The board of commissioners may levy an annual ad valorem tax of up to five mills, if required and approved by voters in a special election.
§140.115. Fees and ad valorem tax; borrowing money A. The board of commissioners may, when necessary, levy annually an ad valorem tax not to exceed five mills on the dollar of assessed valuation of all property, provided that the amount, term, and purpose of said tax, as set out in a proposition submitted to a vote in accordance with the Louisiana Election Code, shall be approved by a majority of the qualified electors voting in a special election held for that purpose. The millage shall be resubmitted for voter reapproval every tenth year. B. All funds derived under this Section may be used only for expenses or specified purposes of the district. A certain percentage of all funds derived under this Section, to be determined by the board, shall be set aside and used exclusively for operational upgrade and maintenance. The board of commissioners shall establish and maintain, in addition to all necessary and normal accounts, the following special accounts: (1) A railroad development operational fund, for the attraction of railroad development to accomplish the following: (a) The operational fund shall be used for operating expenses necessary in promotion of industrial and commercial development of the railway system between the parishes of Vermilion and Iberia, in hiring sufficient staff to accomplish the purposes set out in this Subpart, and other related expenses. (b) The operational fund may also be utilized in contracting for services as may be required by the district including but not limited to planning assistance, surveys, land use studies, technical services, and other services necessary to effectuate a unified railroad development plan. (2) An account for the maintenance and operation of a railway promotional and advancement center to provide necessary information to companies and individuals engaged in providing services and goods to help identify potential customers and aid and assist the customers and user companies in developing and transporting their products or services. Acts 2010, No. 780, §1.