A.  The Vernon Parish Arena District, hereinafter referred to as the “district”, is hereby created. The purpose of the district shall be to operate, maintain, and manage the Vernon Parish Arena within the boundaries of Vernon Parish.

B.(1) The district shall be governed by a board of commissioners, hereby created and referred to as the “board”. The board shall be composed of five members to be appointed as follows:

(a)  The president of the Vernon Parish Police Jury.

(b) The  president of the West Louisiana Forestry Board.

(c)  Two members appointed by the Lions’ Club of Vernon Parish.

(d)  One member appointed by the legislative delegation.

(2)  All initial appointments shall be made by January 1, 2000.

(3)  The president of the police jury and the  president of the West Louisiana Forestry Board shall serve terms concurrent with that of their elected offices. The remaining members shall serve terms concurrent with the terms of the legislative delegation.

C.  The board shall have the following powers and duties:

(1)  To enter into contracts for the sale, lease, or exchange of property of or for the district.

(2)  To enter into cooperative endeavors with any special district, political subdivision, or local governmental unit of the state.

(3)  To accept donations of money or property to accomplish the district’s purposes from public or private sources.

(4)  To fix, maintain, collect, and revise rates, charges, and rentals for the use of district’s facilities and services.

(5)  To repair, maintain, and operate the district’s facilities.

(6)  To contract with any public or private entities for the maintenance and operation of property owned or operated by the district.

(7)  To do any and all things necessary to carry out the purposes of the district.

D.(1)  The members of the district shall serve without compensation.  If any appointing authority disbands or otherwise ceases to exist, the legislative delegation shall appoint a member to fill such vacancy.  A vacancy in the membership of the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

(2)  Any member of the board may be removed by the legislative delegation, but only for cause.

E.  The board shall elect from its membership a chairman and may elect other officers as deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the affairs of the district.  The chairman of the board shall give seven days notice to the members of the board as to the time and place where regular or special meetings will be held.

Acts 1999, No. 83, §1; Acts 2011, No. 39, §1.