§1604. Authority to levy and collect taxes; issuance of bonds

A. The district, when authorized to do so by a vote of a majority of the electors residing in the port area qualified to vote and voting at an election for such purpose in accordance with law, may levy annually on all property situated within the port area subject to taxation an ad valorem tax not to exceed ten mills on the dollar. The district, upon its own initiative, may call a special election and submit to the qualified electors of the port area the question of authorizing the levy of such a tax. The district shall call such a special election when requested to do so by petition in writing signed by one-fourth of the qualified electors eligible to vote at such election. These special taxes shall be levied, assessed, and collected on the property within the port area under the same methods, terms, and conditions and at the same time as parish and district taxes are levied, assessed, and collected. These taxes shall be secured by the same liens upon the property subject to taxation within the port areas taxes for parish and district purposes. The property subject to any taxes within said port area shall be sold for failure to pay the same in the manner as property is sold for delinquent parish and district taxes under the laws of the state.

B. The provisions of the constitution and all laws regulating the collection of taxes, the creating of tax liens and mortgages, and tax penalties and tax sales shall also apply to the collection of all taxes authorized by this Section. The sheriffs and ex officio tax collectors for the parishes of Iberia and Vermilion, respectively, shall make a monthly settlement with the treasurer of the district and receive from him a receipt for the amount of taxes paid over in the manner tax collectors are required by law to make settlements for parish taxes. The tax collector shall receive from the treasurer the same quietus for a full settlement of taxes due and exigible in any given year and account for the delinquents or deductions in the same manner as though accounting to the parish. Upon the failure of the tax collector to comply with the provisions of this Section, the district shall proceed against him and the sureties on his official bond for the collection of whatever money is owing to the district for such special taxes.

C. With the approval of the State Bond Commission, the district may incur debts for its lawful purposes, and issue in its name, negotiable bonds or notes therefor, and pledge for the payment of the principal and interest of such negotiable bonds or notes the revenues derived from the operation of properties and facilities maintained and operated by it or received by the district from any taxes authorized under this Section or from other sources; however, the amount of such bonds or notes outstanding at any one time shall not exceed five million dollars. Such bonds, when authorized to be issued, shall constitute a general obligation of the district, to which the full faith and credit of the district shall be and is hereby pledged. In addition to the pledge of revenues to secure said bonds and notes, the district may further secure their payment by conventional mortgage upon any or all of the properties constructed, or acquired, or to be constructed and acquired by it. The district also may receive, by gift, grant, donation, or otherwise, any sum of money, aid, or assistance from the United States, the state of Louisiana, or any political subdivision thereof, and unless otherwise provided by the terms of such gift, grant, or donation, in its discretion, may pledge all or any part of such monies for the further securing of the payment of the principal and interest of its bonds or notes.

D. For the purpose of acquiring lands for the uses of the district and to provide funds for the making and construction of the public works, facilities and improvements, the board is authorized to issue revenue bonds in the manner and subject to the terms and conditions of Subpart C, Part I, Chapter 10, Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as well as Subpart B, Part I, Chapter 10, Title 33. The board is also authorized to incur debt and issue tax secured bonds for the above purposes in the manner and subject to the terms and conditions of Subpart A, Part III, Chapter 4, Title 39.

E. The provisions of this Section shall not be deemed to supersede the requirements of R.S. 39:501 to 39:514. Notwithstanding any provision of this Chapter to the contrary the provisions of R.S. 39:1421 to 39:1426 shall be applicable to the Delcambre Port Commission.

F. Nothing in this Section shall be construed to supersede or repeal any provisions of Act 689 of the 1976 Regular Session.

Acts 1977, No. 203, §1.