Notwithstanding the provisions of La. Rev. Stat. 40:1495 and La. Rev. Stat. 40:1496, a board of commissioners of the St. Mary Parish Ward Four Fire Protection District is hereby created.  The board of commissioners shall exercise and perform all duties, functions, and powers provided in this Part and shall have responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the district.  Members shall receive compensation as provided by La. Rev. Stat. 40:1498.  The board shall be composed of five members appointed by the governing authority of the parish of St. Mary, and each member shall be a resident and elector of Ward Four of St. Mary Parish.  No member of the parish governing authority shall serve on the board.  Members shall serve staggered terms as fixed by the governing authority of the parish of St. Mary.  The governing authority shall determine the length of such terms for initial members and their successors.  All funds of the St. Mary Parish Ward Four Fire Protection District shall be administered by the board.  

Added by Acts 1983, No. 9, §1.  Acts 1986, No. 295, §1.