PUBLIC NOTICE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARIS
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2/4/2026
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PUBLIC NOTICE
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH COUNCIL
STATE OF LOUISIANA
RESOLUTION R26-04
Councilwoman Houston proposed and Councilman Madere seconded the following resolution:
THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH COUNCIL HEREBY RESOLVES:
A resolution declaring the intention of the St. John the Baptist Parish Council, acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, to issue Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds (DEQ) in the name of the Parish, in an amount not to exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000), and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), now owns and operates combined revenue-producing drinking water treatment and distribution system and wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system (the “System”); and
WHEREAS, the St. John the Baptist Parish Council (the “Parish Council”), acting as the governing authority for the Parish proposes to finance the costs of (i) constructing and acquiring improvements, extensions, and replacements to the sewerage portion of the System (the “Project”), including equipment and fixtures therefor, and (ii) paying costs incurred in connection therewith, through the sale and issuance of not exceeding Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) of Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds (DEQ) of the Parish (the “Bonds”); and
WHEREAS, the Parish proposes that the Bonds will be issued in the manner prescribed by and under the authority of Part II of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Parish has no outstanding indebtedness payable from the revenues of the System; and
WHEREAS, this Parish Council, in accordance with the provisions of the Act, now desires to authorize the giving and publication of notice of intention generally describing the Bonds and the security therefor, setting forth a date and time when it will meet in open and public session to hear any and all objections to the proposed issuance of the Bonds and providing for the filing of a petition by a certain hereinafter described percentage of the electors objecting to the issuance of the Bonds unless an election is held on the question of the issuance thereof;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: SECTION 1. Pursuant to and in compliance with the provisions of the Act, the Parish Council does hereby declare its intention to issue not exceeding Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) of Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds (DEQ) of the Parish, the proceeds of which will be used for the purpose of financing the costs of the Project, and paying costs incurred in connection therewith. The Bonds shall be limited and special revenue bonds of the Parish, secured by and payable solely from the income and revenues derived or to be derived by the Parish from the operation of the System after payment therefrom of the reasonable and necessary expenses of operating and maintaining the System. The Bonds shall not be a charge on the other income and revenues of the Parish, nor shall they constitute an indebtedness or pledge of the general credit of the Parish. The Bonds shall mature at such time or times (not to exceed twenty-two (22) years from their date of issuance), bear interest at such rate or rates not exceeding 0.95% per annum (which includes any administrative fee on the outstanding principal amount of the Bonds), and carry such additional terms and provisions as may be provided by this Parish Council.
SECTION 2. The Bonds will be sold at public or private sale and may be sold in installments to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund under the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and may be issued and sold in installments as needed, all as provided for in the Act.
SECTION 3. Application is hereby made to the State Bond Commission, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for approval of the issuance and sale of the Bonds and for consent and authority to proceed with the issuance and sale of the Bonds as provided above, and Bond Counsel is directed to make application to the State Bond Commission in accordance with the foregoing on behalf of the Parish. By virtue of applicant/issuer’s application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval(s) resolved and set forth herein, it resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval(s) are expressly conditioned upon, and it further resolves that it understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the “State Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.”, adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing(s) and other matter(s) subject to the approval(s), including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swap(s) or other product(s) or enhancement(s) covered thereby.
SECTION 4. This Parish Council will meet in open and public session on TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M., at the St. John the Baptist Parish Government Complex Chambers, 1811 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace, Louisiana, to hear any objections to the proposed issuance of the Bonds; provided, however, if at such hearing a petition duly signed by the electors of the Parish is a number not less than five percent (5%) of the number of the electors of the Parish voting in the last election held in the Parish object to the issuance of the Bonds, then the Bonds shall not be issued until approved by vote of a majority of the qualified electors of the Parish who vote at a special election held for that purpose in the manner provided by Chapter 6-A, Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. Any such petition shall be accompanied by a certificate of the St. John the Baptist Parish Registrar of Voters certifying that the signers of the petition are registered electors of the Parish and the number of signers amounts to not less than five percent (5%) of the registered voters that voted in the last election held in the Parish, all as provided by the Act.
SECTION 5. The Legislative Assistant is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to publish an appropriate notice of the intention of the Parish to issue the Bonds in accordance with the provisions of this resolution and the Act. Such notice of intention shall embody in a general way substantially all the provisions of this resolution hereinabove set out and shall be published in four (4) consecutive weekly issues of the L’Observatuer, the official journal of and a newspaper of general circulation in the Parish, and shall be in substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, with any such changes as may be necessary upon the advice of bond counsel.
SECTION 6. This Parish Council finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, L.L.P., of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Bond Counsel, is hereby employed to do and perform work of a traditional legal nature as bond counsel with respect to the issuance and sale of said Bonds. Said Bond Counsel shall prepare and submit to this Parish Council for adoption all of the proceedings incidental to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of such Bonds, shall counsel and advise this Parish Council as to the issuance and sale thereof and shall furnish its opinions covering the legality of the issuance of the Bonds. The fee of Bond Counsel for each series of bonds shall be fixed at a sum not exceeding the fee allowed by the Attorney General=s fee guidelines for such bond counsel work in connection with the issuance of revenue bonds and based on the amount of said Bonds actually issued, sold, delivered and paid for, plus “out-of-pocket” expenses, said fees to be contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of said Bonds. The Parish President is hereby authorized and directed to execute, and this Parish Council hereby agrees to and accepts the terms of, the engagement letter of Bond Counsel appended hereto as Exhibit B. A certified copy of this resolution shall be submitted to the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for her written approval of said employment and of the fees herein designated, and the Legislative Assistant is hereby empowered and directed to provide for payment of the work herein specified upon completion thereof and under the conditions herein enumerated without further approval of this Parish Council.
SECTION 7. The Parish hereby retains Government Consultants, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to act as its Municipal Advisor (“MA”) pursuant to the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the rules promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Parish hereby acknowledges that it is represented by the MA and will rely upon the advice of the MA with respect to the Bond. The fee to be paid the MA shall be payable solely from the proceeds of the Bond when and if issued, and the amount thereof shall be subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission. The Parish President is hereby authorized and directed, in her discretion, to execute any contract the MA may require with respect to the engagement.
The foregoing having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS: Madere, Johnson, Torres, Duhe-Griffin, Houston, Arcuri, Ramirez, Wright
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Bailey
And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 27th day of January 2026.
/s/Donna Barber
Legislative Assistant
/s/ Robert Arcuri
Council Chairman
EXHIBIT A
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE NOT EXCEEDING $10,000,000 OF TAXABLE SEWER REVENUE BONDS (DEQ) OF THE PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, STATE OF LOUISIANA
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to and in compliance with the provisions of Part II of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and/or other applicable laws (the “Act”), that the St. John the Baptist Parish Council (the “Parish Council”), acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), does hereby declare its intention to issue not exceeding Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) of Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds (DEQ) of the Parish, the proceeds of which will be used for the purpose of constructing and acquiring improvements, extensions, and replacements to the sewerage portion of the combined revenue-producing drinking water treatment and distribution system and wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system (the “System”), including equipment and fixtures therefor, and paying costs incurred in connection therewith.
The Bonds shall be limited and special revenue bonds of the Parish, secured by and payable in principal and interest solely from the income and revenues derived or to be derived by the Parish from the operation of the System after payment therefrom of the reasonable and necessary expenses of operating and maintaining the System. The Bonds shall not be a charge on the other income and revenues of the Parish, nor shall they constitute an indebtedness or pledge of the general credit of the Parish.
The Bonds will be authorized and issued by an ordinance to be adopted by the Parish Council. The Bonds shall mature at such time or times (not to exceed 22 years from their date of issuance), bear interest at such rate or rates (not exceeding 0.95% per annum, which includes any administrative fee on the outstanding principal amount of the Bonds), and carry such additional terms and provisions as such ordinance may provide.
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Parish Council, acting as the governing authority of the Parish, will meet in open and public session on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:00 P.M., at the St. John the Baptist Parish Government Complex Chambers, 1811 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace, Louisiana, to hear any objections to the proposed issuance of the Bonds; provided, however, if at such hearing a petition duly signed by electors of the Parish in a number not less than five percent (5%) of the number of the electors of the Parish voting in the last election held in the Parish object to the issuance of the Bonds, then the Bonds shall not be issued until approved by a vote of a majority of the qualified electors of the Parish who vote at a special election held for that purpose in the manner provided by Chapter 6-A, Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. Any such petition shall be accompanied by a certificate of the St. John the Baptist Parish Registrar of Voters certifying that the signers of the petition are registered electors of the Parish and the number of signers amounts to not less than five percent (5%) of the registered voters that voted in the last election held in the Parish, all as provided by the Act.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED at LaPlace, Louisiana, on this, the 27th day of January 2026.
PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, STATE OF LOUISIANA
EXHIBIT B
ENGAGEMENT LETTER
January 27, 2026
Hon. Jaclyn Hotard, Parish President
Parish of St. John the Baptist
LaPlace, Louisiana
Re: Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds (DEQ) of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana
Dear Parish President Hotard:
The purpose of this engagement letter is to set forth certain matters concerning the role we will serve and the legal services we will provide as bond counsel to the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”) in connection with the issuance of the captioned bond (the “Bond”). We understand that the Bond will be issued for the purpose (the “Project”) described in the resolution adopted by the St. John the Baptist Parish Council (the “Parish Council”), acting as the governing authority of the Parish, on January 27, 2026.
As bond counsel, we will prepare and submit to the Parish Council for adoption all of the legal proceedings required for the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Bond and provide advice of a traditional legal nature as to the issuance and sale of the Bond. Our job is principally to render certain opinions to the Parish regarding (i) the validity of the Bond under applicable Louisiana law, and (ii) other matters as may be applicable. The bond opinion will be based on facts and law existing as of its date. In rendering such opinion, we will rely upon the certified proceedings and other certifications of public officials and other persons furnished to our firm without undertaking to verify the same by independent investigation, and we will assume continuing compliance by the Parish with applicable laws and other resolutions relating to the Bond. During the course of this engagement, we will rely upon the staff of the Parish and the members of the Parish Council to provide us with complete and timely information on all developments pertaining to any aspect of the Bond.
In our engagement as bond counsel, we will:
• Confer with members of the working group, including you and other officials of the Parish, relating to the Project and review legal issues relating to the structure of the Bond issue;
• Prepare the Issuing Bond Ordinance and all related financing documents (collectively, the “Bond Documents”);
• Attend meetings of the Parish Council at which the Bond Documents are adopted;
• Prepare the application for approval of the issuance of the Bond by the State Bond Commission and attend the State Bond Commission meeting at which such approval will be considered;
• Prepare the closing index and various closing certificates, and supervise the execution of certain closing documents by the various parties thereto;
• Prepare the Bond and supervise their execution and authentication;
• Prepare complete transcripts of record covering the issuance of the Bond and furnishing the transcripts to various parties in connection therewith; and
• Submit applicable post-closing reports to the State Bond Commission.
Our fee as bond counsel is based upon the terms, structure, size and schedule of the financing, the services provided, and the responsibilities assumed; however, our fee will not exceed that permitted by guidelines set forth by the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana and is subject to her approval. Our fee as bond counsel is a “contingent fee,” meaning you are required to pay for our legal services only in the event the Bonds are actually sold and delivered. Other vendors or members of the working group may charge additional fees or costs for their services, which may not be contingent upon a successful delivery.
We will continue to serve as bond counsel until the delivery of the Bonds; however, the Parish and our firm each have the right to terminate this engagement at any time after providing reasonable advanced written notice, subject to the applicable rules of professional responsibility. Upon conclusion or termination of our representation of the Parish, papers and property furnished by the Parish will be returned promptly upon request.
Please note that we are not municipal advisors, and we do not render financial advice or other financial services to the Parish; however, in the course of providing traditional legal services, we may provide factual information to the Parish that is not specifically tailored to the Bonds or that does not rise to the level of a recommendation concerning a course of action. We will, however, analyze and advise the Parish regarding the legal ramifications of the structure, timing, terms and other provisions of the Bonds, as these functions are essential to developing a plan of finance.
Applicable ethical rules in Louisiana prohibit us from undertaking this representation if we represent another party that is directly adverse to the Parish or if there is a significant risk that other considerations will materially limit our representation of the Parish. We understand that the Bonds are to be sold to the Revolving Loan Fund (the “Fund”) operated by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (the “Department”). Our firm is currently engaged by the Department as its counsel in connection with loans made by the Fund; therefore, we are obligated by Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct to consult with you and obtain your written consent and waiver of any conflict of interest to provide the requested services as bond counsel to the Parish.
The nature of our assignments is such that we do not believe our engagement will adversely impact any existing professional relationship with the Parish or the Department. Loans made by the Fund have defined terms and conditions that are either set by the Department or required by applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation. Our role as Department counsel will be limited to ensuring compliance with the Fund’s programmatic requirements, and our role as bond counsel to the Parish, as set forth above, will be limited to ensuring the Bonds are valid and binding obligations, issued in accordance with those federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the Parish. We believe the interests of the Department and the Parish are currently aligned, which minimizes the risk we will be asked to favor either party; nonetheless, to ensure we do not violate our ethical obligations, we affirm that we will not advocate on behalf of either party. Be advised that if a legal dispute arises between the Parish and the Department, our firm cannot and will not represent either party in any litigation. We understand you will be represented by your general counsel during this process as well.
As you are further aware, our firm represents the State of Louisiana and many other political subdivisions, including others in St. John the Baptist Parish. At this time, we do not believe any other current or past engagement of our firm adversely affects our ability to represent the Parish as provided in this letter; however, we invite you to discuss any concerns you have with us.
In the interest of facilitating our services to you, we may (i) send documents, information or data electronically or via the Internet or (ii) store electronic documents or data via computer software applications hosted remotely or utilize cloud-based storage. Confidential electronic documents or data of the Parish may be transmitted or stored using these methods. We may use third party service providers to store or transmit these documents or data. In using these electronic communication and storage methods, we employ reasonable efforts to keep such communications, documents and data secure in accordance with our obligations under applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards; however, the Parish recognizes and accepts that we have no control over the unauthorized interception or breach of any communications, documents or data once it has been transmitted or if it has been subject to unauthorized access while stored, notwithstanding all reasonable security measures employed by us or by our third party service providers. By acceptance of this letter, the Parish consents to our use of these electronic devices and applications and submission of confidential client information to or through third party service providers during this engagement.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
If this letter is acceptable to the Parish, please so indicate by executing below and returning a copy to us, retaining an original for your files. By signing this letter, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the foregoing, and on behalf of the Parish, expressly waive any conflict of interest that may exist and consent to Foley & Judell, L.L.P.’s provision of the services described herein. Your execution of this letter is a representation that such execution has been duly authorized and that this waiver is knowingly made, valid and enforceable.
We appreciate the opportunity to serve the Parish and look forward to working with you.
FOLEY & JUDELL, L.L.P.
By: ___________________
M. Jason Akers, Partner
ACCEPTED AND APPROVED:
PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, STATE OF LOUISIANA
By: /s/Jaclyn Hotard
Name: Jaclyn Hotard
Title: Parish President
Dated: January 27, 2026
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
I, the undersigned Legislative Assistant of the St. John the Baptist Parish Council (the “Parish Council”), acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by the Parish Council on January 27, 2026, declaring the intention of the Parish Council of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, to issue Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds (DEQ) in the name of the Parish, in an amount not to exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000), and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature on this, the 27th day of January 2026.
_______________________
Legislative Assistant
L’Observateur:
Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2026
Resolution R26-04
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH COUNCIL
STATE OF LOUISIANA
RESOLUTION R26-04
Councilwoman Houston proposed and Councilman Madere seconded the following resolution:
THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH COUNCIL HEREBY RESOLVES:
A resolution declaring the intention of the St. John the Baptist Parish Council, acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, to issue Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds (DEQ) in the name of the Parish, in an amount not to exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000), and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), now owns and operates combined revenue-producing drinking water treatment and distribution system and wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system (the “System”); and
WHEREAS, the St. John the Baptist Parish Council (the “Parish Council”), acting as the governing authority for the Parish proposes to finance the costs of (i) constructing and acquiring improvements, extensions, and replacements to the sewerage portion of the System (the “Project”), including equipment and fixtures therefor, and (ii) paying costs incurred in connection therewith, through the sale and issuance of not exceeding Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) of Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds (DEQ) of the Parish (the “Bonds”); and
WHEREAS, the Parish proposes that the Bonds will be issued in the manner prescribed by and under the authority of Part II of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Parish has no outstanding indebtedness payable from the revenues of the System; and
WHEREAS, this Parish Council, in accordance with the provisions of the Act, now desires to authorize the giving and publication of notice of intention generally describing the Bonds and the security therefor, setting forth a date and time when it will meet in open and public session to hear any and all objections to the proposed issuance of the Bonds and providing for the filing of a petition by a certain hereinafter described percentage of the electors objecting to the issuance of the Bonds unless an election is held on the question of the issuance thereof;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: SECTION 1. Pursuant to and in compliance with the provisions of the Act, the Parish Council does hereby declare its intention to issue not exceeding Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) of Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds (DEQ) of the Parish, the proceeds of which will be used for the purpose of financing the costs of the Project, and paying costs incurred in connection therewith. The Bonds shall be limited and special revenue bonds of the Parish, secured by and payable solely from the income and revenues derived or to be derived by the Parish from the operation of the System after payment therefrom of the reasonable and necessary expenses of operating and maintaining the System. The Bonds shall not be a charge on the other income and revenues of the Parish, nor shall they constitute an indebtedness or pledge of the general credit of the Parish. The Bonds shall mature at such time or times (not to exceed twenty-two (22) years from their date of issuance), bear interest at such rate or rates not exceeding 0.95% per annum (which includes any administrative fee on the outstanding principal amount of the Bonds), and carry such additional terms and provisions as may be provided by this Parish Council.
SECTION 2. The Bonds will be sold at public or private sale and may be sold in installments to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund under the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and may be issued and sold in installments as needed, all as provided for in the Act.
SECTION 3. Application is hereby made to the State Bond Commission, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for approval of the issuance and sale of the Bonds and for consent and authority to proceed with the issuance and sale of the Bonds as provided above, and Bond Counsel is directed to make application to the State Bond Commission in accordance with the foregoing on behalf of the Parish. By virtue of applicant/issuer’s application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval(s) resolved and set forth herein, it resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval(s) are expressly conditioned upon, and it further resolves that it understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the “State Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.”, adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing(s) and other matter(s) subject to the approval(s), including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swap(s) or other product(s) or enhancement(s) covered thereby.
SECTION 4. This Parish Council will meet in open and public session on TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M., at the St. John the Baptist Parish Government Complex Chambers, 1811 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace, Louisiana, to hear any objections to the proposed issuance of the Bonds; provided, however, if at such hearing a petition duly signed by the electors of the Parish is a number not less than five percent (5%) of the number of the electors of the Parish voting in the last election held in the Parish object to the issuance of the Bonds, then the Bonds shall not be issued until approved by vote of a majority of the qualified electors of the Parish who vote at a special election held for that purpose in the manner provided by Chapter 6-A, Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. Any such petition shall be accompanied by a certificate of the St. John the Baptist Parish Registrar of Voters certifying that the signers of the petition are registered electors of the Parish and the number of signers amounts to not less than five percent (5%) of the registered voters that voted in the last election held in the Parish, all as provided by the Act.
SECTION 5. The Legislative Assistant is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to publish an appropriate notice of the intention of the Parish to issue the Bonds in accordance with the provisions of this resolution and the Act. Such notice of intention shall embody in a general way substantially all the provisions of this resolution hereinabove set out and shall be published in four (4) consecutive weekly issues of the L’Observatuer, the official journal of and a newspaper of general circulation in the Parish, and shall be in substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, with any such changes as may be necessary upon the advice of bond counsel.
SECTION 6. This Parish Council finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, L.L.P., of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Bond Counsel, is hereby employed to do and perform work of a traditional legal nature as bond counsel with respect to the issuance and sale of said Bonds. Said Bond Counsel shall prepare and submit to this Parish Council for adoption all of the proceedings incidental to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of such Bonds, shall counsel and advise this Parish Council as to the issuance and sale thereof and shall furnish its opinions covering the legality of the issuance of the Bonds. The fee of Bond Counsel for each series of bonds shall be fixed at a sum not exceeding the fee allowed by the Attorney General=s fee guidelines for such bond counsel work in connection with the issuance of revenue bonds and based on the amount of said Bonds actually issued, sold, delivered and paid for, plus “out-of-pocket” expenses, said fees to be contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of said Bonds. The Parish President is hereby authorized and directed to execute, and this Parish Council hereby agrees to and accepts the terms of, the engagement letter of Bond Counsel appended hereto as Exhibit B. A certified copy of this resolution shall be submitted to the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for her written approval of said employment and of the fees herein designated, and the Legislative Assistant is hereby empowered and directed to provide for payment of the work herein specified upon completion thereof and under the conditions herein enumerated without further approval of this Parish Council.
SECTION 7. The Parish hereby retains Government Consultants, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to act as its Municipal Advisor (“MA”) pursuant to the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the rules promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Parish hereby acknowledges that it is represented by the MA and will rely upon the advice of the MA with respect to the Bond. The fee to be paid the MA shall be payable solely from the proceeds of the Bond when and if issued, and the amount thereof shall be subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission. The Parish President is hereby authorized and directed, in her discretion, to execute any contract the MA may require with respect to the engagement.
The foregoing having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS: Madere, Johnson, Torres, Duhe-Griffin, Houston, Arcuri, Ramirez, Wright
NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Bailey
And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 27th day of January 2026.
/s/Donna Barber
Legislative Assistant
/s/ Robert Arcuri
Council Chairman
EXHIBIT A
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE NOT EXCEEDING $10,000,000 OF TAXABLE SEWER REVENUE BONDS (DEQ) OF THE PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, STATE OF LOUISIANA
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to and in compliance with the provisions of Part II of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and/or other applicable laws (the “Act”), that the St. John the Baptist Parish Council (the “Parish Council”), acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), does hereby declare its intention to issue not exceeding Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) of Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds (DEQ) of the Parish, the proceeds of which will be used for the purpose of constructing and acquiring improvements, extensions, and replacements to the sewerage portion of the combined revenue-producing drinking water treatment and distribution system and wastewater collection, treatment and disposal system (the “System”), including equipment and fixtures therefor, and paying costs incurred in connection therewith.
The Bonds shall be limited and special revenue bonds of the Parish, secured by and payable in principal and interest solely from the income and revenues derived or to be derived by the Parish from the operation of the System after payment therefrom of the reasonable and necessary expenses of operating and maintaining the System. The Bonds shall not be a charge on the other income and revenues of the Parish, nor shall they constitute an indebtedness or pledge of the general credit of the Parish.
The Bonds will be authorized and issued by an ordinance to be adopted by the Parish Council. The Bonds shall mature at such time or times (not to exceed 22 years from their date of issuance), bear interest at such rate or rates (not exceeding 0.95% per annum, which includes any administrative fee on the outstanding principal amount of the Bonds), and carry such additional terms and provisions as such ordinance may provide.
NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Parish Council, acting as the governing authority of the Parish, will meet in open and public session on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 6:00 P.M., at the St. John the Baptist Parish Government Complex Chambers, 1811 W. Airline Highway, LaPlace, Louisiana, to hear any objections to the proposed issuance of the Bonds; provided, however, if at such hearing a petition duly signed by electors of the Parish in a number not less than five percent (5%) of the number of the electors of the Parish voting in the last election held in the Parish object to the issuance of the Bonds, then the Bonds shall not be issued until approved by a vote of a majority of the qualified electors of the Parish who vote at a special election held for that purpose in the manner provided by Chapter 6-A, Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended. Any such petition shall be accompanied by a certificate of the St. John the Baptist Parish Registrar of Voters certifying that the signers of the petition are registered electors of the Parish and the number of signers amounts to not less than five percent (5%) of the registered voters that voted in the last election held in the Parish, all as provided by the Act.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED at LaPlace, Louisiana, on this, the 27th day of January 2026.
PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, STATE OF LOUISIANA
EXHIBIT B
ENGAGEMENT LETTER
January 27, 2026
Hon. Jaclyn Hotard, Parish President
Parish of St. John the Baptist
LaPlace, Louisiana
Re: Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds (DEQ) of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana
Dear Parish President Hotard:
The purpose of this engagement letter is to set forth certain matters concerning the role we will serve and the legal services we will provide as bond counsel to the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”) in connection with the issuance of the captioned bond (the “Bond”). We understand that the Bond will be issued for the purpose (the “Project”) described in the resolution adopted by the St. John the Baptist Parish Council (the “Parish Council”), acting as the governing authority of the Parish, on January 27, 2026.
As bond counsel, we will prepare and submit to the Parish Council for adoption all of the legal proceedings required for the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Bond and provide advice of a traditional legal nature as to the issuance and sale of the Bond. Our job is principally to render certain opinions to the Parish regarding (i) the validity of the Bond under applicable Louisiana law, and (ii) other matters as may be applicable. The bond opinion will be based on facts and law existing as of its date. In rendering such opinion, we will rely upon the certified proceedings and other certifications of public officials and other persons furnished to our firm without undertaking to verify the same by independent investigation, and we will assume continuing compliance by the Parish with applicable laws and other resolutions relating to the Bond. During the course of this engagement, we will rely upon the staff of the Parish and the members of the Parish Council to provide us with complete and timely information on all developments pertaining to any aspect of the Bond.
In our engagement as bond counsel, we will:
• Confer with members of the working group, including you and other officials of the Parish, relating to the Project and review legal issues relating to the structure of the Bond issue;
• Prepare the Issuing Bond Ordinance and all related financing documents (collectively, the “Bond Documents”);
• Attend meetings of the Parish Council at which the Bond Documents are adopted;
• Prepare the application for approval of the issuance of the Bond by the State Bond Commission and attend the State Bond Commission meeting at which such approval will be considered;
• Prepare the closing index and various closing certificates, and supervise the execution of certain closing documents by the various parties thereto;
• Prepare the Bond and supervise their execution and authentication;
• Prepare complete transcripts of record covering the issuance of the Bond and furnishing the transcripts to various parties in connection therewith; and
• Submit applicable post-closing reports to the State Bond Commission.
Our fee as bond counsel is based upon the terms, structure, size and schedule of the financing, the services provided, and the responsibilities assumed; however, our fee will not exceed that permitted by guidelines set forth by the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana and is subject to her approval. Our fee as bond counsel is a “contingent fee,” meaning you are required to pay for our legal services only in the event the Bonds are actually sold and delivered. Other vendors or members of the working group may charge additional fees or costs for their services, which may not be contingent upon a successful delivery.
We will continue to serve as bond counsel until the delivery of the Bonds; however, the Parish and our firm each have the right to terminate this engagement at any time after providing reasonable advanced written notice, subject to the applicable rules of professional responsibility. Upon conclusion or termination of our representation of the Parish, papers and property furnished by the Parish will be returned promptly upon request.
Please note that we are not municipal advisors, and we do not render financial advice or other financial services to the Parish; however, in the course of providing traditional legal services, we may provide factual information to the Parish that is not specifically tailored to the Bonds or that does not rise to the level of a recommendation concerning a course of action. We will, however, analyze and advise the Parish regarding the legal ramifications of the structure, timing, terms and other provisions of the Bonds, as these functions are essential to developing a plan of finance.
Applicable ethical rules in Louisiana prohibit us from undertaking this representation if we represent another party that is directly adverse to the Parish or if there is a significant risk that other considerations will materially limit our representation of the Parish. We understand that the Bonds are to be sold to the Revolving Loan Fund (the “Fund”) operated by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (the “Department”). Our firm is currently engaged by the Department as its counsel in connection with loans made by the Fund; therefore, we are obligated by Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct to consult with you and obtain your written consent and waiver of any conflict of interest to provide the requested services as bond counsel to the Parish.
The nature of our assignments is such that we do not believe our engagement will adversely impact any existing professional relationship with the Parish or the Department. Loans made by the Fund have defined terms and conditions that are either set by the Department or required by applicable federal or state law, rule or regulation. Our role as Department counsel will be limited to ensuring compliance with the Fund’s programmatic requirements, and our role as bond counsel to the Parish, as set forth above, will be limited to ensuring the Bonds are valid and binding obligations, issued in accordance with those federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the Parish. We believe the interests of the Department and the Parish are currently aligned, which minimizes the risk we will be asked to favor either party; nonetheless, to ensure we do not violate our ethical obligations, we affirm that we will not advocate on behalf of either party. Be advised that if a legal dispute arises between the Parish and the Department, our firm cannot and will not represent either party in any litigation. We understand you will be represented by your general counsel during this process as well.
As you are further aware, our firm represents the State of Louisiana and many other political subdivisions, including others in St. John the Baptist Parish. At this time, we do not believe any other current or past engagement of our firm adversely affects our ability to represent the Parish as provided in this letter; however, we invite you to discuss any concerns you have with us.
In the interest of facilitating our services to you, we may (i) send documents, information or data electronically or via the Internet or (ii) store electronic documents or data via computer software applications hosted remotely or utilize cloud-based storage. Confidential electronic documents or data of the Parish may be transmitted or stored using these methods. We may use third party service providers to store or transmit these documents or data. In using these electronic communication and storage methods, we employ reasonable efforts to keep such communications, documents and data secure in accordance with our obligations under applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards; however, the Parish recognizes and accepts that we have no control over the unauthorized interception or breach of any communications, documents or data once it has been transmitted or if it has been subject to unauthorized access while stored, notwithstanding all reasonable security measures employed by us or by our third party service providers. By acceptance of this letter, the Parish consents to our use of these electronic devices and applications and submission of confidential client information to or through third party service providers during this engagement.
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If this letter is acceptable to the Parish, please so indicate by executing below and returning a copy to us, retaining an original for your files. By signing this letter, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the foregoing, and on behalf of the Parish, expressly waive any conflict of interest that may exist and consent to Foley & Judell, L.L.P.’s provision of the services described herein. Your execution of this letter is a representation that such execution has been duly authorized and that this waiver is knowingly made, valid and enforceable.
We appreciate the opportunity to serve the Parish and look forward to working with you.
FOLEY & JUDELL, L.L.P.
By: ___________________
M. Jason Akers, Partner
ACCEPTED AND APPROVED:
PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, STATE OF LOUISIANA
By: /s/Jaclyn Hotard
Name: Jaclyn Hotard
Title: Parish President
Dated: January 27, 2026
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
I, the undersigned Legislative Assistant of the St. John the Baptist Parish Council (the “Parish Council”), acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by the Parish Council on January 27, 2026, declaring the intention of the Parish Council of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, to issue Taxable Sewer Revenue Bonds (DEQ) in the name of the Parish, in an amount not to exceed Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000), and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature on this, the 27th day of January 2026.
_______________________
Legislative Assistant
L’Observateur:
Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2026
Resolution R26-04