SECTION 4 – Ballot Proposition The proposition to be placed before the voters shall read as follows: “PROPOSITION – PROPOSED AMENDED HOME RULE CHARTER” Shall the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter be amended and re- stated to modernize parish governance by: • reducing the Parish Council from eleven members (eight district and three at-large) to eight single-member districts, eliminating at-large seats; • updating council and parish-president compensation to reflect current duties, with cost-of-living adjustments every four years; • establishing term limits of one-and-one-half consecutive terms for both the council and the parish president; • designating the Parish President as chief executive and administrative officer, eliminating the separate chief administrative officer position; • clarifying procedures for vacancies, meetings, and publication of ordinances; and • removing obsolete or redundant sections, including outdated ballot and district provisions— all as provided in the revised St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter adopted by the Charter Commission? ☐YES ☐ NO SECTION 5 – Certification and Notice The Parish President, Council Clerk, Registrar of Voters, and all other appropriate officials are authorized and directed to: 1. Transmit the required documents to the Louisiana Secretary of State and appropriate election officials; 2. Provide public notice of the election in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1285 and all other applicable requirements of the Louisiana Election Code; 3. Take all necessary administrative steps to ensure the election is properly conducted. SECTION 6 – Effective Date This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon adoption, as provided by the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter. SECTION 7 – Severability If any provision of this ordinance is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions that can be given effect without the invalid provision. This ordinance having been offer-ed and read on this 10th day of December 2025; having been published in accordance with law. EXHIBIT “A” HOME RULE CHARTER FOR ST. MARY PARISH Prepared by the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission February 1983 Entry No. 6577 Recorded in Incorporation Book 34 at Folio 127 January 9, 1984 Amendments to Charter November 5, 2002 (Election Date) Resolution Canvassing Returns Recorded in Mortgage Book No. 933 Entry No. 254,333 Page No. 543 Ordinance No. 1524 – Section 2 – 12 Recorded in Conveyance Book No. 45-N Entry No. 279,509 Page No. 347 Ordinance No. 1525 – Section 2 – 13 Recorded in Conveyance Book No. 45-N Entry No. 279,510 Page No. 349 Ordinance No. 1526 – Section 5 – 02 Recorded in Conveyance Book 45-N Entry No. 279,511 Page No. 352 Ordinance No. 1543 – Section 5 – 03 Recorded in Conveyance Book 45-N Entry No. 279,512 Page No. 354 November 4, 2014 (Election Date) Resolution Canvassing Returns Recorded in Mortgage Book No. 1420 Entry No. 327,091 Page No. 499 Ordinance No. 1970 – Section 2 – 01 Recorded in Conveyance Book 306 Entry No. 320,645 Page No. 772 February 9, 1983 PREFACE We, the members of the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission, respectfully present to you and to the citizens of St. Mary Parish a proposed home rule charter for our Parish government. The proposed charter was drafted under the authority of Article VI, Section 5, of the Constitution of Louisiana and LSA-R. S. 33:1395, as amended and the Police Jury is hereby requested to call the necessary referendum concerning adoption as provided by law. We would hope that all actions and decisions of the commission have reflected the great responsibility placed in us by the Police Jury. We also would like to thank all persons who have participated to any extent in the preparation of the proposed charter. We especially want to ex- press appreciation to the Public Affairs Research Council for the technical assistance rendered in the preparation of this charter. St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission William Bigler, Chairman Allen McElroy, Jr., Vice Chairman Dale Hayes, Secretary Earl Hebert, Treasurer Wendell Bogan Clara Bray Cosimo Cremaldi Edna Delhaye Greg Hamer W. J. Robicheaux Roland Verret November 20, 2025 2026 REVISIONS We, the members of the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission, Commission present to the council and the citizens of St. Mary Parish, a proposed revision to the Home Rule Charter. The proposed charter was drafted under the authority of Article VI, Section 5, of the Constitution of Louisiana and LSA-R. S. 33:1395, as amended and the Council is hereby requested to call the necessary referendum concerning adoption as provided by law. St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission Betty Cheramie Hicks, Chairman Edward Leonard, Jr., Vice Chairman Kenneth Perry, Jr., Secretary Clarence Vappie Dr. Gary Wiltz John Higdon Jeremy Chesteen John Armato John Trevino, Jr. Barry Dufrene Norbert Wanous Table of Contents ARTICLE I. INCORPORATION, FORM OF GOVERNMENT, BOUNDARIES, POWERS. — 8 Section 1-01. Home Rule Charter. — 8 Section 1-02. Form of Government. — 8 Section 1-03. Boundaries. — 8 Section 1-04. General Powers. — 8 Section 1-05. Special Powers. — 8 Section 1-06. Joint Service Agreements. — 8 Section 1-07. Definition of Parish. — 8 ARTICLE II. PARISH COUNCIL. — 9 Section 2-01. Composition, Qualifications and Election. — 9 Section 2-02. Reapportionment. — 9 Section 2-03. Forfeiture of Office. — 9 Section 2-04. Vacancies and Disability. — 9 Section 2-05. Compensation. — 10 Section 2-06. Prohibitions. — 10 Section 2-07. Council Meetings and Rules. — 10 Section 2-08. Investigations. — 11 Section 2-09. Independent Audit. — 11 Section 2-10. Clerk of the Council. — 12 Section 2-11. Action Requiring an Ordinance. — 12 Section 2-12. Ordinances in General. — 13 Section 2-13. Submission of Ordinances to the President. — 13 Section 2-14. Emergency Ordinances. — 14 Section 2-15. Codes of Technical Regulations. — 14 Section 2-16. Authentication and Recording of Ordinances and Resolutions; Printing and Distribution. — 14 Section 2-17. Power to Levy Taxes. — 15 Section 2-18. Powers of Enforcement. — 15 ARTICLE III. EXECUTIVE BRANCH. — 5 Section 3-01. Executive Authority. — 15 Section 3-02. Election, Term. — 15 Section 3-03. Qualifications. — 15 Section 3-04. Compensation. — 15 Section 3-05. Forfeiture of Office. — 16 Section 3-06. Vacancies. — 16 Section 3-07. Prohibitions. — 16 Section 3-08. President’s Temporary Absence. — 16 Section 3-09. President’s Disability. — 16 Section 3-10. Powers and Duties of the President as Chief Executive & Administrative Officer. — 17 ARTICLE IV. ADMINISTRATION. — 18 Section 4-01. Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. — 18 Section 4-02. Repealed. — 18 Section 4-03. Repealed. — 18 Section 4-04. Legal Services. — 18 Section 4-05. Department of Finance. — 18 Section 4-06. Public Works Department. — 19 Section 4-07. Parks and Recreation Department. — 19 Section 4-08. Department of Personnel. — 19 Section 4-09. Planning and Zoning Department. — 20 Section 4-10. Other Departments. — 21 Section 4-11. Administrative Reorganization. — 21 ARTICLE V. FINANCIAL PROCEDURES. — 21 Section 5-01. Fiscal Year. — 21 Section 5-02. Operating Budget Preparation and Adoption. — 21 Section 5-03. The Operating Budget Document. — 21 Section 5-04. Amendments to Operating Budget. — 22 Section 5-05. Capital Improvement Budget. — 23 Section 5-06. Administration of Operating and Capital Budgets. — 23 Section 5-07. Lapse of Appropriations. — 24 Section 5-08. Bonded Debt. — 24 Section 5-09. Facsimile Signatures. — 24 ARTICLE VI. INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM, RECALL AND REMOVAL BY SUIT. — 24 Section 6-01. Initiative and Referendum. — 24 Section 6-02. Recall. — 25 Section 6-03. Removal by Suit. 26 ARTICLE VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS. — 26 Section 7-01. Legal Process. — 26 Section 7-02. Code of Ethics. — 26 Section 7-03. Amending or Repealing the Charter. — 26 Section 7-04. Bonding of Officers. — 27 Section 7-05. Oaths of Office. — 27 Section 7-06. Boards and Commissions. — 27 Section 7-07. Reconstitution of Government. — 27 Section 7-08. Control Over Local Agencies and Special Districts. — 27 ARTICLE VIII. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS. — 28 Section 8-01. Repealed. — 28 Section 8-02. Continuation of Actions. — 28 Section 8-03. Special Districts. — 28 Section 8-04. Fees, Charges and Tax Levies. — 28 Section 8-05. Special Legislative Acts. — 28 Section 8-06. Parish Retirement Systems. — 28 Section 8-07. Declaration of Intent. — 29 Section 8-08. Severability. — 29 Section 8-09. Violation of Civil Rights Act. — 29 Section 8-10. Schedule of Transition. — 29 Section 8-11. Election of Officials. — 29 Section 8-12. Required Approval by Electors. — 29 Section 8-13. Repealed. — 29 ARTICLE I. INCORPORATION, FORM OF GOVERNMENT, BOUNDARIES, POWERS. Section 1-01. Home Rule Charter. The charter commission has proposed and the electors have adopted this, their home rule charter, under the authority of Article VI, Section 5 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, hereinafter referred to as “constitution.” The Parish of St. Mary is therefore a local governmental subdivision which operates under a home rule charter and, subject to said charter, is authorized as hereinafter provided to exercise any power and perform any function necessary, requisite or proper for the management of its local affairs. Section 1-02. Form of Government. The plan of government provided by this home rule charter shall consist of an elected council which shall be called the St. Mary Parish Council and shall constitute the legislative branch of the government and an elected president who shall be the chief executive and administrative officer. Section 1-03. Boundaries. The boundaries of the Parish shall be those in effect as of the effective date of this charter and shall be subject to change thereafter as provided by law. Section 1-04. General Powers. Except as otherwise provided by this charter the Parish shall continue to have all the powers, rights, privileges, immunities and authority heretofore possessed by St. Mary Parish under the laws of the state. The Parish government shall have and exercise such other powers, rights, privileges, immunities, auth- ority and functions not inconsistent with this charter as may be conferred on or granted to a local governmental subdivision by the constitution and general laws of the state, and more specifically, the Parish government shall have and is hereby granted the right and authority to exercise any power and perform any function necessary, requisite or proper for the management of its affairs, not denied by this charter, or by general law, or inconsistent with the constitution. Section 1-05. Special Powers. The Parish government shall have the right, power and authority to pass all ordinances requisite or necessary to promote, protect and preserve the general welfare, safety, health, peace and good order of the Parish, including, but not by way of limitation, the right, power and authority to pass ordinances on all subject matters necessary, requisite or proper for the management of Parish affairs, and all other subject matter without exception, subject only to the limitation that the same shall not be inconsistent with the constitution or expressly denied by general law applicable to the Parish. Section 1-06. Joint Service Agreements. The Parish government is authorized, as provided by state law, to enter into joint service agreements or cooperative efforts with other governmental agencies and political subdivisions. Section 1-07. Definition of Parish. The term “Parish” as used in this charter shall refer only to those de- partments, agencies or functions under the jurisdiction of the St. Mary Parish Council. ARTICLE II. PARISH COUNCIL. Section 2-01. Composition, Qua- lifications and Election. A. The legislative power of the Parish government shall be vested in a council composed of eight (8) members elected from single- member districts for four (4) year terms. The specific boundaries of these districts shall remain as established at the time of this Charter’s adoption, unless and until modified by ordinance in accordance with applicable federal and state law. B. A council member shall have attained the age of eighteen (18) years and shall have been a qualified elector for at least 1 year of the district from which elected at the time of qualification. C. A council member shall continue to be legally domiciled and to actually reside within the district from which elected during the term of office. Should the legal domicile and/or actual residence of a council member change from the district from which elected, un- less changed by reapportionment, the office shall automatically be- come vacant, which vacancy shall be filled as set out hereinafter. D. Any council member elected after the effective date of this provision, who has represented any council districts for more than one and one-half (1½) consecutive terms in two consecutive terms shall not be elected for the succeeding term for any council district. This provision shall apply retroactively and shall be applicable to the council members seated at the time of this Charter’s adoption. Section 2-02. Re- apportionment. By the end of the year following the year in which the population of Louisiana is reported to the President of the United States for each decennial federal census, the council by ordinance shall, if necessary, alter, change or rearrange council district boundaries so as to provide for population equality among the districts as near as reasonably practical. To the extent possible, council districts shall be compact and be composed of contiguous territory. If the council determines that reapportionment is not necessary, it shall pass a resolution so stating. Section 2-03. Forfeiture of Office. A council member shall forfeit the office if such member during the term of office: (1) lacks any qualification for the office prescribed by this charter, (2) is convicted of a state or federal felony, or (3) fails to take office. Section 2-04. Vacancies and Disability. A. The office of a council member shall become va- cant upon death, resignation, re- moval from office in any manner prescribed by law, or forfeiture of office. B. A vacancy on the council shall be filled by ap- pointment of a person meeting the qualifications for office by a majority of the remaining members of the council. If one (1) year or less of the unexpired term remains when the vacancy occurs, the appointee shall serve out the remainder of the term. If the vacancy occurs more than one (1) year prior to the expiration of the term, the appointee shall serve until the office is filled by the vote of the qualified electors voting in an election called by the council for that purpose, which election shall be held according to the timetable and procedures established by state law generally for the filling of vacancies in elected local offices. C. If the council does not make an appointment as required by this section within sixty (60) days after the date the vacancy occurs, the appointment shall be made by the governor. D. The appointee shall be ineligible as a candidate at the election to fill the vacancy. E. Whenever a council member transmits to the clerk of the council a written declaration stating inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office, and until the council member transmits to the clerk of the council a written declaration to the contrary, the council seat shall be filled in the same manner as in Section 2-04 (B). F. Whenever a panel of three (3) qualified medical experts, designated by resolution adopted by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council, transmits to the clerk of the council its written declaration that a council member is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, the Council seat shall be filled in the same manner as in Section 2-04 (B). The person filling the office shall serve until a panel of three (3) qualified medical ex- perts, designated by resolution adopted by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council, transmits to the clerk of the council its written declaration that the council member’s in- ability to the clerk of the council its written declaration that the council member’s in- ability has ended. The medical ex- perts shall review the disability at least one every three (3) months until such time as it has been determined that the disability has ended. G. Should a Council Member be unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office for a period exceeding six (6) consecutive months, the council shall have the authority upon the favorable vote of at least a majority of its membership to declare the Council seat vacant due to disability provided, however, that the council shall hold a public hearing on the issue prior to any such declaration. Section 2-05. Compensation. A. Each council member shall re- ceive compensation in the amount of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per month. The Council Chair shall receive compensation in the amount of one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750) per month. Beginning with the next Council term, these amounts shall be automatically adjusted every four (4) years based on the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding four-year period. Any increase beyond the CPI-based adjustment shall require approval by a majority of the electors voting on the proposal in an election held in accordance with state law. B. The council, by ordinance, may adopt a system of reimbursement, upon presentation of properly documented receipts, of reasonable expenses necessary to the performance of official duties by a member. Section 2-06. Prohibitions. A. A council member shall hold no other elected public office, nor be a compensated official or employee of the Parish government or any of its political subdivisions during the term for which elected to the council. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a council member from serving as a member of a charter commission, constitutional convention or political party committee. B. Except as specifically provided in this charter, the council or any of its members shall not remove, direct or supervise any administrative officers or employees whom the president or any of their subordinates are em- powered to ap- point. C. No council member shall serve on a Parish board or commission having administrative or policymaking authority unless the ordinance or state law creating such board or commission specifies that one or more members of the council shall serve on such board or commission. Section 2-07. Council Meetings and Rules. A. The council shall meet regularly at least twice a month at intervals of at least two weeks at such times and places as the council may prescribe. Special meetings may be held on the call of the president, the presiding officer of the council or one third of the membership of the council with such notice as may be required by state law. To meet a public emergency af- fecting life, health, property or public safety, the council may meet upon call of the president, the presiding officer of the council or one third of the membership of the council at whatever notice it shall be convenient to give. The call convening a special or emergency meeting of the council shall state the objects of the meeting. The power of the council to act at a special or emergency meeting shall be limited, under penalty of nullity, to the objects specifically enumerated in the call. B. All meetings of the council and its committees shall be open to the public in accordance with the provisions of general state law. C. The council shall conduct its business in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order and shall provide for keeping a journal of its minutes and proceedings. This journal shall be a public record. All official actions of the council shall be published in the official journal in accordance to state law. D. At all regular meetings of the council, the council shall operate from an agenda which, at a minimum, shall be posted in writing in the major population centers of the Parish at least two (2) days prior to the meeting. The agenda for special and emergency meetings shall be made available to the public as soon as practical prior to the meeting. E. The council shall provide by ordinance a procedure whereby in- terested persons shall be given an opportunity to be heard at council meetings on any matter relating to Parish government in accordance with time limits established by the council. F. At the first regular meeting of a newly elected council and annually thereafter, a chairman and vice chairman shall be elected by the council from among the council members. The chairman may be selected from any district and may serve no more than two (2) consecutive one-year terms. The chairman shall preside at meetings of the council, and in the absence or disqualification of the chairman, the vice chairman shall preside. In the absence or disqualification of both the chairman and vice chairman, the council shall designate one of its other members as temporary presiding officer. The chairman, vice chairman and temporary presiding officer shall be voting members of the council. The chairperson shall receive compensation in the amount of one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750) per month. Beginning with the next Council term, these amounts shall be automatically adjusted every four (4) years based on the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding four-year period. Any increase beyond the CPI-based adjustment shall require approval by a majority of the electors voting on the proposal in an election held in accordance with state law. G. All voting on ordinances and resolutions shall be recorded in the minutes of the council by the individual vote of each council member. Not less than a majority of the membership of the council shall constitute a quorum to transact business, but if a quorum is lost during a meeting, a smaller number may recess from time to time and compel the attendance of absent members in the manner and subject to the penalties prescribed by council rules. H. Voting by secret ballot is prohibited and any such vote is null and void. Section 2-08. Investigations. The Parish council may make investigations into the affairs of the Parish government and the related conduct of any anyone acting under the jurisdiction or authority of the Parish Government and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and require the production of evidence. Investigations shall be for a specified purpose and may be undertaken only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the membership of the council. Any person who fails or refuses to obey any lawful order of the council shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished in such manner as the council shall fix by ordinance. No council member shall vote on any matter under investigation in which said council member has a conflict of interest. Section 2-09. Independent Audit. The council shall provide for an an- nual independent post audit, and such additional audits as it deems necessary, of the accounts and other evidence of financial transactions of the Parish government, including those of all Parish government de- partments, offices or agencies. Audits may be by the state or the council may designate a private auditor to make such audits. The private auditor shall be without personal interest in the affairs subject to audit and shall be a certified public ac- countant or firm of such accountants. The audit shall be completed within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of the fiscal year and shall be submitted to the council at the next regularly scheduled meeting following completion of the audit. The audit shall be a public record and a summary thereof shall be published at least once in the official journal. Section 2-10. Clerk of the Council. A. The council shall appoint a clerk of the council who shall serve at the pleasure of the council and shall be supervised by the chairman of the council. The clerk shall give notice of council meetings to its members and the public, keep the journal of its proceedings, be official secretary of the council and perform such other duties as are assigned to the position by this charter or by the council. B. The council shall, by ordinance, fix the salary of the clerk, except that the salary shall be comparable to secretarial salaries in the executive branch. Section 2-11. Action Requiring an Ordinance. A. An act of the council having the force of law shall be by ordinance. An act requiring an ordinance shall include but not be limited to those which: (1) Adopt or amend an administrative code. (2) Provide a fine or other penalty or establish a rule or regulation for violation of which a fine or other penalty may be imposed. (3) Levy taxes or assessments as provided by law in accordance with Section 2-17 (Pow-er to Levy Taxes). (4) Appropriate funds and/or adopt the operating budget and capital improvement budget for the Parish government. (5) Grant, renew or extend a franchise. (6) Provide for raising revenue. (7) Regulate the rate or other charges for service by the Parish government. (8) Authorize the borrowing of money. (9) Incur debt in any manner authorized by law. (10) Abandon any property owned by the Parish government. (11) Convey or lease or authorize the conveyance or lease of any lands or property of the parish government. (12) Acquire real property on behalf of the Parish government. (13) Adopt or modify the official map. (14) Adopt or modify regulations for review and approval of plats. (15) Adopt or modify subdivision controls or regulations. (16) Adopt or modify the zoning plan, maps and regulations. (17) Amend or repeal any ordinance previously adopted. (18) Propose amendments to this charter. B. All Parish ordinances shall be codified in ac- cordance with Article VI, Section 10 of the constitution. C. An action of the council which is not to have the force of law may be enacted by resolution. Actions which may be adopted by resolution shall include but shall not be limited to those which: (1) establish a commemorative day, week, month or year; (2) authorize a person to sign or execute on behalf of the council a contract which has been previously approved; (3) authorize a person to execute, sign or countersign a check or draft on an account of the council, or (4) declare a statement of public policy of the council. D. All ordinances and resolutions shall be passed by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council except as otherwise provided in this charter. E. Operating rules and regulations prepared by the parish president and departments, offices and agencies under his jurisdiction shall, upon approval by the parish president, be filed in the office of the president and the office of the clerk of the council. Such rules and regulations shall be codified, in- dexed and bound and shall be available to the public at the cost of reproduction. Section 2-12. Ordinances in General. A. All proposed ordinances shall be introduced in writing and in the form required for adoption and, ex- cept for codifications, the operating budget and capital improvement budget, shall be confined to one subject, expressed clearly in the title. B. All proposed ordinances shall be read by title when introduced and published in full or in summary within twenty (20) days after introduction, except that ordinances proposing amendments to the charter shall be published in full. Ex- cept as otherwise provided in Section 2-14 (Emergency Ordinances), no ordinance shall be considered for final passage until at least twenty (20) days from the date of publication and after a public hearing has been held on the ordinance. The public hearing shall be held at the meeting at which final passage is to be considered. C. With the final approval of ordinances by the president, or the council in case of a veto by the president, such enacted ordinances shall be published in full in the official journal by the clerk of the council as soon as practical thereafter provided, however, that ordinances adopting codes of technical regulations or adopting or amending the operating budget or capital improvement budget may be published in full or in summary at the council’s discretion. Every en- acted ordinance, unless it shall specify another date, shall become effective at expiration of thirty (30) days after publication by the council. Section 2-13. Submission of Ordinances to the President. A. Every ordinance adopted by the council shall be signed by the presiding officer, except that upon failure of the presiding officer to sign the ordinance, the clerk of the council shall certify to its passage and it shall be presented to the president within five (5) calendar days after adoption, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Parish holidays. The clerk of the council shall re- cord upon the ordinance the date and hour of its delivery to the president. B. Within ten (10) calendar days after the president’s receipt of an ordinance, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Parish holidays, it shall be returned to the clerk of the council with the president’s approval, or with the president’s veto. The clerk shall record upon the ordinance the date and hour of its receipt from the president. If the proposed ordinance is not signed or vetoed by the president within ten (10) days after receipt, it shall be considered ap- proved. If the ordinance has been approved, it shall be considered fin- ally enacted and become effective as provided in Section 2-12 (Ordinances in General). If the ordinance is vetoed, the president shall submit to the council through the clerk a written statement of the reasons for the veto. The veto statement shall be published in full in the official journal by the clerk as soon as practical thereafter. All ordinances vetoed by the president shall be vetoed in full, except that the president shall have authority to veto individual ap- propriation items in the ordinances adopting the operating budget and capital improvement budget. C. Ordinances vetoed by the president shall be submitted by the clerk to the council no later than the next regular meeting held after publication of the veto statement. Should the council vote, not later than the second regular meeting held after receipt of the vetoed ordinance, to readopt the ordinance by the favorable vote of at least three fourths of its membership, said ordinance shall be considered finally enacted and become law irrespective of the veto by the president. The same procedure shall apply to individual appropriation items in the operating and capital improvement budgets vetoed by the president. D. The right of the president to veto as provided in this section shall apply to all ordinances adopted by the council except ordinances for re- apportionment; amendments to this charter; establishing, altering or modifying council procedure; or ap- propriating funds for auditing or investigating any part of the executive branch. Section 2-14. Emergency Ordinances. A. To meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or public safety, the council by the favorable vote of at least two thirds of the membership, may adopt an emergency ordinance at the meeting at which it is introduced, provided that no such ordinance may be used to levy taxes or special assessments; grant or extend a franchise; incur debt, except as provided in Section 5-04 B (Emergency Appropriations); adopt or amend an official map, platting or subdivision controls or zoning regulations; or change rates, fees or charges established by the Parish government. Each emergency ordinance shall contain a specific statement of the emergency claim-ed. B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2-13 (Submission of Ordinances to the President), any emergency ordinance adopted by the council shall be signed by the presiding officer, except that upon failure of the presiding officer to sign the ordinance, the clerk of the council shall certify to its passage and it shall be presented to the president within six (6) hours after adoption. Within twelve (12) hours after the president’s receipt of an emergency ordinance, it shall be returned to the clerk of the council with the president’s approval, or with the president’s veto. If the proposed ordinance is not signed or vetoed by the president within twelve (12) hours after receipt, it shall be considered adopted. If the emergency ordinance has been approved, it shall be considered fin- ally enacted and become effective immediately upon receipt by the clerk. If the emergency ordinance is vetoed, the president shall submit to the council through the clerk a written statement of the reasons for the veto. The clerk shall record upon the emergency ordinance the dates and hours of its delivery to and receipt from the president. Should the council vote, not later than twelve (12) hours after receipt of the vetoed emergency ordinance from the president, to readopt the emergency ordinance by the favorable vote of at least three fourths of its membership, said emergency ordinance shall be considered finally enacted and become law immediately upon readoption, irrespective of the veto by the president. Upon final approval by the president, or the council in case of a veto by the president, such enacted emergency ordinance shall be published in full in the official journal by the clerk as soon as practical thereafter. C. Emergency ordinances shall be effective for no longer than sixty (60) days after final approval. The council, upon a two-thirds vote of its membership, may extend the life of an emergency ordinance for an additional thirty (30) days, but no such ordinance may be extended beyond that period. Section 2-15. Codes of Technical Regulations. The council, by ordinance, may adopt any standard code of technical regulations by reference. The procedure and re- quirements governing the adopting of such ordinances shall be as prescribed for ordinances generally, except that a period of sixty (60) days shall be allowed between the time of introduction and final passage of the ordinance. During this interim, copies of any proposed code shall be available for public review. A copy of each adopted code of technical regulations as well as the adopting ordinance shall be authenticated and recorded by the clerk of the council in the official records of the Parish government. Such adopted codes of technical regulations shall be published at least by title or by reference in the official journal by the clerk as soon as practical following such final adoption. Section 2-16. Authentication and Recording of Ordinances and Resolutions; Printing and Distribution. A. All finally enacted ordinances and resolutions shall be authenticated, numbered and recorded by the clerk of the council. All ordinances shall be indexed and codified in a book or books kept for this purpose. All resolutions shall be indexed and re- corded in the minutes of the council meeting at which the resolution was approved. B. The council shall cause each ordinance and each amendment to this charter to be printed or otherwise reproduced promptly following enactment and such printed or re- produced amendments and ordinances, including codes of technical regulations adopted by reference pursuant to Section 2-15 (Codes of Technical Regulations), shall be distributed or sold to the public at the cost of reproduction. Section 2-17. Power to Levy Taxes. A. The power to perform any service or provide any facility granted to the Parish government by this charter or by the constitution and general laws of the state shall in all cases carry with it the power to levy taxes and to borrow money within the limits and in accordance with procedures prescribed by the constitution and general laws of the state. The council shall have, and is hereby granted, all of the authority to levy and collect taxes, to incur debt, and issue bonds and other evidences of in- debtedness, as is now or hereafter conferred on governing authorities of parishes by the constitution and general laws of the state, or as may be hereafter specially conferred by the electors of the Parish. B. Any tax being levied in St. Mary Parish on the effective date of this charter is ratified. C. All proposals to levy property taxes in excess of that authorized by the constitution to be levied without a vote of the people shall be submitted to the voters for approval in accordance with the election laws of the state. D. All proposals to levy a new or increase an existing sales and use tax shall be submitted to the voters for approval in accordance with the election laws of the state. Section 2-18. Powers of Enforcement. For the purpose of carrying out the powers generally or specially conferred on the Parish government, the council shall have the power to grant franchises, to require licenses and permits and fix the fees to be paid therefor, to charge compensation for any privilege or franchise granted or service rendered, and to provide penalties for the violation of any ordinance or regulation, as provided by law. ARTICLE III. EXECUTIVE BRANCH. Section 3-01. Executive Authority. The president shall be the chief executive and chief administrative of- ficer of the Parish government and shall exercise such general executive and administrative authority as authorized by this charter. No person holding office in the legislative or executive branch shall exercise a power or perform a function belonging to the other branch. Section 3-02. Election, Term. The president shall be elected at large from and by the qualified electors of the Parish according to the election laws of the state for a four (4) year term. A person who has served as president for more than one and one-half terms in two consecutive terms shall not be elected president for the succeeding term. This provision shall apply retroactively and shall be applicable to the current parish president seated at the time of this Charter’s adoption. Section 3-03. Qualifications. A. The president shall be at least twenty-five (25) years of age and a qualified elector of the Parish at the time of qualification and shall have been legally domiciled and shall have actually re- sided in the Parish at least five (5) years immediately preceding the time established by law for qualifying for office. B. The president shall continue to be legally domiciled and to actually reside within the Parish during the term of office. Should the legal domicile and/or actual residence of the president change from the Parish, the office shall automatically become vacant, which vacancy shall be filled as set out hereinafter. Section 3-04. Compensation. The Parish President shall receive an annual salary of one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) per year. Beginning with the next presidential term, this amount shall be automatically ad- justed every four (4) years based on the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding four-year period. The president shall receive no other salary or compensation from the Parish government unless authorized by a majority vote of the electors voting on the proposal in an election held in accordance with election dates as prescribed by state law. Section 3-05. Forfeiture of Office. The office of president shall be forfeited if during the term of office the officeholder: (1) lacks at any time any qualification for the office prescribed by this charter, (2) is convicted of a felony under state or federal law, or (3) fails to take office. Section 3-06. Vacancies. A. The office of president shall become vacant up- on death, resignation, removal from office in any manner authorized by law, or forfeiture of office. B. A vacancy in the office of president shall be filled by appointment of a person meeting the qualifications for the office by a majority vote of the authorized membership of the council. If the unexpired term at the time of the vacancy is equal to or less than the period established by state law for such purposes, the appointee shall serve for the re- mainder of the term. If the unexpired term exceeds the threshold established by state law, the ap- pointee shall serve until such time as the office is filled by the vote of the qualified electors voting in a special election called by the council for that purpose, which election shall be held according to the timetable and procedures established by state law generally for the filling of vacancies in elected local offices. C. If the council does not make an appointment as required by this section within thirty (30) days after the vacancy occurs, the ap- pointment shall be made by the governor. Section 3-07. Prohibitions. A. The president shall hold no other elected public office nor any compensated appointive office or employment of the Parish government or any of its political subdivisions during the term of office for which elected and shall hold no compensated ap- pointive office or employment of the Parish government or any of its political subdivisions until one (1) year after expiration of the term for which elected. B. The office of Parish President shall be a full-time position. 1) The President shall be the Chief Executive and Administrator Officer of the Parish Government and shall ex- ercise general exe- cutive and administrative authority over all departments, offices and agencies of the parish except as otherwise provided by the Charter. 2) The President shall not engage in any activity unrelated to Parish government business that would interfere with or detract from the performance of duties as President. C. Nothing in this section shall prohibit the president from serving as an elected member of a political party committee, charter commission or constitutional convention. Section 3-08. President’s Temporary Absence. A. When the president expects to be absent from the Parish for more than seventy-two (72) consecutive hours, the president shall notify the clerk of the council in writing of the expected duration of the absence. The powers and duties of the office shall be exercised by the assistant chief ad- ministrative officer. B. If a temporary absence of the president extends to more than sixty (60) consecutive days, the office shall become va- cant and shall be filled in accordance with Section 3-06 (Vacancies). Section 3-09. President’s Disability. A. Whenever the president transmits to the clerk of the council a written declaration stating inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office, and until the president transmits to the clerk of the council a written declaration to the contrary, the office of president shall be filled in the same manner as in Section 3-08 (A) [President’s Temporary Absence]. B. Whenever a panel of three (3) qualified medical experts, designated by resolution adopted by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council, transmits to the clerk of the council its written declaration that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, the office of president shall be filled in the same manner as in Section 3-08 (A) [President’s Temporary Ab- sence]. The person filling the office shall serve until a panel of three (3) qualified medical experts, designated by resolution adopted by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council, transmits to the clerk of the council its written declaration that the president’s inability has ended. The medical experts shall review the president’s disability at least once every three (3) months until such time as it has been determined that the disability has ended. C. Should the president be un- able to discharge the powers and duties of the office for a period exceeding six (6) consecutive months, the council shall have the authority upon the favorable vote of at least a majority of its membership to declare the office of president vacant due to disability provided, however, that the council shall hold a public hearing on the issue prior to any such declaration. Section 3-10. Powers and Duties of the President as Chief Executive & Administrative Officer. A. The president, as chief executive officer of the Parish government, shall have the following powers and duties: (1) See that all laws, provisions of this charter and acts of the council, subject to enforcement by the president or by officers subject to the president’s direction and supervision, are faithfully executed. (2) Submit the annual budget and five (5) year capital budget to the council. (3) Submit to the council and make available to the public, within sixty (60) days after the end of the fiscal year, a complete report on the finances and ad- ministrative activities of the Parish as of the end of each fiscal year. (4) Make such other reports as the council may reasonably request to enable the council to function. (5) Sign such contracts, deeds and other obligations as may be authorized by the council. (6) Attend or be represented by his designee at council meetings and furnish such information as may be requested by any member of the council. (7) Perform such other duties as are specified in this charter or may be required by the council, not inconsistent with this charter. (8) Serve as a nonvoting member on all boards, commissions and authorities. B. The president, as Chief Ad- ministrative Officer shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of all departments, offices, and agencies of the Parish government. The president shall appoint and supervise all department directors and may delegate authority to subordinate officers as needed. (1) Except as otherwise provided by this charter, all departments, offices and agencies shall be under the direction and su- pervision of the parish president, and the heads of all departments created by or under this charter shall be appointed by the president and shall serve at the pleasure of the president. (2) The salaries of the directors of the departments appointed by the president shall be set by the president, subject to approval by a majority vote of the council membership. (3) The president as chief ad- ministrative officer shall: i. Supervise activities of all de- partments, offices and agencies whose head he appoints. ii. Appoint and suspend or remove for just cause all Parish government employees of the departments, offices and agencies under the jurisdiction of the president in accordance with personnel policies as provided in Section 4-08 (Personnel System). The president may authorize any administrative officer who is subject to the president’s direction and supervision to exercise these powers with respect to subordinates in the officer’s department, office or agency. iii. Conduct pertinent procedural studies or investigations of departments, offices, agencies and officers under his jurisdiction. iv. Prescribe ac- cepted standards of administrative practice to be followed by all de- partments, offices and agencies. v. Perform such other duties as may be required by the charter. ARTICLE IV. ADMINISTRATION. Section 4-01. Assistant Chief Administrative Officer. The president shall appoint an assistant chief administrative officer to assist in the performance of executive and ad- ministrative duties. The assistant chief administrative officer shall serve at the pleasure of the Parish President, shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the Parish President, and may be removed from office at the discretion of the Parish President. Section 4-02. Repealed. Section 4-03. Repealed. Section 4-04. Legal Services. A. Legal services shall be provided by the district attorney of the judicial district serving St. Mary Parish. The council may, by ordinance, provide for appointment of a Parish attorney. B. No special counsel shall be retained to represent the Parish or any department, office, board or commission of the Parish government except by written contract approved by the favorable vote of a majority of the council members, unless otherwise specified by state law. Any such authorization shall specify the compensation, if any, to be paid for such services. Section 4-05. Department of Finance. A. The head of the department of finance shall be the director of finance. B. The director of finance shall direct and be responsible for the following duties: (1) Collection (except where specifically otherwise provided for by law) and custody of all monies of the Parish government from whatever source. (2) Preparation of the annual operating budget and capital improvement budget under the direction of the parish president. (3) Maintenance of a record of in- debtedness and the payment of the principal and interest on such indebtedness. (4) Ascertaining that funds are available for payment of all contracts, purchase orders and any other documents which incur financial obligation for the Parish government, and that such documents are in accordance with established procedures. (5) Disbursement of all funds from the Parish treasury. (6) Administration of a uniform central accounting system for all Parish departments, offices and agencies, using nationally accepted standards where applicable. (7) Preparation of a monthly statement of revenues and expenditures which shall be completed not later than twenty (20) days after the end of each month. (8) Procurement of all real and personal property, materials, supplies and services required by the Parish government under a central purchasing system for all departments, offices and agencies in accordance with applicable state law, council policy and administrative requirements. (9) Preparation of intergovernmental grant applications on behalf of the Parish government and informing departments, offices and agencies of relevant local, state and federal programs. (10) Maintenance of an inventory of all property, real and personal. (11) Investment of idle funds, as permitted by law, so as to receive the maximum rate of return. (12) Provide data processing administration. (13) Provide general administration services. (14) Other activities as may be directed by the parish president. Section 4-06. Public Works De- partment. A. The head of the public works department shall be the director of public works. B. The director of public works shall direct and be responsible for the following activities: (1) Engineering services for all Parish departments and agencies. (2) Supervision of all contract construction work. (3) Maintenance of Parish buildings and grounds. (4) Mapping and surveying. (5) Construction and maintenance performed by the Parish government of roads, sidewalks, bridges and drainage facilities. (6) Garbage and trash collection and disposal. (7) Operation of a central facility for the repair and maintenance of Parish government vehicles and equipment. (8) Other such activities as may be directed by the parish president. Section 4-07. Parks and Recreation Department. A. The parks and recreation de- partment shall be headed by the director of parks and recreation. B. The director of parks and recreation shall direct and be responsible for: (1) Parks and playgrounds. (2) Recreational activities. (3) Cultural activities and facilities. (4) Other leisure-time activities. (5) Other such activities as may be directed by the parish president. Section 4-08. Department of Personnel. A. The personnel department shall consist of a director of personnel and a personnel board who shall be responsible for the development and maintenance of a personnel system in which all appointments and promotions shall be made on the basis of fitness and merit. B. The director of personnel shall be appointed by the parish president, subject to council approval, and shall: (1) Prepare and administer such personnel rules and regulations governing the classified service as may be necessary or desirable for carrying out the provisions of this charter. (2) Prepare, install and maintain a uniform classification and pay plan for all positions in the classified service. (3) Perform such other duties and functions as may be directed by the chief administrative officer. C. The administration of the classified service, in- cluding the classification and pay plans, of the Parish government shall be governed by written rules and regulations to be known as “Personnel Policies.” The director of personnel shall prepare such policies and recommend their adoption to the parish president. Upon approval by the parish president, the personnel policies shall be presented to the council for adoption. The council shall act within thirty (30) days upon such proposed personnel policies. Such policies shall become effective upon approval by a favorable vote of a majority of the council membership. Thereafter, the director of personnel shall recommend additions to, modifications of, or deletions from such policies to the parish president for presentation to the council in the same manner used for adoptions of the original policies. All personnel policies adopted by the council shall have the force and effect of law. D. The personnel board shall consist of five (5) members appointed by a majority vote of the council membership. The members of the personnel board shall hold no elected public office nor hold a public position in the Parish. E. The terms of the first members of the personnel board shall be as follows: One member shall be ap- pointed to a one-year term; a second member shall be appointed to a two-year term; a third member shall be appointed to a three-year term; a fourth member shall be appointed to a four-year term; and a fifth member shall be ap- pointed to a five-year term. Thereafter, all F. appointments shall be for a five-year term. G. The personnel board shall: (1) Hold hearings on dismissals, demotions and other disciplinary matters as may be provided in the rules. The decisions of the personnel board in these matters shall be final. (2) Perform such other quasi-judicial duties as may be required under the rules developed pursuant to this section. On appeal to the personnel board by an employee relative to the actions of the employer, the burden of proof shall be on the employee. H. Any person holding a full-time position subject to this section when this charter takes effect, who served in that position at the time the charter was adopted by the electors of the Parish and at least one year prior thereto, shall continue in that position without competitive test or other method approved by the council but shall be subject in all other respects to this section. I. The following shall not be members of the classified personnel system of the Parish: (1) All elected officials of the Parish government. (2) Employees hired on a temporary or contractual basis. (3) The Parish attorney and any assistant attorneys. (4) Department heads created by or under this charter continued in accordance with the provisions of this charter. (5) Employees appointed directly by the council. (6) Employees of hospital districts. (7) Employees of other Parish boards and commissions appointed directly by the board or commission, except that such boards and commissions shall adopt personnel policies subject to approval by the council by ordinance. Section 4-09. Planning and Zoning Department. A. The head of the planning and zoning department shall be the director of planning and zoning. B. The director of planning and zoning shall direct and be responsible for the following activities: (1) Maintenance of the zoning map and other maps related to the functions of the department. (2) Coordination of planning activities. (3) Function as staff of a zoning commission. (4) Application for and administration of housing grants. (5) Inspection, licensing and permit issuance in conjunction with the enforcement of any zoning ordinances and building, housing and other technical codes. (6) Other such activities as may be directed by the parish president. Section 4-10. Other Departments. Except as otherwise provided by this charter, all Parish government departments, offices, agencies and functions in existence on the effective date of this charter shall continue in existence as organized on that date until reorganized in ac- cordance with Section 4-11 (Administrative Reorganization). Section 4-11. Administrative Reorganization. A. The parish president may propose to the council the creation, change, alteration, consolidation or abolition of Parish departments, offices and agencies and/or the reallocation of the functions, powers, duties and responsibilities of such departments, offices or agencies, including those provided for in this charter. B. Upon receipt of the parish president’s proposed plan of reorganization, the presiding officer of the council shall cause to be introduced an ordinance to im- plement the proposed reorganization plan. The ordinance shall follow the same procedure as provided in Section 2-12 (Ordinances in General), except that an affirmative vote of two thirds of the council members shall be required to amend or modify the reorganization plan submitted by the parish president. C. The reorganization plan submitted by the parish president shall become effective if the council fails to act on the proposed reorganization within sixty (60) days of its submission to the council. ARTICLE V. FINANCIAL PROCEDURES. Section 5-01. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Parish government shall be January 1 through December 31, subject to change by ordinance by the council. Section 5-02. Operating Budget Preparation and Adoption. A. At least sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the president shall submit to the council a proposed operating budget in the form re- quired by this charter. At the meeting of the council at which the operating budget is submitted, the council shall order a public hearing on the budget. At least ten (10) days prior to the date of such hearing, the council shall publish in the official journal the time and place of the hearing, a general summary of the proposed budget and the times and places where copies of the proposed budget are available for public inspection. At the time and place so advertised, the council shall hold a public hearing on the budget as submitted. Changes in the proposed operating budget by the council shall be by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council. The budget shall be finally adopted not later than the second-to-last regular meeting of the fiscal year. Upon final adoption, the budget shall be in effect for the budget year, and copies shall be filed with the clerk of the council. The budget as finally adopted shall be reproduced and sufficient copies shall be made available for use by all offices, de- partments and agencies of the Parish government. Copies shall be available for public use in the office of the clerk and additional copies may be purchased at cost. B. Upon failure of the council to adopt a budget prior to the end of the current fiscal year, fifty (50) percent of the amount appropriated for that fiscal year shall be reappropriated for the new fiscal year and shall be in effect until such time as a new budget is adopted. Section 5-03. The Operating Budget Document. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the Capital Improvement Budget, which shall be governed by Section 5-05 of Article V. The provisions of this section shall also not apply to Special Revenue Funds which are funded by federal and/or state grants and whose grant period does not correspond with St. Mary Parish’s fiscal year. The Operating budget for the Parish government shall present a complete financial plan for the ensuing fiscal year and shall consist of at least three (3) parts as follows: Part I shall contain: (1) a budget message which shall outline the proposed financial plan for the Parish government and describe significant features of the budget for the forthcoming fiscal period; and (2) a general budget summary which, with supporting schedules, shall show the relationship be- tween total proposed expenditures and total anticipated revenues for the forthcoming fiscal period and which shall compare these figures with corresponding actual figures for the last completed fiscal year and estimated figures for the year in progress. Part II shall contain: (1) de- tailed estimates of all proposed ex- penditures, showing the corresponding estimated expenditures for each item for the current fiscal year and actual figures for the last preceding fiscal year with explanations of increases or decreases recommended related to performance standards or workload measurements, to the ex- tent of availability of such information; (2) manning or organizational tables for each of the departments, agencies or programs; (3) detailed estimates of all anticipated revenues and other income, showing the corresponding estimated revenue or income for each item for the current fiscal year and actual figures of the last preceding fiscal year with explanations of increases or de- creases; (4) delinquent taxes for current and preceding years, with the estimated percentage collectible; (5) statement of the indebtedness of the Parish government, showing debt redemption and interest re- quirements, debt authorized and unissued, and conditions of the sinking funds; and (6) such other information as may be requested by the council. The total proposed expenditures shall not exceed the total of estimated funds available. Part III shall contain a proposed complete draft of the appropriation ordinance. All ap- propriations shall be by department and/or program. Section 5-04. Amendments to Operating Budget. A. Supplemental Appropriations: If during the fiscal year the president certifies that there are available for ap- propriation revenues in excess of those estimated in the operating budget, the president may present a supplemental budget for the disposition of such revenues, and the council by ordinance may make supplemental appropriations for the year up to the amount of such excess in the same manner required for adoption of the budget. B. Emergency Appropriations: To meet a public emergency affecting life, health, property or the public peace, or to comply with a court judgment rendered after adoption of the budget, the council may make emergency appropriations. Such appropriations shall be made by emergency ordinance in accordance with the provisions of this charter. To the extent that there are no available unappropriated revenues to meet such appropriations, the council may by such emergency ordinance borrow money in sums necessary to meet the emergency. The repayment of such sums shall be a fixed charge upon the revenues of the fiscal year next following the fiscal year in which the sums are borrowed. C. Reduction of Appropriations: If at any time during the fiscal year it ap- pears to the president that the revenues available will be insufficient to meet the amount appropriated, the president shall re- port to the council without delay, in- dicating the estimated amount of the deficit, any remedial action taken and recommendations as to any other steps to be taken. The council shall then take such further action as it deems necessary to prevent a deficit. D. Subject to the limitations in Subsection F of this section, the council may, by ordinance, reduce any appropriation at any time. E. Transfer of Appropriations: At any time during the fiscal year the president may transfer part or all of any unencumbered appropriation within programs. An unencumbered appropriation balance may be transferred from one department, office or agency to another or from one program to another only upon council action by ordinance. F. Limitations: No appropriation for debt service may be reduced or transferred and no appropriation may be reduced below any amount re- quired by law to be appropriated or by more than the amount of the un- encumbered balance thereof. Section 5-05. Capital Improvement Budget. A. Each year, no later than the time of submission of the operating budget for the ensuing fiscal year, the president shall submit to the council a capital improvement budget covering a period of at least five (5) years. The amount indicated to be spent during the first year of the capital improvement budget shall be the capital budget for that year. B. The capital budget shall in- clude: (1) A clear general summary of its contents. (2) A list of all capital improvements and acquisitions which are proposed to be undertaken for at least the five (5) fiscal years next ensuing with ap- propriate supporting information as to the necessity for such improvements and acquisitions. (3) Cost estimates, method of financing and recommended time schedules for each such improvement or acquisition. (4) The estimated annual cost of operating and maintaining the capital improvement to be constructed or ac- quired. The information shall be revised and extended each year with regard to capital improvements still pending or in process of construction or acquisition. C. At the meeting of the council at which the capital improvement budget is submitted, the council shall order a public hearing on such capital improvement budget and shall publish in the official journal, at least ten (10) days prior to the date of such hearing, the time and place of the hearing, a general summary of the proposed capital improvement budget and the times and places where copies of the proposed capital im- provement budget are available for public inspection. At the time and place so advertised, the council shall hold a public hearing on the capital improvement budget as submitted. Changes in the proposed capital improvement budget by the council shall be by the favorable vote of at least a majority of the membership of the council. The capital improvement budget shall be finally adopted not later than the second-to-last regular meeting of the fiscal year. The capital improvement budget as finally adopted shall be reproduced and sufficient copies shall be made available for use by all offices, de- partments and agencies of the Parish government. Copies shall be available for public use in the office of the clerk of the council and additional copies may be purchased at cost. D. Amendments to the finally adopted capital improvement budget shall be by ordinance in accordance with provisions of this charter relative to ordinances. E. Any construction project or method of financing a construction project submitted to and rejected by the voters shall not be undertaken for at least one (1) year unless ap- proved by the voters. Section 5-06. Administration of Operating and Capital Budgets. A. No payment shall be made or obligation incurred against any allotment or appropriation except in ac- cordance with the approved operating and capital budgets and appropriations duly made and unless the president or the president’s de- signee first certifies that there is a sufficient unencumbered balance in such allotment or appropriation and that sufficient funds there-from are or will be available to cover the claim or meet the obligation when it becomes due and payable. However, this provision shall not limit the authority to borrow funds in anticipation of revenues as provided in the general laws of the state. Any authorization of payment or incurring of obligation in violation of the provisions of this charter shall be void and any payment so made illegal; such action shall be cause for removal of any official, officer or employee who knowingly authorized or made such payment or incurred such obligation or who caused such payment to be authorized or made or obligation to be incurred. Such persons shall also be liable to the Parish government for any amount so paid. B. Nothing in this charter shall be construed so as to prevent the making or authorizing of payments or making of contracts for capital improvements to be financed wholly or partly by the issuance of bonds or to prevent the making of any contract or lease providing for payments beyond the end of the fiscal year, provided that such action is authorized by ordinance, except that contracts for services not covered by the public bid law shall be for a period not to ex- ceed two (2) years. C. Deficit spending is prohibited except for emergencies as provided in Section 5-04 B (Amendments to Operating Budget). Section 5-07. Lapse of Appropriations. Every appropriation, except an appropriation for a capital expenditure, shall lapse at the close of the fiscal year to the extent that it has not been expended or encumbered. An appropriation for a capital expenditure shall continue in force until the purpose for which it was made has been accomplished or abandoned; the purpose of any such appropriation shall be deemed abandoned if three (3) years pass without any disbursement from or encumbrance of the appropriation. Section 5-08. Bonded Debt. The Parish government is empowered to incur bonded debt in accordance with this charter and the constitution and laws of the state. When voter approval is required, no resolution shall be passed calling for a referendum to incur a bonded debt until an engineering and economic feasibility report shall have been made to the council and a summary thereof published in the official journal at least sixty (60) days prior to the proposed date of the election, unless the council is required to call such an election pursuant to a petition as provided for under the general laws of this state. Section 5-09. Facsimile Signatures. Facsimile signatures are authorized for negotiable instruments and multiple certificates of indebtedness in those cases where an official is required by law to sign. ARTICLE VI. INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM, RECALL AND REMOVAL BY SUIT. Section 6-01. Initiative and Referendum. A. The electors of the Parish shall have the power, except as herein restricted, to propose to the council passage or repeal of ordinances and to vote on the question if the council refuses action. This power shall not extend to the proposing or repealing of ordinances making or reducing the ap- propriation of money, authorizing the repeal or reduction of the levy of any taxes or changing the salaries of Parish government officers or employees. The initiative power shall be exercised in the following manner: (1) The person or persons proposing the exercise of this power shall submit the proposal to the council which shall specify within thirty (30) days a form of petition for circulation in one or multiple copies as the proposer may desire. The petition shall contain the full text of the proposed ordinance. (2) Within sixty (60) days after the form of the petition shall have been specified, the person or persons circulating the petition shall ob- tain the signatures of at least ten (10) percent of the total registered voters of the Parish. There shall be noted after each signature on the petition the date signed and the address of the signer. Each person circulating a copy of the petition shall attach a sworn affidavit to it stating the number of signers and the fact that each signature was made in the presence of the circulator of the petition. (3) The signed petition shall be filed with the council within sixty (60) days of the specification of the form of the petition and, upon filing, the council shall order a canvass of the signatures through the office of the Parish registrar of voters to determine their sufficiency and authenticity. The council’s canvass shall be completed within thirty (30) days. If the number of signatures is insufficient or the petition is deficient as to form or compliance with this section, the council shall notify the person or persons filing the petition of such sufficiency or deficiency and allow thirty (30) days for filing of additional papers, at the end of which time the sufficiency and correctness of the petition shall be determined finally. (4) Within thirty (30) days after a petition shall have been certified as sufficient and correct by the council, the council shall cause the proposed ordinance, and a summary thereof, to be published in the official journal of the Parish government at least once together with a notice of the date, time and place when and where it will be given a public hearing and be considered for passage, which notice shall appear at least seven (7) days prior to the time advertised for the hearing. At the time and place so advertised the council shall hold a public hearing. Subsequent to such hearing, the council shall either: (a) Adopt the proposed ordinance submitted in an initiative petition, without substantive amendments, or effect the repeal referred to by such petition, or (b) Determine to submit the proposal to the electors. (5) If the council adopts an ordinance following the submission of an initiatory petition as provided above, it shall not amend or repeal the ordinance by its own action within one (1) year following the date of submission of the petition proposing the ordinance, but it may submit proposals amending or re- pealing such ordinances to a vote of the electors. After the expiration of one (1) year, the ordinance may be amended or re- pealed as any other ordinance. (6) If an initiative ordinance is submitted to a vote of the electors as provided in Section 6-01 (4) above, the election shall take place at the first regularly scheduled election occurring thirty (30) days after the meeting at which the council determines to submit the proposal to the electors. The re- sults shall be determined by a majority vote of the electors voting on the proposal. (7) If a majority of the qualified electors voting on a proposed initiative ordinance vote in its favor, it shall be considered adopted upon certification of the election results. If conflicting ordinances are approv-ed at the same election, the one receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes shall prevail to the extent of such conflict. (8) An ordinance adopted by the electorate through the initiative process shall not be amended or re- pealed by council action for a period of one (1) year after the election at which it was adopted, but thereafter it may be amended or repeal-ed as any other ordinance. (9) Ordinances adopted through the initiative process shall not be subject to veto by the president. B. Upon rejection by the voters of an ordinance proposed under this section, at least one (1) year shall lapse before the same or a similar issue can again be submitted to the voters. Section 6-02. Recall. A. Any elected official of the Parish government may be removed from office by the electors of the Parish through a re- call process. The recall procedure shall be the same as is provided in the general laws of the state. B. If, in a recall election, the ma- jority of those voting vote for recall, the official named in the recall petition shall be re- moved ipso facto from office, and the vacancy thereby created shall be filled as in the case of ordinary vacancies in accordance with this charter. The person recall-ed shall not be eligible for appointment to fill the vacant position. Section 6-03. Removal by Suit. Any elected official of the Parish government may be removed from office by court suit as provided in the constitution and general laws of the state. ARTICLE VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS. Section 7-01. Legal Process. Legal process against the Parish government shall be served upon the president or in his absence upon the presiding officer of the council. Section 7-02. Code of Ethics. All officers, officials and employees of the Parish government shall comply with the provisions of the code of ethics pertaining to local governments. The President, or the Presidents designee, shall ensure that each elected official received a copy of the state code of ethics no later than thirty (30) days after the elected officials take office. Section 7-03. Amending or Re- pealing the Charter. A. Proposals to amend or repeal this charter may be made by a two-thirds vote of the council membership or by petition signed by not less than ten (10) percent of the total number of registered voters of the Parish. A petition shall contain the full text of the proposed amendment or amendments. The procedures and time limits for filing such a petition shall be the same as for an initiative ordinance as provided in Section 6-01 (1), (2) and (3). B. Within thirty (30) days after a petition shall have been certified as sufficient and correct by the council, the council shall cause the amendment or amendments being proposed, and summaries thereof, to be published in the official journal of the Parish. C. Proposals by council members to amend or repeal this charter shall be by ordinance. Such proposed ordinances shall follow the same procedure as re- quired by Section 2-12 (Ordinances in General), except that the affirmative vote of two thirds of the council membership shall be required for passage of an ordinance proposing to amend or repeal the charter. D. Proposals to amend or repeal this charter shall be submitted for ratification to the qualified electors of the Parish at an election already authorized for other purposes or at a special election called for the purpose of considering proposed charter amendments. The results shall be determined by a majority vote of the electors voting on any particular proposal. E. Proposals by the council and by petition may be submitted to the voters at the same election and voters may, at their op- tion, accept or re- ject any or all such proposals. Should conflicting proposals be approved at the same election, the one receiving the greater number of affirmative votes shall prevail to the extent of such conflict. F. Within thirty (30) days after promulgation of election results, the clerk of the council shall file duly authenticated copies of said amendment with the offices of the secretary of state of Louisiana and the clerk of court of St. Mary Parish. G. Unless specified to the contrary in the amendment, all approved amendments shall become effective thirty (30) days after said filing. H. Upon passage or rejection of a proposal by the voters, at least one (1) year shall lapse before the same issue can again be submitted to the voters. I. Except as provided in Section 8-08 (Severability) and Section 8-09 (Violation of Civil Rights Act), no proposal to amend or repeal this charter shall be submitted during the first one (1) year of operations under this charter. No amendment or repeal shall shorten the term for which any incumbent official was elected or reduce the salary of office for that term. Section 7-04. Bonding of Officers. The director of finance, all persons authorized to sign checks and such other Parish government officers or employees as the council may designate shall give bond in the amount and with the surety prescribed by the council. The premiums on such bonds shall be paid by the Parish government. Section 7-05. Oaths of Office. All elected officials of the Parish government shall take the following oath of office to be administered by any qualified person: “I, ..., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the constitution and laws of the United States and the constitution and laws of this state and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as ..., according to the best of my ability and understanding, so help me God.” Section 7-06. Boards and Commissions. A. The council, by resolution, and the president may appoint advisory boards and commissions to provide advice regarding the operations of Parish services or other activities. No such board or commission shall exercise any ad- ministrative or legislative responsibility. B. A member of an advisory board or commission shall receive no compensation for service and shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. C. Members of all existing boards and commissions shall complete their terms of office, except as may be provided by this charter or by action of the council. D. All meetings of advisory boards and commissions shall be open to the public. E. This section shall not apply to a board or commission created by ordinance or in accordance with general state law. Section 7-07. Reconstitution of Government. In the event of war or public disaster that incapacitates the president and/or a majority of the council, the re- maining members of the council may act on an emergency basis and shall appoint such other officials as are necessary to reconstitute the Parish government. It shall be the intent of this section that these emergency powers shall subsist only so long as an emergency exists and that regularly constituted elections shall be held as soon as it is judicially determined that conditions permit their being held. Section 7-08. Control Over Local Agencies and Special Districts. A. The council shall have general power over any agency heretofore created by the governing authority of St. Mary Parish or hereafter created by the council including, without limitation, the power to abolish the agency and require prior approval of any charge or tax levied or bond issued by the agency. B. The Parish government may consolidate and merge into itself any special district or local public agency, except a school district, situated and having jurisdiction entirely within the boundaries of the Parish. Upon the consolidation and merger, the Parish government shall succeed to and be vested with all of the rights, revenues, resources, jurisdiction, auth- ority, and powers of the special district or local public agency. A consolidation and merger shall become effective only if ap- proved by a majority of the electors voting thereon in the Parish as a whole and by a majority of the electors voting thereon in the affected special district. A local public agency shall be consolidated and merged only if approved by a majority of the electors voting thereon in the Parish as a whole. C. If the special district or local public agency which is consolidated and merged has outstanding indebtedness, the authority provided by this section shall not be exercised unless provision is made for the retirement or assumption of the indebtedness. ARTICLE VIII. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS. Section 8-01. Re- pealed. Section 8-02. Continuation of Actions. A. All writs, actions, suits, proceedings, civil or criminal liabilities, prosecutions, judgments, sentences, contracts, franchises, debt or other obligations due by St. Mary Parish, rights or causes of action, claims, demands, titles and rights existing on the effective date of this charter shall continue unaffected. All sentences for punishment for ordinance violations or for crime shall be executed according to their terms. B. All actions, ordinances, and administrative rules and regulations of St. Mary Parish in force prior to the effective date of this charter shall, insofar as they are not inconsistent with this charter, re- main in full force and effect until amended or re- pealed by the council or until they expire by their own limitation. Section 8-03. Special Districts. Any special district heretofore established and existing in St. Mary Parish shall continue to exist to effectuate the purpose for which it was created, to complete any works begun or authorized therein, to pay the debts of the district and to levy taxes and other charges as may have been or may be legally authorized in the district. Section 8-04. Fees, Charges and Tax Levies. A. Constitutional limitations on the maximum property tax millages that can be levied without voter approval shall continue to be applicable to the Parish. B. All fees, charges and taxes levied by St. Mary Parish shall continue to be levied by the Parish government until changed by the council by ordinance or by a vote of the people when a vote is required. C. Receipts from fees, charges, rentals and royalties, taxes, federal and state grants, and shared revenues and taxes applicable to special districts which are less than parishwide geographically shall be used only for services to be rendered in those geographic areas. D. The levy of property tax millages above the constitutional maximum previously approved by the voters of a special district shall continue to be levied by the Parish government and used only for the approved purposes. Such levies may be renewed upon the favorable vote of the electors within the geographical area in- volved. Section 8-05. Special Legislative Acts. All special legislative acts pertaining to St. Mary Parish, insofar as they are in conflict with the provisions of this charter, shall henceforth be inoperative and of no effect. Section 8-06. Parish Retirement Systems. No pension or retirement systems of the Parish government in existence at the time the charter is approved shall be affected in any way by this charter and shall re- main in full force and effect and shall be carried out and regulated in accordance with applicable laws and procedures. Section 8-07. Declaration of In- tent. This charter shall be liberally construed in aid of its declared intent which is to establish for the people of St. Mary Parish effective home rule free from legislative interference as to the structure and organization of its local government, and with the power and authority to manage its local affairs, all as contemplated and intended by the provisions of Article VI Section 5 of the constitution. Section 8-08. Severability. If any provision of this charter is declared invalid for any reason, that provision shall not affect the validity of this charter or any other provisions thereof. Section 8-09. Violation of Civil Rights Act. In the event the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice or any court of competent jurisdiction declares any part of this charter to be in violation of the Civil Rights Act prior to the date the charter becomes effective, the St. Mary Parish Home Rule Charter Commission shall reconvene for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days for the purpose of drafting and proposing amendments to the charter to the electors of St. Mary Parish. Section 8-10. Schedule of Transition. The provisions of this charter pertaining to the election of Parish government officials created hereunder shall become effective on the date this charter is adopted. The re- maining provisions of this charter shall become effective on the date of taking of office of the newly elected officials provided for by this charter, such date being established in Section 8-11(Election of Officials). Section 8-11. Election of Officials. A. The first election for the officials provided for by this charter shall coincide with the 1983 elections for governor, and subsequent elections shall be held on corresponding dates every fourth year thereafter. Persons elected under the provisions of this charter shall take office at noon on the second Monday in January next following their election. B. All Parish officers elected under provisions of the police jury system of government applicable to the Parish prior to the adoption of this home rule charter shall continue to hold their offices and discharge the duties thereof until the officials elected under the provisions of this charter have taken office. Thereafter, their offices shall cease to exist. Section 8-12. Required Approval by Electors. The charter shall become effective only if approved by a majority of those voting on the charter. Section 8-13. Repealed. NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the St. Mary Parish Council will meet on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at five-forty-five (5:45) o’clock p.m. at the Parish Council Room of the Courthouse, Franklin, Louisiana, at which time there will be a public hearing on the adoption of the aforesaid ordinance. /s/ GWENDOLYN L. HIDALGO CHAIRPERSON OF THE COUNCIL ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL /s/ Lisa C. Morgan CLERK OF THE COUNCIL ST. MARY PARISH COUNCIL Adv. Dec. 17, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS PROFESSIONAL AVIATION PLANNING, CIVIL ENGINEERING, and RELATED SERVICES Notice is hereby given that the St. Mary Parish Government is re- questing qualification statements from professional planning and engineering firms interested in performing certified planning and professional civil and related engineering services at the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport in Patterson, Louisiana. If funded, projects will be limited to Rehabilitation of Runway/Taxiway, Parking Lot Improvements, Rehabilitation of the North Apron, Edits to the Airport Layout Plan, and General Ad- ministration Services. Design and Implementation are generally de- pendent upon FAA and/or DOTD funding. The selection process will be in accordance with FAA Advisory Circular 150/5100-14E and DOTD standards. In the execution of the work, the firm may be required to provide administrative services, ALP updates, cost estimates, grant management services, preliminary plans, final construction plans and specifications as well as to assist with construction administration. Firms interested in performing these services shall furnish a statement of qualifications on Federal Standard Form 330 (SF 330). A separate SF 330 shall be submitted by the prime for each sub consultant. Copies of FAA AC 150/5100-14E and SF 330 are attached to the RFQ Package and electronic versions are available from the FAA and DOTD Division of Aviation. You may request the RFQ Package from Kaitlan Rivere, Federal & State Grants Administrator or Gary Hebert, Purchasing Agent by sending your company info and your contact info to krivere@stmaryparishla.gov or ghebert@stmaryparishla.gov. The criteria and weighting factors to be used by the Sponsor in evaluating responses will be as follows: 1. Staff familiarity with current DOTD and FAA aviation planning, pavement, drainage, electrical, lighting, navaid, obstruction, air space, construction at public airports, and other applicable standards as well as experience in typical General Aviation projects with a value of 1 – 5 points. 2. Aviation planning, civil engineering, other related staff experience (e.g., surveyors, inspectors, etc.), and grant acquisition and administration capabilities of key personnel to be assigned to the project with a value of 1 – 10 points. This experience should in- clude master planning; property and topographical surveys; runway, taxiway, and apron restriping; and/or other miscellaneous pavement improvements. Principals of firms with only administrative experience on aviation projects will not be counted as staff design experience and should not submit as such. Planners shall be AICP certified. Engineers and surveyors shall have relevant professional licenses issued by the State of Louisiana. 3. Key personnel’s professional qualifications and experience and availability for the proposed project; their reputation and professional integrity and competence; and their knowledge of FAA regulations, policies, and procedures with a value of 1 – 5 points. 4. Familiarity with the development concerns of the Harry P. Williams Airport, the environs of the site, compliance issues, and an understanding of potential problems, and the sponsor’s special concerns with a value of 1 – 10 points. 5. History of assisting with the acquisition of FAA and DOTD aviation grant funds as well as other sources of funding for airfield im- provements (list airports, grant projects, and grant amounts) and the administration of same with a value of 1 – 10 points. 6. Firm size relative to the magnitude of typical general aviation projects similar to those listed, demonstrated ability to meet schedules and deadlines, and evidence to make good faith efforts to meet airport DBE goals with a value of 1 – 5 points. 7. Location of firm relative to airport with a value of 1 – 5 points. 8. Responsiveness to Request For Qualifications with a value of 1 – 5 points. 9. Maximum possible points are 55. Firms with demonstrated experience, competence, and qualifications pertinent to the requirements noted having sufficient technical, supervisory, and administrative personnel to ensure expeditious prosecution of work are desired for consideration. In responding to the items listed, it is important to be specific and concise and to assure that planning and design projects which are referred to as having been accomplished by your staff are projects which were accomplished by your personnel included in the SF 330. The successful firm will be re- quired to execute a project specific agreement and, if a project is funded, a standard DOTD engineering services agreement in conformance with all Parish, DOTD, and FAA guidelines, standards, and assurances. The St. Mary Parish Government encourages participation by disadvantaged business enterprises in all bids and proposals to the extent possible. The Parish affords minority and women owned business enterprises full opportunity to submit an indication of interest in response to this invitation and will not discriminate against a firm on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, age, or national origin in awarding a contract. The SF 330 (one original and three copies) shall be delivered to the office of the St. Mary Parish Government which is located at 500 Main St., 5th Floor Courthouse Bldg, Franklin, Louisiana 70538. Firms wishing to apply must submit a fully completed SF 330 as failure to provide all information requested may result in the submission being considered non-responsive, and the firm will not be given a total score in the evaluation process. Statements of qualifications will be accepted until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Questions regarding this project should be presented to Mr. Gary Hebert, Purchasing Agent, at 337-828-4100, ext. 5010 or ghebert@stmaryparishla.gov St. Mary Parish Government Sam Jones Parish President Adv. Dec. 10 and 27, 2025 and Jan. 7, 2026

NOTICE ! THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICATION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, MAY BE TERMINATED BY OPERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW. 171415-048-0044-00 3111 Syphon St. Lot 6 and the East One-Half of Lot 7, Block 16, Parkhurst Addition - Arthur Ray Duncan, Bridges to Prosperity, LLC, Drake Land Co., LLC, Ironwood Land Co., LLC, Hunter Land, LLC, First Family Financial Services, Inc., and Parish of Caddo. 181421-015-0008-00 0 Mack Marshall Lot 8, White Hills Acres Beth Arin Cullick Friedman, Harold David Cullick, Alvin Stanley Cullick, Rita C. Glavez Barbo, Testamentary Spendthrift Trust of Alvin Stanley Cullick, and Harold David Cullick, Jake Cullick, and Leah S. Cullick, Mid-South Management, Inc., Parish of Caddo. 161409-044-0010-00 0 Ferrara Lot 10, Lambert Park Subdivision, Unit 30, - George Truman Stewart, State of Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services, The Cadle Company, New Touch Development Company, and Parish of Caddo. 171305-059-0215-00 2119 Roosevelt Ave. Lot 215, Bowman Lane Subdivision Will Carroll, and Blanch Eva David Carroll, Lake National, LLC, and Parish of Caddo. 171414-073-0021-00 1724 Clanton St. Lot 21, Block 3, Lincoln Park Subdivision Robert Chevalier, and Cora Metoyer Chevalier, Green Junius & Associates, LLC, and Parish of Caddo. 171414-073-0022-00 1728 Clanton St. Lot 22, Block 3, Lincoln Park Subdivision Isabella Walker Blumer, Julia Mae Blumer Brown, Margaret D. Chavis Collins, Zelda J. Chavis Randle, and Parish of Caddo. Tax sale title to the above-described property has been adjudicated to the City of Shreveport for failure to pay taxes. The City of Shreveport now intends to sell its adjudicated tax interest in the above described property in accordance with RS. 47: 2202, 2203, & 2206. You have been identified as a person who may have an interest in this property. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with the law within two months (60 days) of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the recording of an act transferring ownership, if later. CITY OF SHREVEPORT REVENUE DEPARTMENT 505 TRAVIS ST, 1ST FLOOR SHREVEPORT, LA 71101 (318) 673-5507 December 16,2025 11916464

NOTICE ! THIS NOTICE BY PUBLICATION IS NOTIFICATION THAT YOUR RIGHTS OR INTEREST IN THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PROPERTY LOCATED IN SHREVEPORT, CADDO PARISH, LOUISIANA, MAY BE TERMINATED BY OPERATION OF LAW IF YOU DO NOT TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW. 171403-054-0053-00 2738 Judson St. Lot 21 and West Half of Lot 22, Block 18, Queensborough Addition Linda Evans Swindle, and Parish of Caddo. Tax sale title to the above described property has been adjudicated to the City of Shreveport for failure to pay taxes. The City of Shreveport now intends to sell its adjudicated tax interest in the above described property in accordance with RS. 47: 2202, 2203, & 2206. You have been identified as a person who may have an interest in this property. Your interest in the property will be terminated if you do not redeem the property by making all required payments to the tax collector listed below or file a lawsuit in accordance with the law within six months (180 days) of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the recording of an act transferring ownership, if later. CITY OF SHREVEPORT REVENUE DEPARTMENT 505 TRAVIS ST, 1ST FLOOR SHREVEPORT, LA 71101 (318) 673-5507 December 16,2025 11916443

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF CADDO LEVEE DISTRICT AT REGULAR MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 13th, 2025 At a regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Caddo Levee District held at10:30 a.m., November 13th, 2025, at 1320 Grimmett Drive, Shreveport, Louisiana, the followingmembers were present: Patrick W. Harrison, James T. Sims, Jackie Baker, Carolyn C. Prator, andWillie Walker. Kandi Moore was unable to attend. The following people were also present: Ronald F. Lattier, Law Offices of Ronald F. Lattier;Marshall Jones, J. Marshall Jones Jr., (APLC) a Professional Law Corporation; Joshua Monroe, LADepartment of Transportation and Development; Patrick Furlong, P.E., Executive Director; andPenny Adams, HR Analyst, were also present. The meeting was opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. President Harrison asked for any comments from the public regarding agenda items or otherissues. There were no public comments. President Harrison stated that the minutes from the September 11th, 2025, meeting had beenemailed for review and asked for a motion to approve. Mr. Sims made a motion, with a second byMr. Walker, to approve the minutes of the September 11th, 2025, meeting. The motion unanimouslypassed. President Harrison discussed the September & October monthly financial reports beingstandard. Most of the income was from the financial portfolio and oil & gas royalties. Most of theexpense was from the audit, insurance, survey work, and typical levee maintenance. The Board reviewed payments and invoices for the month of October 2025 and subsequent bills for the months of September and August 2025. Mr. Sims made a motion, with a second fromMr. Walker, to ratify payment of the invoices for the month of October 2025 and subsequent billsfor the months of September and August 2025. The motion unanimously passed. The Board discussed financial investments and reviewed rates obtained from all local banks. The Board unanimously approved a motion by Mr. Sims and a second by Mrs. Prator to reinvest$2,000,000 in a 24-month term CD with a rate of 3.60% with Home Federal Bank. The Board unanimously approved and asked for public comments to amend the agenda to addafter Item#7 upcoming Certificate of Deposit and Treasury Bill maturing within a few days for with amotion by Mr. Sims and a second by Mr. Walker. The Board unanimously approved a motion by Mrs. Prator and a second by Mr. Sims to reinvest$3,000,000 in a 24-month term CD with a rate of 3.60% with Home Federal Bank. The Board unanimously approved a motion by Mr. Sims and a second by Mr. Baker to invest$3,000,000 in a 36-month term CD with a rate of 3.60% with First Horizon Bank. The Board discussed proposed landscape maintenance with Hooglands. Mr. Sims made amotion, with a second from Mr. Walker, to approve Hooglands Monthly Landscape Maintenance. The motion unanimously passed. The Board discussed a contract with JB Field Services for area of work control. Mrs. Pratormade a motion, with a second from Mr. Sims to contract JB Field Services for area of work control. The motion unanimously passed. The Board discussed an agreement with Argent Mineral Management, LLC for an audit ofoil and gas payments. Mr. Jones gave his favorable recommendation for the agreement. Mr. Simsmade a motion, with a second from Mr. Baker to approve the agreement with Argent MineralManagement, LLC for an audit of oil and gas payments. The motion unanimously passed. The Board unanimously approved the attendance of Caddo Levee District Representatives atthe Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association (MVFCA) 90th Annual Meeting on December 4-6,2025, in New Orleans, LA with a motion by Mrs. Prator and a second by Mr. Baker. The Board unanimously approved the lease agreement with the Caddo Parish Commissionfor land use for Robert Nance Park located in the town of Hosston, in North Caddo Parish, for 3-years, starting November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2028, with a motion from Mr. Walker and asecond by Mr. Baker. The Board unanimously approved the lease renewal agreement with the Caddo ParishCommission for land use for land use for the Noah Tyson Park located in Rodessa, in North CaddoParish, for 3 years, starting December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2028, with a motion from Mr.Walker and a second by Mr. Sims. The Board unanimously approved the transfer of Campsite Permit from Rachel Brewster toJason Marks, approximately one (1) acre known as Lot# 145 located on Black Bayou in Section 9,T22N, R15 W, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, with a motion byMr. Sims and a second by Mr. Baker. The Board unanimously approved the transfer of Campsite Permit from Vance Welborn toLainny Bushong, approximately one (1) acre known as Lot#68 in NW/4 of NE/4 in Section 27,T21N, R16W, Caddo Parish, Louisiana, with a motion by Mr. Walker and a second by Mr. Baker. The Board unanimously approved the renewal of the following campsite permits: Webb #7,Johnson #34, Dykes #54, Hartline #161, Christianson #174, Baird #187, and Thompson #195, with amotion by Mr. Walker and a second by Mr. Baker. President Harrison expressed appreciation for the current Caddo Levee District leadership andstaff. President Harrison reminded everyone of the need to complete the yearly ethics training requiredby the State. President Harrison reported on upcoming ALBL & MVFCA meetings. Executive Director, Mr. Furlong, reported a list of updates and items for review: newletterhead, mission statement, rules and regulations on the area of control, channel permit application, initiation of the (5) year planned projects, State Representatives support on a capitaloutlay project funding application for voting, the employee handbook, internet service transitioningfrom cable to fiber for efficiency and cost savings, ordered grazing advertisements, the newsletter,financial consultations, Cherokee Park Bayou, discussions with business owners about a pumpstation in north Caddo to pump over the Twelve Mile Bayou levee, an evaluation on hosting acommunity event, and concluded with the Bayou Pierre and C6 Channel maintenance issues. The Board concurrently directed Mr. Furlong to procced in obtaining virtual meetingmodifications for the office. Mr. Furlong gave the Foresters field report as crews have just finished a longer mowingseason this year and have started ditch cleaning the paved ditches in the City. There was no Engineers Report. Mr. Lattier, Board Attorney, reported William R. "Bill" Altimus from Bossier is to replaceDavid Jones on the Red River Waterway Commission. Marshall Jones, Board Attorney, reported on current conditions and predictions of crude oiland the natural gas prices. Mr. Jones mentioned an issue with a contractor on Caddo Lake and anamical settlement with another contractor. There was no Legal Committee Report. There was no Equipment Committee Report. There was no Recreational Committee Report. With no further business to be brought before the Board, Mr. Sims made a motion to adjourn,with a second by Mr. Walker. The motion unanimously passed, and the meeting was adjourned. President Executive Director 12/16/25 ($315.80)