Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 12-404
 
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RE:
Reconsideration of a waiver request submitted by Rodney Bedgood regarding $1,500 late fee assessed for filing his 2010 Tier 3 annual pfd 110 days late.
Facts:
TIER: 3
TYPE OF REPORT: 2010 Annual Report

DATE NOD RECEIVED: September 29, 2011
DATE REPORT FILED: February 6, 2012
DAYS LATE: 110 days
ASSESSED LATE FEE: $1,500
OTHER LATE FILINGS: Not prior to the 2010 annual pfd.

Mr. Bedgood was the Village of Goldonna Police Chief in 2010, as such he is required to file under Tier 3. Mr. Bedgood initially asserted that he did not think he had to file because he left office on December 31, 2010 and did not hold office during 2011. However, filers are required to file the year following the termination of their office. In addition, he stated that he has no recollection of receiving the notice of delinquency.

In reference to his request for reconsideration, Mr. Bedgood, states that the imposed penalty is excessive for not filing one paper. Further, he asserts that his only income is Social Secuirty and the small check he receives from the police jury. He states that it would be an incredible hardship to come up with the money to pay the fine.





Comments:
At the April 2012 meeting, the Board declined to waive the $1,500 late fee. Mr. Bedgood filed an appeal with the EAB. Mr. Bedgood has re-asserted his inability to afford a $1,500 late fee. Mr. Bedgood is no longer in office. Mr. Bedgood earns $560 from the his employment with the Natchitoches Police Jury and $634 from Social Security for a monthly income of $1,194.

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 fourteen (14) business days after receipt of the notice of delinquency.

Recommendations:
Waive all but $500 and allow Mr. Bedgood to make payments in $50 monthly increments.

Assigned Attorney: Tracy Barker
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2012-404- Staff Memo
2012-404- Request for Reconsideration
2012-404- correspondence from Rodney Bedgood (10-23-12)