Confusion Erupts Over Revenue Sharing from New Orleans School Zone Speed Cameras
The Earnings at Stake
In New Orleans, a cloud of confusion looms over the revenue-sharing agreement related to school zone speed cameras. The city’s administration and the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) seem to be on different pages, leaving residents and stakeholders questioning the future of millions in collected fines.
City Claims Agreement is in Place
Recently, the Cantrell administration touted a breakthrough in negotiations. In a news release, they announced:
"The city is pleased to announce that after months of negotiations beginning in August 2024, it has successfully come to an agreement with the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) on the terms of a cooperative endeavor agreement (CEA) for revenue sharing."
According to the city, this cooperative endeavor agreement will pave the way for a 60/40 split of the funds generated by these speed cameras, which have been a source of ongoing contention. However, this announcement has been met with a swift rebuttal.
OPSB Disputes the Claims
When WDSU Investigates reached out for clarity, the OPSB issued a statement contradicting the city’s announcement, declaring:
"The cooperative endeavor agreement (CEA) has not been submitted to the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) or the New Orleans City Council for approval. NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is still awaiting a final version from the city to present to our board for approval."
This stark difference raises pressing questions about the legitimacy of the camera operations, which, according to state law, cannot be activated without a signed CEA.
Legal Quandaries: Are the Cameras Usable?
Despite the lack of an approved agreement, the city proceeded to activate the speed cameras—a move that has sparked scrutiny regarding its legality. As previous reports from WDSU Investigates highlighted, a CEA is a legal requirement mandated by state law effective August 1, 2024.
The Call for Accountability
With millions of dollars at stake, the conversation has turned to whether the city should refund fines collected from drivers since the cameras’ activation. State Senator Stewart Cathey weighed in, stating:
"If you’re going to obey the existing law, [the money] should be returned. The law is clear—you cannot turn on a camera without having a CEA in place with the school system, and you can’t backdate it."
Senator Cathey has also sponsored legislation aimed at ensuring accountability among public officials. His bill, now progressing to the governor’s desk, empowers the Louisiana attorney general to investigate possible malfeasance if officials fail to adhere to the law.
Conclusion: Stay Tuned for Updates
As this saga unfolds, residents are left in the lurch, anxiously awaiting the resolution of this matter. Will the city and the OPSB finally align on a revenue-sharing agreement? And what will become of the fines collected during this legal limbo?
For more on state laws affecting school zone cameras, check the Louisiana State Legislature. It’s a developing story that prompts the community to remain vigilant and informed, as the stakes continue to rise.
