Public records
Meeting notices, minutes, budgets, and the laws that keep the district accountable to the people who fund it.
Meeting notices and minutes
Search all documentsBoard meetings are open to the public. Under the Louisiana Open Meetings Law, every meeting notice is posted here at least 24 hours in advance.
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Budget and millage
Like every fire protection district in Louisiana, District 13 is funded mainly through ad valorem taxes, a property tax based on the assessed value of real estate in the district.
Most of the operating budget comes from a dedicated millage approved by voters. The district receives no local sales tax revenue. Smaller amounts may come from EMS reimbursements, grants, service fees or intergovernmental agreements, and insurance rebates or special programs.
That steady funding pays to staff the stations, maintain and replace equipment, run fire prevention programs, and keep the district financially sustainable over the long term.
It keeps the rate voters already approved. If your tax bill goes up after a reassessment, it is because your property's assessed value rose, not because the district raised its rate.
How millages work
What is a millage?
A millage is a tax rate. One mill is one-tenth of one percent (0.001) of a property's assessed value.
For example, if your home is assessed at $100,000 and the district's rate is 10 mills, your annual fire tax is $1,000.
Reassessment every four years
Louisiana law requires parish assessors to reassess property every four years. Your assessed value may go up or down with the market, but the millage rate does not change automatically because of a reassessment.
Rolling back or rolling forward
After a reassessment, taxing bodies like the fire district decide whether to:
- Roll back the millage, lowering the rate so total revenue stays about the same, or
- Roll forward, keeping the original rate voters approved.
Who decides
- Voters must approve every millage.
- Rolling forward requires public notice and a public hearing under Louisiana law.
- The district cannot raise its millage above the authorized rate without a new vote.
Transparency and compliance
What Louisiana law requires of the district, and where to find it.
Report fraud, waste, or abuse
If you suspect misuse of public funds, you can file a confidential complaint with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor (La. R.S. 24:523.1).
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Annual financial reports
Audits and financial statements are published by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.
LLA reports -
Budget documents
The adopted budget and any amendments are open for public inspection under the Local Government Budget Act (La. R.S. 39:1301 et seq.).
Budget documents -
Public records requests
Under the Public Records Act (La. R.S. 44:1 et seq.), request records from the district office or at a public board meeting.
Request a record -
Open meetings
Board meetings follow the Open Meetings Law (La. R.S. 42:11 et seq.). Notices are posted at least 24 hours in advance.
Meeting notices -
Ethics
Board members and employees follow the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics (La. R.S. 42:1101 et seq.).
LA Board of Ethics -
Accessibility
If you need an accommodation to attend a public meeting, contact the district before the meeting.
Request an accommodation