A.(1)(a)  The governing body of a parish may, by resolution, create a public body to be known as an agricultural arena authority, which shall be authorized to exercise its functions upon the appointment and qualification of the first commissioners thereof.  Upon the adoption of a resolution creating an agricultural arena authority, the governing body of the parish shall, pursuant to the resolution, appoint not less than five nor more than nine persons, except as provided for in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, as commissioners of the authority.

(b)  At least one, but not more than two commissioners shall be first appointed and designated to serve for terms of one year.  At least one, but not more than two commissioners shall be first appointed and designated to serve for terms of two years.  At least one, but not more than two commissioners shall be first appointed and designated to serve for terms of three years.  At least one, but not more than two commissioners shall be appointed and designated to serve for terms of four years.

(c)  One commissioner shall be first appointed and designated to serve for a term of five years.  Thereafter, each commissioner shall be appointed for a term of five years, except that vacancies occurring otherwise than by the expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term, in the same manner as the original appointment.

(d)  When the governing body of the parish creates an agricultural arena authority, by resolution, such authority shall be perpetually in existence until revoked by resolution of said governing body.

(2)  In addition to the commissioners provided for in Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, the governing authority of St. Landry Parish may appoint not more than an additional four commissioners, three of whom shall be minorities, as defined in La. Rev. Stat. 39:1952(12).  Of the additional commissioners, two commissioners shall be first appointed and designated to serve for terms of two years; one commissioner shall be first appointed and designated to serve for a term of four years; and one commissioner shall be first appointed and designated to serve for a term of six years.  Thereafter, each additional commissioner shall be appointed for a term of five years, except that vacancies occurring otherwise than by the expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term, in the same manner as the original appointment.

B.  Each commissioner shall receive such per diem as the governing body may determine for each day actually spent in the exercise of the duties or powers of the authority.

Acts 1979, No. 515, §1, eff. July 13, 1979; Acts 1989, No. 94, §1.