Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 7113-49
 
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RE:
Untimely waiver request submitted by Arlis R. Williamson, Jr., a member of the Village of Georgetown Board of Aldermen, Grant Parish, regarding a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing his 2009 Tier 3 annual pfd 74 days late and a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing his 2010 Tier 3 annual pfd 74 days late .
Facts:
Mr. Williamson is very sorry about the late filings. He states that when he received the letters in 2009, he tried to call but was not able to speak to anyone. However, no letters were sent to him in 2009 as he was not required to file in 2009. Mr. Williamson states he only receives around $3,000 for his position. He further states that his wife is having some health issues and this would create stress on her that would be devastating to both of them.

The Mayor of the Village of Georgetown has submitted a letter on his behalf stating that he is a very honest man and that he told her that he mailed his 2009 and 2010 pfds. She states that he has learned a very valuable lesson and that is to mail everything by certified mail. Mayor Olden states that this is a very difficult time for his family as Mr. Williamson wife is having health issues. Mr. Williamson is trying not to put anymore stress on his wife at this time and she is the one who would prepare his pfds and she would have to speak to the doctor to get medical records.

Mr. Williamson has put together a listing of monthly bills and provided a copy of a out of pocket expenses for his wife's recent surgery. He has also provided a check stub from his employment; however, the amount is higher than usual as it includes payment for unused vacation.

Comments:
TYPE OF REPORT: 2009 Tier 3 Annual Report
DATE NOD RECEIVED: November 25, 2011
DATE REPORT FILED: February 27, 2012
DAYS LATE: 74 days

ASSESSED LATE FEE: $1,500

TYPE OF REPORT: 2010 Tier 3 Annual Report
DATE NOD RECEIVED: November 25, 2011
DATE REPORT FILED: February 27, 2012
DAYS LATE: 74 days

ASSESSED LATE FEE: $1,500

OUTSTANDING PFD LATE FEES:

OUTSTANDING CF LATE FEES: None

OUTSTANDING DISCLOSURE REPORTS: Yes, 2012 Tier 3 annual

PRIOR LATE FEES SUSPENDED/WAIVED: None

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 - Suspend all but $250 based on future compliance. The $250 is payable within 30 days unless other payment arrangements are made. If other payment arrangements are not made and payment is not received within 30 days, the full amount of the late fee becomes due and owing.

2010 - Decline to waive, offer a payment plan.

Assigned Attorney: Tracy Barker
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
7113-049- Petition for Rule to Show Cause (3)
7113-049- correspondence from Arlis Ray Williamson re Suit filed against him (3-7-14)
7113-049- Letter from Village of Georgetown re: Mr. Arlis Ray Williamson