Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 21-504
 
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RE:
Waiver request submitted by John Wayne Croswell, Jr., Choudrant Board of Aldermen / Choudrant (Pop. 845) / Lincoln Parish, regarding a $500 late fee assessed for filing his 2019 Tier 3 annual pfd 10 days late.
Facts:
Celeste Butler, Village of Choudrant, Clerk is requesting a waiver on behalf of John W. Croswell. Ms. Butler stated Mr. Croswell failed to file his disclosure because of her actions. At each April Town Council Meeting she provides a financial statement of their parish income. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, they were unable to have the April or May 2020 meetings. She forgot about filing the annual disclosure. Mr. Croswell gave Ms. Butler his disclosure to submit to the BOE once he received his NOD She held the PFD to be mailed along with another members' PFD, that also received an NOD. She did not know she could fax or upload the disclosure statements. Due to inclement weather her office was closed all week and the ice storm stopped both incoming and outgoing mail. She feels that she is accountable for Mr. Croswell's late fee assessment.
Comments:
TYPE OF REPORT: 2019 Tier 3Annual Report
ORIGINAL FILING DATE: 7/6/2020

DATE NOD RECEIVED: 1/20/2021 (COVID)


DATE REPORT FILED: 2/8/2021
DAYS LATE FROM NOD:
10 days
DAYS LATE FROM ORIGINAL DUE DATE:
217 days
ASSESSED LATE FEE: $500
PRIOR / OUTSTANDING PFD LATE FEES:
None

PRIOR / OUTSTANDING CF LATE FEES: None

OUTSTANDING DISCLOSURE REPORTS: None

PRIOR EXPERIENCE: has filed 9 reports or amendments

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:
Suspend all based on future compliance with the Code of Ethics.
Assigned Attorney: Tracy Barker
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2021-504 - PFD Waiver Request John Wayne Croswell Jr.