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Article X, §29.1 of the Louisiana Constitution declares that members of city councils, city-parish councils, town councils or any alderman elected after January 1, 1997 shall be deemed a part-time public servant, and shall not participate in, or receive credit for service in, any public retirement system, fund, or plan sponsored by the State of Louisiana or any instrumentality or political subdivision thereof.
The council members are, therefore, constitutionally prohibited from receiving retirement benefits through the city. See also AG Op. No. 10-0183 and AG Op. No. 09-0115.
Concerning insurance, R.S. 33:5151 provides authority for municipalities or political subdivisions to provide group insurance to its employees and officials, including aldermen. The municipality is authorized by this statute to pay all or a portion of premium amounts for employees and municipal officers. See AG Op. No. 10-0164
However, as a Lawrason Act municipality, the compensation of aldermen and other municipal officers are required to be established by ordinance. In order to provide additional group insurance benefits without exceeding the established maximum compensation, the municipality will need to adopt an ordinance amending the compensation to “include premiums for health insurance and any other benefits.” See AG Op. No. 13-0136 and AG Op. No. 99-0185 Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 04/03/2026 09:40:30 PM |