2006 Louisiana Laws - RS 3:423 — Powers and duties of the commission

§423.  Powers and duties of the commission

The commission shall have the power to:

(1)  Fix salaries of any authorized employees of the market;

(2)  Fix rentals and charges for each type of facility constructed in the market, taking into consideration the cost of such facility, the interest and amortization period required, a proper relationship between types of operators in the market, cost of operation, and the need for reasonable reserves, expansion and the like;

(3)  Make investigations and hold hearings and conferences necessary to formulate and adopt a financial building and operating program for a market and make revisions from time to time;

(4)  Make rules and regulations which shall govern all such business and all persons and vehicles coming upon the market;

(5)  Provide and enforce penalties and liquidated damages relative to breaches of such rules and regulations and any contracts entered into;

(6)  Lease the buildings and facilities to farmers, wholesale dealers and other persons engaged in the marketing of perishable farm products;

(7)  Determine and set the hours when the market may open and close during any day or night throughout the year;

(8)  Plan, build, construct or cause to be built or constructed or lease any facilities, on the grounds under the control of the commission, that are deemed necessary for the successful operation of a market for farm products;

(9)  Rent or lease any necessary property, real or personal, on the grounds under the control of the commission, as may be deemed advisable by the commission for the successful operation of the market.

The said commission shall also have power and authority to rent or lease immovable property, on the grounds under the control of the commission, not otherwise used, for a period not to exceed twenty-five years to private concerns for the purpose of processing agricultural products, and providing such facilities found necessary by the commission to carry out the purposes of this part, and such facilities, structures, buildings or other improvements erected or placed thereon by private concerns shall be subject to taxation the same as private property. The improvements and facilities erected on said leased property shall be liable for ad valorem taxes and shall be assessed and levied against said improvements on facilities separately from the ownership of said lands, and upon failure to pay taxes upon same when due, said facilities and improvements shall be sold by the tax collector as other property is sold for the nonpayment of taxes, but provided, however, that only such rights of the lessee under said lease contract shall be so sold. Upon the failure to pay taxes promptly when due on said lease, said commission shall have the power to cancel and terminate said lease immediately and shall thereupon be authorized to lease same to another private individual or concern as herein provided.

The provisions hereof regarding taxation shall not apply to those buildings, structures and facilities erected on said property by the commission.

Added by Acts 1972, No. 26, §1.