Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 13-1155
 
Print
RE:
Waiver request submitted by Betty Sue Thomas, Mayor of Pleasant Hill, regarding a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing her 2009 Tier 3 annual pfd days late; a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing her 2010 Tier 3 annual pfd days late; and a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing her 2011 Tier 3 annual pfd days late.
Facts:
When Ms. Thomas first became Mayor, personal financial disclosure statements were not required. Further, she did not receive any campaign contributions during her terms as Mayor. Ms. Thomas states that the imposition of the late fees ($4,500 in total) will create a financial hardship. Ms. Thomas has been caring for her mother since 2009, including paying her medical bills. Her mother was eventually placed in a nursing home that was paid for by Ms Thomas. Her mother passed away on December 5, 2012 leaving her with medical and funeral expenses as well as her own expenses. Ms. Thomas has submitted bills as support.

Comments:
TYPE OF REPORT: 2009 Tier 3 Annual Report
DATE NOD RECEIVED: January 30, 2012
DATE REPORT FILED: March 21, 2013
DAYS LATE: 398 days

ASSESSED LATE FEE: $1,500
OTHER LATE FILINGS: No

TYPE OF REPORT: 2010 Tier 3 Annual Report
DATE NOD RECEIVED: January 30, 2012
DATE REPORT FILED: March 21, 2013
DAYS LATE: 398 days

ASSESSED LATE FEE: $1,500
OTHER LATE FILINGS: No

TYPE OF REPORT: 2011 Tier 3 Annual Report
DATE NOD RECEIVED: October 10, 2012
DATE REPORT FILED: March 21, 2013
DAYS LATE: 142 days

ASSESSED LATE FEE: $1,500
OTHER LATE FILINGS: No





Law:
La. R.S. 42:1124.3 requires persons holding a public office who represent a voting district having a population of less than 5,000 and each member of the governing authority or management board of a charter school created pursuant to Chapter 42 of Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 to file a financial disclosure statement on or before May 15th of each year during which the person holds office and the year following termination of the holding of such office.
La. R.S. 42:1124.4 of the Code provides that upon discovery of the failure to file, failure to timely file, omission of information or inaccurate information, the Board shall notify the filer by sending him a notice of delinquency by certified mail. The notice of delinquency shall inform the person that the financial statement must be filed, or that the information must be disclosed or accurately disclosed, or that a written answer contesting the allegation of such failure, omission, or inaccuracy must be filed no later than seven (7) business days after receipt of the notice of delinquency.

Recommendations:
2009 pfd - waive the late fee.

2010 pfd - suspend all but $500 based on future compliance, offer a payment plan

2011 pfd - suspend all but $500 based on future compliance, offer a payment plan



Assigned Attorney: Tracy Barker
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2013-1155- Waiver Request