JULY 7, 2022
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. VICE PRESIDENT JIM SEAMAN CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
PRESENT:
DOUG BRANDON
ROBERT PYNES, JR.
JACKIE SELF
JIM SEAMAN
STEVE WOODS
DAVID DETZ
RANDY MARTIN
SHAD STEWART
VERNON L. TRAVIS, JR.
ABSENT:
ANGIE DAVIS
JOHN BLANKENBAKER
LISA THOMPSON
COL. SAMUEL P. SMITH, JR.
There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by: DAVID DETZ
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by: DAVID DETZ
Item #1: June 7, 2022 Minutes
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the June 7, 2022 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Item #2: Adopt a Resolution
Finance Director, Tim Ward informed the Board that all questions had been addressed for the auditors on the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire.
On motion of David Detz, seconded by Jackie Self, the Board voted to adopt a resolution to approve the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the Vernon Parish School Board and the Vernon Parish Sales Tax Agency. A copy of the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire is attached.
Item #3: Activity Bus for Hicks High School
On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to approve the purchase of an activity bus for Hicks High School
Item #4: Main Standby Generator for the Central Office
Tim Ward, Finance Director introduced Mike Holt and asked him to give an update and cost of bid and installation of the standby generator for the central office.
Two bids were presented:
Central Electric Company of Alexandria, Inc. - $308,000 and Clifton Dennis Downs D/B/A DD Electric for $222,600. A copy of the bids are attached.
On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to accept the low bid for the generator.
After discussing the pros and cons for the purchase, the Board called for a roll call vote.
The vote was seven yeas, two nays, with three absent.
Vernon L. Travis, Jr. and Robert Pynes, Jr. voted nay. Doug Brandon, Jackie Self, Jim Seaman, Steve Woods, David Detz, Randy Martin, and Shad Stewart voted yes.
After the roll call vote, the bid was accepted for the purchase of the standby generator for the central office.
Re: JOB# BC2021-02.8 MAIN STANDBY GENERATOR PROJECT: Listed are the bid results from our June 2nd Bid Opening. The low bidder was DD Electrical with a base bid of $222,600.00. CONTRACTOR LIC # & BID BOND BASE BID, Central Electric Company of Alexandria, Inc. 691 $308,000.00. After evaluating the low bidder’s Bid Form and required back-up, I recommend that the Vernon Parish School Board award the Base Bid to DD Electrical for a total contract amount of $222,600.00. A scanned copy of their bid is attached. Sincerely, Mike A. Holt, AIA Braddock Companies, LLC
Item #5: Food Service Update
Tim Ward, Finance Director informed the Board on the status of the Vernon Parish School’s free lunch program and the grant from the USDA, which ended in June. He explained the cost and savings which may occur for the 2022-2023 school year.
Item #6: Policy Update
Hub Jordan, Child Welfare Director presented an update and discussion of the following policy:
FILE: IDDFC Cf: EBCB, IDDF – Cameras in Special Education Classrooms.
No vote was necessary because there was only a discussion.
Item # 7: Rapides Foundation Grants Update
Elementary Curriculum Director, Anne Smith introduced Joe Rosier with the Rapides Foundation to the Board and asked him to give an update on continued grants to be issued to the Vernon Parish School Board.
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by David Detz the Board voted to add to the Tuesday, July 12th agenda for approval.
Mr. Rosier also presented, Whitney Mawae, Assistant Principal at Leesville Junior High
School with an award and certificate of completion for the Leadership Program given by the Orchard Foundation.
Item #8: Report from Curriculum Committee
Curriculum Committee Chairperson, Jackie Self, reported to the Board on the following information discussed during the Curriculum Committee Meeting:
1. Update on Rapides Foundation Grants
2. 2022-2023 Pupil Progression Plan changes and mandates
3. Award and certificate for Leadership Program to Whitney Mawae, AP, LJHS
given by the Orchard Foundation
4. Introduction of two new Curriculum Supervisors, Connie Britt, Secondary Curriculum Supervisor and Karen Robertson, Elementary Curriculum Supervisor.
5. Lisa Lohman, Secondary Curriculum Director’s presentation of Virtual School for the 2022-2023 school year.
The Board asked for a Curriculum Meeting on Tuesday, July 12th @ 9:00 AM to continue discussion of Virtual School proposals for the 2022-2023 school year.
On motion of Vernon L. Travis, Jr., seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to accept the changes and mandates to the Pupil Progression for the 2022-2023 school year
On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to add the Pupil Progression Plan for 2022-2023 to the Tuesday, July 12th meeting for approval.
Item #9: Report from Salary/Personnel Committee
Vernon L. Travis, Jr., Salary/Personnel Committee Chairperson, reported to the Board on the updates given during the Salary/Personnel Committee Meeting at 9:00.
Tim Ward, Finance Director, discussed the state pay raise given to employees and distributed monthly.
Hub Jordan informed the Board on personnel changes for July and discussed advertising for vacant positions. On motion of Shad Stewart, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to add to the Tuesday, July 12th meeting for approval of personnel changes.
On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Shad Stewart, the Board voted to advertise for the following vacant positions:
Promotional Assistant Principal – WLE
Promotional Assistant Principal – LHS
Promotional Assistant Principal – Parkway
Promotional Principal – Pitkin High
SER Compliance & Secretary for Special Education
Technology Department Secretary
Maintenance Department Supervisor
Item #10: Superintendent’s Remarks
Superintendent James Williams welcomed all to the meeting. He congratulated the two new curriculum supervisors and welcomed them to the central office. He also congratulated Ms. Mawae on her dedication and hard work to Leesville Junior High and her achievement in the Leadership Program.
Mr. Williams reminded the Board about the LSBA convention July 24-26 in New Orleans.
He then turned the meeting over to Mr. Seaman
Item #11: Memorial Resolutions
On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of JUDGE ROY BERNARD TUCK, JR. who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Judge Tuck’s wife is Ramona B. Tuck retired teacher. His sons are Kim Tuck retired maintenance and Tim Tuck former teacher at Evans High School; and
WHEREAS, Judge Tuck was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
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On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of DONA HEXT DOWDEN who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Dowden retired from the Vernon Parish School System after 30 years of service. Ms. Dowden was the Secretary to the Superintendent when she retired; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Ms. Dowden’s daughter was a former Special Education secretary, Darla Parker, her sister Deloris Rogers retired Hornbeck school secretary and her brother-in-law Bill Rogers, retired custodian at Hornbeck school; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Dowden was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to her family at this time of sadness.
On motion of Jackie Self, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of LORETTA ELIZABETH FORQUE who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by
The Vernon Parish School System: Her daughter-in-law is Ovine Forque, teacher at Leesville Junior High and two grandsons, Andrew Forque and Seth Forque, graduates at LHS and former student workers; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Forque was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her family at this time of sadness.
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of JOSEPH AND JOYCE SERHAN who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by the Vernon Parish School System: Ms. Serhan’s two sisters: Linda Garman, custodian at PES and Margie Bowen retired para at PHS; and
WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Serhan were former residents of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVEDthat the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to their family at this time of sadness.
On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to adopt the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of QUINTIN COLE THOMSON who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, the Board would like to acknowledge family members employed by
The Vernon Parish School System: Mr. Thompson’s grandfather was a retired bus driver, Earl Thompson, his grandmother is Saundra Hillman Wallace retired bus driver, and his aunt is Lisa Thompson, District Eight Board Member; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Thompson was a resident of Vernon Parish; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
Item # 12: Adjournment
There was no other business and meeting was adjourned.
Authorized Officer
_________________________
JOHN BLANKENBAKER, BOARD PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
__________________________________
JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT
LOUISIANA COMPLIANCE QUESTIONNAIRE
(For Audit Engagements of Governments)
Dear Chief Executive Officer:
Attached is the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire that is to be completed by you or your staff. This questionnaire is a required part of a financial audit of Louisiana state and local government agencies. Upon completion, the questionnaire must be presented to and adopted by the governing body, if any, of your organization by means of a formal resolution in an open meeting. Independently elected officials should sign the document, in lieu of such a resolution.
The completed questionnaire and a copy of the adoption instrument, if appropriate, must be given to the auditor at the beginning of the audit. The auditor will, during the course of his/her regular audit, test the accuracy of the responses in the questionnaire. It is not necessary to return the questionnaire to my office.
Certain portions of the questionnaire may not be applicable to your organization.In such cases, it is appropriate to mark the representation "not applicable." However, you must respond to each applicable representation. A 'yes' answer indicates that you have complied with the applicable law or regulation. A 'no' answer to any representation indicates a possible violation of law or regulation and, as such, should be fully explained. These matters will be reviewed by the auditor during the course of his/her examination. Please feel free to attach a further explanation of any representation.
Your cooperation in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Margie Williamson, CPA
Allen, Green & Williamson, LLP
Enclosure LOUISIANA COMPLIANCE QUESTIONNAIRE (For Audit Engagements of Government Agencies)
JULY 7, 2022
Allen, Green & Williamson, LLP
2441 Tower Drive
Monroe, LA 71201
In connection with your audit of our financial statements as of Vernon Parish School Board and for fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 (period of audit) for the purpose of expressing an opinion as to the fair presentation of our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, to assess our internal control structure as a part of your audit, and to review our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, we confirm, to the best of our knowledge and belief, the following representations. These representations are based on the information available to us as of June 30, 2022.
PART I. AGENCY PROFILE
1. Name and address of the organization. VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
201 BELVEIW ROAD
LEESVILLE, LA 71446
2. List the population of the municipality or parish based upon the last official United States Census or most recent official census (municipalities and police juries only). Include the source of the information.
Not applicable
3. List names, addresses, and telephone numbers of entity officials. Include elected/appointed members of the governing board, chief executive and fiscal officer, and legal counsel.
Attached
4. Period of time covered by this questionnaire.
July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023
5. The entity has been organized under the following provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statute(s) (R.S.) and, if applicable, local resolutions/ordinances.
(LSA-RS) 17:81
6. Briefly describe the public services provided.
The School Board provides elementary and secondary education for all children attending public schools in the Parish.
7. Expiration date of current elected/appointed officials' terms.
December 31, 2022
LEGAL COMPLIANCE
PART II. PUBLIC BID LAW
8. The provisions of the public bid law, R.S. Title 38:2211-2296, and, where applicable, the regulations of the Division of Administration, State Purchasing Office have been complied with.
A) All public works purchases exceeding $154,450 have been publicly bid.
B) All material and supply purchases exceeding $30,000 have been publicly bid.
C) Yes [X ] No [ ]
PART III. CODE OF ETHICS LAW FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALSAND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
9. It is true that no employees or officials have accepted anything of value, whether in the form of a service, loan, or promise, from anyone that would constitute a violation of R.S. 42:1101-1124.
10. Yes [X ] No [ ]
11. It is true that no member of the immediate family of any member of the governing authority, or the chief executive of the governmental entity, has been employed by the governmental entity after April 1, 1980, under circumstances that would constitute a violation of R.S. 42:1119.
12. Yes [X ] No [ ]
PART IV. LAWS AFFECTING BUDGETING
11. We have complied with the budgeting requirements of the Local Government Budget Act (R.S. 39:1301-15) R.S. 39:33, or R.S. 39:1331-1342, as applicable:
A. Local Budget Act
1. We have adopted a budget for the general fund and all special revenue funds (R.S. 39:1305).
2. The chief executive officer, or equivalent, has prepared a proposed budget that included a budget message, a proposed budget for the general fund and each special revenue fund, and a budget adoption instrument that specified the chief executive's authority to make budgetary amendments without approval of the governing authority. Furthermore, the proposed expenditures did not exceed estimated funds to be available during the period (R.S. 39:1305).
3. The proposed budget was submitted to the governing authority and made available for public inspection at least 15 days prior to the beginning of the budget year (R.S. 39:1306).
4. To the extent that proposed expenditures were greater than $500,000, we have made the budget available for public inspection and have advertised its availability in our official journal. The advertisement included the date, time, and place of the public hearing on the budget. Notice has also been published certifying that all actions required by the Local Government Budget Act have been completed (R.S. 39:1307).
5. If required, the proposed budget was made available for public inspection at the location required by R.S. 39:1308.
6. All action necessary to adopt and finalize the budget was completed prior to the date required by state law. The adopted budget contained the same information as that required for the proposed budget (R.S. 39:1309).
7. After adoption, a certified copy of the budget has been retained by the chief executive officer or equivalent officer (R.S. 39:1309).
8. To the extent that proposed expenditures were greater than $500,000, the chief executive officer or equivalent notified the governing authority in writing during the year when actual receipts plus projected revenue collections for the year failed to meet budgeted revenues by five percent or more, or when actual expenditures plus projected expenditures to year end exceeded budgeted expenditures by five percent or more (R.S. 39:1311).
9. The governing authority has amended its budget when notified, as provided by R.S. 39:1311. (Note, general and special revenue fund budgets should be amended, regardless of the amount of expenditures in the fund, when actual receipts plus projected revenue collections for the year fail to meet budgeted revenues by five percent or more; or when actual expenditures plus projected expenditures to year end exceed budgeted expenditures by five percent or more. State law exempts from the amendment requirements special revenue funds with anticipated expenditures of $500,000 or less, and exempts special revenue funds whose revenues are expenditure-driven - primarily federal funds-from the requirement to amend revenues.)
Yes [X ] No [ ]
B. State Budget Requirements
1. The state agency has complied with the budgetary requirements of R.S. 39:33.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
C. Licensing Boards
1. The licensing board has complied with the budgetary requirements of R.S. 39:1331-1342.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
PART V. ACCOUNTING, AUDITING, AND FINANCIALREPORTING LAWS
13. We have maintained our accounting records in such a manner as to provide evidence of legal compliance and the preparation of annual financial statements to comply with R.S. 24:513 and 515, and/or 33:463.
14. Yes [X ] No [ ]
13. All non-exempt governmental records are available as a public record and have been retained for at least three years, as required by R.S. 44:1, 44:7, 44:31, and 44:36.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
14. We have filed our annual financial statements in accordance with R.S. 24:514, and 33:463 where applicable. Yes [X ] No [ ]
15. We have had our financial statements audited in a timely manner in accordance with R.S. 24:513.
16. Yes [ X ] No [ ]
16. We did not enter into any contracts that utilized state funds as defined in R.S. 39:72.1 A. (2); and that were subject to the public bid law (R.S. 38:2211, et seq.), while the agency was not in compliance with R.S. 24:513 (the audit law).
Yes [X ] No [ ]
17. We have complied with R.S. 24:513 A. (3) regarding disclosure of compensation, reimbursements, benefits and other payments to the agency head, political subdivision head, or chief executive officer.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
18. We have remitted all fees, fines, and court costs collected on behalf of other entities, in compliance with applicable Louisiana Revised Statutes or other laws.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
PART VI. MEETINGS
19. We have complied with the provisions of the Open Meetings Law, provided in R. S. 42:11 through 42:28.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
PART VII. ASSET MANAGEMENT LAWS
20. We have maintained records of our fixed assets and movable property records, as required by R.S. 24:515 and/or 39:321-332, as applicable.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
PART VIII. FISCAL AGENCY AND CASH MANAGEMENT LAWS
21. We have complied with the fiscal agency and cash management requirements of R.S. 39:1211-45 and 49:301-327, as applicable.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
PART IX. DEBT RESTRICTION LAWS
22. It is true we have not incurred any long-term indebtedness without the approval of the State Bond Commission, as provided by Article VII, Section 8 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution, Article VI, Section 33 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution, and R.S. 39:1410.60-1410.65.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
23. We have complied with the debt limitation requirements of state law (R.S. 39:562).
Yes [X ] No [ ]
24. We have complied with the reporting requirements relating to the Fiscal Review Committee of the State Bond Commission (R.S. 39:1410.62).
Yes [X ] No [ ]
PART X. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE RESTRICTION LAWS
25. We have restricted the collections and expenditures of revenues to those amounts authorized by Louisiana statutes, tax propositions, and budget ordinances.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
26. It is true we have not advanced wages or salaries to employees or paid bonuses in violation of Article VII, Section 14 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution, R.S. 14:138, and AG opinion 79-729.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
27. It is true that no property or things of value have been loaned, pledged, or granted to anyone in violation of Article VII, Section 14 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
PART XI. ISSUERS OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
28. It is true that we have complied with the requirements of R.S. 39:1438.C.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
School Boards
29. We have complied with the general statutory, constitutional, and regulatory provisions of the Louisiana Department of Education, R.S. 17:51-400.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
30. We have complied with the regulatory circulars issued by the Louisiana Department of Education that govern the Minimum Foundation Program.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
31. We have, to the best of our knowledge, accurately compiled the performance measurement data contained in the following schedules and recognize that your agreed-upon procedures will be applied to such schedules and performance measurement data Parish school boards are required to report, as part of their annual financial statements, measures of performance. These performance indicators are found in the supplemental schedules:
- Schedule 1, General Fund Instructional and Support Expenditures and Certain Local Revenue Sources
- Schedule 2, Class Size Characteristics
- Education Levels of Public School Staff
- Public School Staff Data: Average Salaries
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
The previous responses have been made to the best of our belief and knowledge. We have disclosed to you all known noncompliance of the foregoing laws and regulations, as well as any contradictions to the foregoing representations. We have made available to you documentation relating to the foregoing laws and regulations.
We have provided you with any communications from regulatory agencies or other sources concerning any possible noncompliance with the foregoing laws and regulations, including any communications received between the end of the period under examination and the issuance of this report. We acknowledge our responsibility to disclose to you and the Legislative Auditor any known noncompliance that may occur subsequent to the issuance of your report.
_____________________________________Secretary July 7, 2022 Date
_____________________________________Treasurer July 7, 2022 ___________Date
______________________________________President_July 7, 2022___________Date
LOUISIANA COMPLIANCE QUESTIONNAIRE
(For Audit Engagements of Governments)
Dear Chief Executive Officer:
Attached is the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire that is to be completed by you or your staff. This questionnaire is a required part of a financial audit of Louisiana state and local government agencies. Upon completion, the questionnaire must be presented to and adopted by the governing body, if any, of your organization by means of a formal resolution in an open meeting. Independently elected officials should sign the document, in lieu of such a resolution.
The completed questionnaire and a copy of the adoption instrument, if appropriate, must be given to the auditor at the beginning of the audit. The auditor will, during the course of his/her regular audit, test the accuracy of the responses in the questionnaire. It is not necessary to return the questionnaire to my office.
Certain portions of the questionnaire may not be applicable to your organization.In such cases, it is appropriate to mark the representation "not applicable." However, you must respond to each applicable representation. A 'yes' answer indicates that you have complied with the applicable law or regulation. A 'no' answer to any representation indicates a possible violation of law or regulation and, as such, should be fully explained. These matters will be reviewed by the auditor during the course of his/her examination. Please feel free to attach a further explanation of any representation.
Your cooperation in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Margie Williamson, CPA
Allen, Green & Williamson, LLP
Enclosure
LOUISIANA COMPLIANCE QUESTIONNAIRE
(For Audit Engagements of Government Agencies)
July 7, 2022
Allen, Green & Williamson, LLP
2441 Tower Drive
Monroe, LA 71201
In connection with your audit of our financial statements as of Vernon Parish School Board and for fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 (period of audit) for the purpose of expressing an opinion as to the fair presentation of our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, to assess our internal control structure as a part of your audit, and to review our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, we confirm, to the best of our knowledge and belief, the following representations. These representations are based on the information available to us as of June 30, 2022.
PART I. AGENCY PROFILE
1. Name and address of the organization.VERNON PARISH SALES TAX DEPARTMENT
201 BELVEIW ROAD
LEESVILLE, LA 71446
2. List the population of the municipality or parish based upon the last official United States Census or most recent official census (municipalities and police juries only). Include the source of the information.
Not applicable
3. List names, addresses, and telephone numbers of entity officials. Include elected/appointed members of the governing board, chief executive and fiscal officer, and legal counsel.
Attached
4. Period of time covered by this questionnaire.
July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023
5. The entity has been organized under the following provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statute(s) (R.S.) and, if applicable, local resolutions/ordinances.
(LSA-RS) 33:2737, RS 47:301 through 47:317
6. Briefly describe the public services provided.
The Sales Tax Department collects sales tax for applicable governmental agencies located in the Parish.
7. Expiration date of current elected/appointed officials' terms.
December 31, 2022
LEGAL COMPLIANCE
PART II. PUBLIC BID LAW
17. The provisions of the public bid law, R.S. Title 38:2211-2296, and, where applicable, the regulations of the Division of Administration, State Purchasing Office have been complied with.
A) All public works purchases exceeding $154,450 have been publicly bid.
D) All material and supply purchases exceeding $30,000 have been publicly bid.
E) Yes [ X ] No [ ]
PART III. CODE OF ETHICS LAW FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALSAND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
It is true that no employees or officials have accepted anything of value, whether in the form of a service, loan, or promise, from anyone that would constitute a violation of R.S. 42:1101-1124.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
It is true that no member of the immediate family of any member of the governing authority, or the chief executive of the governmental entity, has been employed by the governmental entity after April 1, 1980, under circumstances that would constitute a violation of R.S. 42:1119.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
PART IV. LAWS AFFECTING BUDGETING
11. We have complied with the budgeting requirements of the Local Government Budget Act (R.S. 39:1301-15) R.S. 39:33, or R.S. 39:1331-1342, as applicable:
A. Local Budget Act
1. We have adopted a budget for the general fund and all special revenue funds (R.S. 39:1305).
2. The chief executive officer, or equivalent, has prepared a proposed budget that included a budget message, a proposed budget for the general fund and each special revenue fund, and a budget adoption instrument that specified the chief executive's authority to make budgetary amendments without approval of the governing authority. Furthermore, the proposed expenditures did not exceed estimated funds to be available during the period (R.S. 39:1305).
3. The proposed budget was submitted to the governing authority and made available for public inspection at least 15 days prior to the beginning of the budget year (R.S. 39:1306).
4. To the extent that proposed expenditures were greater than $500,000, we have made the budget available for public inspection and have advertised its availability in our official journal. The advertisement included the date, time, and place of the public hearing on the budget. Notice has also been published certifying that all actions required by the Local Government Budget Act have been completed (R.S. 39:1307).
5. If required, the proposed budget was made available for public inspection at the location required by R.S. 39:1308.
6. All action necessary to adopt and finalize the budget was completed prior to the date required by state law. The adopted budget contained the same information as that required for the proposed budget (R.S. 39:1309).
7. After adoption, a certified copy of the budget has been retained by the chief executive officer or equivalent officer (R.S. 39:1309).
8. To the extent that proposed expenditures were greater than $500,000, the chief executive officer or equivalent notified the governing authority in writing during the year when actual receipts plus projected revenue collections for the year failed to meet budgeted revenues by five percent or more, or when actual expenditures plus projected expenditures to year end exceeded budgeted expenditures by five percent or more (R.S. 39:1311).
9. The governing authority has amended its budget when notified, as provided by R.S. 39:1311. (Note, general and special revenue fund budgets should be amended, regardless of the amount of expenditures in the fund, when actual receipts plus projected revenue collections for the year fail to meet budgeted revenues by five percent or more; or when actual expenditures plus projected expenditures to year end exceed budgeted expenditures by five percent or more. State law exempts from the amendment requirements special revenue funds with anticipated expenditures of $500,000 or less, and exempts special revenue funds whose revenues are expenditure-driven - primarily federal funds-from the requirement to amend revenues.)
Yes [X ] No [ ]
B. State Budget Requirements
1. The state agency has complied with the budgetary requirements of R.S. 39:33.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
C. Licensing Boards
1. The licensing board has complied with the budgetary requirements of R.S. 39:1331-1342.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
PART V. ACCOUNTING, AUDITING, AND FINANCIAL REPORTING LAWS
We have maintained our accounting records in such a manner as to provide evidence of legal compliance and the preparation of annual financial statements to comply with R.S. 24:513 and 515, and/or 33:463.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
All non-exempt governmental records are available as a public record and have been retained for at least three years, as required by R.S. 44:1, 44:7, 44:31, and 44:36.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
14. We have filed our annual financial statements in accordance with R.S. 24:514, and 33:463 where applicable. Yes [ X ] No [ ]
We have had our financial statements audited in a timely manner in accordance with R.S. 24:513.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
16. We did not enter into any contracts that utilized state funds as defined in R.S. 39:72.1 A. (2); and that were subject to the public bid law (R.S. 38:2211, et seq.), while the agency was not in compliance with R.S. 24:513 (the audit law).
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
17. We have complied with R.S. 24:513 A. (3) regarding disclosure of compensation, reimbursements, benefits and other payments to the agency head, political subdivision head, or chief executive officer.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
18. We have remitted all fees, fines, and court costs collected on behalf of other entities, in compliance with applicable Louisiana Revised Statutes or other laws.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
PART VI. MEETINGS
We have complied with the provisions of the Open Meetings Law, provided in R. S. 42:11 through 42:28.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
PART VII. ASSET MANAGEMENT LAWS
We have maintained records of our fixed assets and movable property records, as required by R.S. 24:515 and/or 39:321-332, as applicable.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
PART VIII. FISCAL AGENCY AND CASH MANAGEMENT LAWS
We have complied with the fiscal agency and cash management requirements of R.S. 39:1211-45 and 49:301-327, as applicable.
Yes [ X] No [ ]
PART IX. DEBT RESTRICTION LAWS
22. It is true we have not incurred any long-term indebtedness without the approval of the State Bond Commission, as provided by Article VII, Section 8 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution, Article VI, Section 33 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution, and R.S. 39:1410.60-1410.65.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
We have complied with the debt limitation requirements of state law (R.S. 39:562).
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
24. We have complied with the reporting requirements relating to the Fiscal Review Committee of the State Bond Commission (R.S. 39:1410.62).
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
PART X. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE RESTRICTION LAWS
We have restricted the collections and expenditures of revenues to those amounts authorized by Louisiana statutes, tax propositions, and budget ordinances.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
26. It is true we have not advanced wages or salaries to employees or paid bonuses in violation of Article VII, Section 14 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution, R.S. 14:138, and AG opinion 79-729.
Yes [X ] No [ ]
It is true that no property or things of value have been loaned, pledged, or granted to anyone in violation of Article VII, Section 14 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
PART XI. ISSUERS OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
28. It is true that we have complied with the requirements of R.S. 39:1438.C.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
TAX COLLECTORS
We have complied with the general statutory requirements of R.S. 47.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]
The previous responses have been made to the best of our belief and knowledge. We have disclosed to you all known noncompliance of the foregoing laws and regulations, as well as any contradictions to the foregoing representations. We have made available to you documentation relating to the foregoing laws and regulations.
We have provided you with any communications from regulatory agencies or other sources concerning any possible noncompliance with the foregoing laws and regulations, including any communications received between the end of the period under examination and the issuance of this report. We acknowledge our responsibility to disclose to you and the Legislative Auditor any known noncompliance that may occur subsequent to the issuance of your report.
________________________________ _Secretary July 7, 2022 Date
______________________________ _Treasurer July 7, 2022 Date
President July 7, 2022_______Date