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City Court

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1. What if I do not have all my money to pay my fine?

You need to appear in court and upon entering a plea of guilty or being found guilty at a trial, you should request o the Court additional time to pay your fine.

2. Do I need an attorney?

That is a decision that you alone must make. Everyone is entitled to hire their own attorney. In some cases, depending on the nature of the charge and whether or not you can afford an attorney, the Court will consider appointing an attorney to represent you. When you appear in court for your arraignment, if you want an attorney, you must ask for one at that time.

3. Do I have to pay court cost if I pay my fine before my court date?

Yes. Court costs are due whether you appear in court or not. Costs of the court are set by the Legislature and are set to defray operational costs and other expenses.

4. Where can I pay my fine(s) if I do not want to go to court?

You may pay your fine (between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday) before your court date. The City Marshal's office located in the City Court building at 2303 North 7th Street in West Monroe, Louisiana. You may call 318-396-6107 or 318-396-8192 for the fine amount and method of payment.

5. How should I dress for court?

Court attire should be modest and respectful. All persons should be modestly covered and must wear pants appropriate (no low-riders). Shorts, tank tops, muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, or clothing with suggestive and/or obscene logos, etc, are inappropriate attire. Anyone wearing inappropriate attire will not be allowed in court. Other than women wearing pierced earrings, no one will be allowed in the courtroom with any body piercings showing, including nose piercings, eyebrow piercings, etc.

6. I missed my court date, what do I do?

Warrants are issued for the arrest of all persons who failed to appear in court. If you missed your court date you should immediately call the City Attorney's Office at 318-396-2791. The City Attorney's Office will be able to explain to you whether you will be able to obtain a new court date and whether you will be required to pay a fee or additional fine for missing your original court date.

7. What if I’m going to be out of town or otherwise cannot be present on my court date?

First understand that rescheduling a court date is only allowed in certain circumstances, as it affects the scheduling of a number of other matters. If you wish to request that your court date be rescheduled, you must contact the City Attorney's Office at 318-396-2791 in advance of your court date. You may be required to provide verification of your circumstances. You should call as far in advance as possible, and it is more difficult to obtain a rescheduled court date if you call less than a week before that date.

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Code Enforcement

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1. Why did I get a sticker on my car?

The city has ordinances against abandoned or nuisance vehicles. Your vehicle met the criteria.

2. Why did I get a certified letter and not a phone call about code violations?

Your property has a code violation. Ordinances require property owners to receive certain types of notification to obtain legal notice. A certified letter is the most common.

3. Can I get more time to correct a code violation?

If you need more time to correct your violation please call the Code Enforcement Hotline at 318-323-2515 before the deadline date to work out a possible arrangement.

4. Why has nothing been done since I reported a code violation?

Either there wasn't a code violation or the violation procedure is in progress. Feel free to call the Code Enforcement Hotline at 318-323-2515 to check the status. Sometimes it may take up to 4 weeks just to mow a lot due to legal notification procedures.

5. Are there restrictions on garage sales?

You can not have a permanent garage sale. A garage sale is defined as the sale of personal or household items by a person or persons not licensed as a retailer operating lawfully. A permanent garage sale is defined as having a duration in excess of seventy-two hours, having regularly scheduled hours of operation each day for more than three days, or having regularly scheduled days of operation each week for more than two weeks.

6. What are the restrictions on temporary signs?

It is illegal to place signs on trees, fences, sign columns, or building walls without prior permission of the property owner. Any sign placed in or on public right of way shall be considered litter. This includes utility poles and street signs.

7. When are permits required?

Any type of construction including the construction of a storage shed or fence requires a permit. You must also get a permit if you want to demolish any structure. If there is a question regarding a permit, call the Building and Development Department at 318-396-2600.

8. Why do I have to board up a house I own?

The City of West Monroe requires all structures to be secured, which includes locking windows, doors, and other means of egress. If locking the doors or windows can not be done, you will be required to board up the structure in accordance with city ordinances.

9. Why do I have to mow an empty lot?

Not only is tall grass an eye sore, but it is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

10. Who complained about my property?

Chances are no one. Although, the Code Enforcement Office does act on all complaints; most violations are discovered through routine patrol.

11. What do I do if there is an emergency?

Call the West Monroe Police Department at 318-396-2722 or dial 911.

12. Why can’t I have a couch on my porch?

Furniture intended for indoor use placed outside of your house is considered junk and debris. Humidity can cause mildew inside of the furniture, which is a health hazard.

13. Why can’t I work on my vehicle in my yard?

It is illegal to work on your vehicle if it is perceptible from beyond your property, which means it can’t be seen from the street or your neighbor’s property.

14. Why can’t I place tires in my yard?

Tires that are not on a vehicle are considered junk and debris. Tires must be kept in an enclosed shelter. It can not be visible from beyond your property.

15. Can I put my vehicle for sale in a parking lot?

In order to sell your vehicle on a property that is not yours, you must have permission from the property owner, otherwise, it will be considered as an abandoned vehicle.

16. Are there any items that the city trash service will not pick up?

For questions regarding trash intended for pick up by the city, please call the City Complex at 318-325-0496.

17. How do I report a code violation?

Call the Code Enforcement Hotline at 318-323-2515 or email Code Enforcement.

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Farmer's Market

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1. Can I expect any other cost with the Farmer's Market?

Yes. $5 per table per day with a max of 5 tables, $1 per for scale rental, $3 per bushel of peas and beans shelled, and cooler rent which can vary due to energy cost.

2. Can I expect different products depending on the season at the Farmer's Market?

Yes,  a person can be expected to find the following:

• Early Season Crops (March Through May)
  • Bedding Plants
  • Ferns
  • Greens
  • Hanging Baskets
  • Louisiana Strawberries
• Summer's Bounty (June Through August)
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Butter Beans
  • Cabbage
  • Cantaloupes
  • Corn
  • Cucumbers
  • Eggplants
  • garlic
  • Green Beans
  • Muscadines
  • Okra
  • Onions
  • Peaches
  • Peas
  • Peppers
  • Plums
  • Potatoes
  • Squash
  • Tomatoes
  • Watermelons
• Fall Harvest (September Through October)
  • Decorative Corn and Gourds
  • Greens
  • Hay Bales
  • Peas
  • Pumpkins
  • Sugar Cane
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Tomatoes
• Holiday Seasons
  • Christmas Trees
  • Grapefruit
  • La Navel Oranges and Satsumas
  • Peanuts
  • Pecans

3. Are there any custom services offered to the public by the Farmer's Market?

The market shells peas and butter beans during the season and cracks pecans during the fall and winter.

4. How do I become a Farmer's Market member of the market and is there a cost for membership?

To become a member of the market a person must submit an application for membership and apply for an occupation license. The cost of membership is $50. This fee covers the cost of your occupational license if for some chance your application is declined your membership fee will be returned and your license canceled. This occupational license is only valid for the market and can not be used anywhere else in the city.

5. Where do I go fill out an application for membership to the Farmer's Market?

You can come by 1700 North 7th street to fill out an application.

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Fire Department

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1. Where do I come to get a fire report?

You may go to the administrative building located at 4341 Cypress Street to receive a fire report.

2. Is there a burn ban?

Yes, there is always a burn ban in the City of West Monroe.

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Housing Authority

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1. What should I do if I need further information about Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs?

The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website provides information about all programs available through the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

2. When are applications taken by West Monroe Section 8 Housing?

West Monroe Section 8 Housing opens and closes the application period based on funding. This information is published in the Ouachita Citizen prior to the open application period. Historically, applications have been taken once a year in December, but this can vary. Emergency applications are taken for those who are elderly, handicapped or disabled, homeless, living in substandard conditions, or paying more than 50% of their income for rent and utilities at any time.

3. Does West Monroe have publically owned housing?

West Monroe provides Section 8 rental assistance only. All publically owned housing projects/units are located in Monroe and are administered by the Monroe Housing Authority.

4. What jurisdiction does West Monroe Section 8 cover?

West Monroe Section 8 Housing provides housing assistance for residents of the city limits of West Monroe only. Monroe Housing Authority covers the city limits of Monroe, and Ouachita Parish Housing Authority covers Ouachita Parish outside of the city limits of Monroe and West Monroe.

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Ike Hamilton Expo Center

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1. How much does it cost to watch events at The Ike?

Almost all of the events are free to the public.

2. How do I find out what is going on at The Ike?

Follow us on Facebook for the latest Ike updates and activities! And our website calendar is a good place to find out about scheduled events. Events are posted up to three months in advance. You may also call the IKE event hotline at 318-325-9160 for event details and questions.

3. Is the seating at The Ike handicap accessible?

The Ike is handicap accessible. There is an elevator to the second-floor seating and designated handicap seating. There are ramps to the first level of seating.

4. Are there concessions available at The Ike?

There are concessions available for most of the events.

5. Is there a charge for parking at The Ike?

There is never a charge for public parking during events.

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Ike Hamilton Expo Center - Events

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1. How much does The Ike rent for?

The daily rental fee varies depending on the time of year, the number of stalls or ties being rented, the length of the show, etc.

2. How far in advance do I need to book an event at The Ike?

Most of our events are booked two years in advance.

3. Do you rent The Ike out for family reunions, weddings, or meetings?

Although The Ike is occasionally rented for non-livestock events, it is not appropriate for weddings and similar events. We recommend you contact the West Monroe Convention Center for those types of events. The number for the Convention Center is 318-396-5000.

4. If we book The Ike can we sell concessions and have booths at our event?

The City of West Monroe retains all rights to concessions. No vendor or promoter many sell or give away concession type food. A promoter may have vendor spaces. Fees for vendor spaces are in the contract.

5. Can we have a meal catered at The Ike for our participants?

Yes! However all catering must be approved by The Ike staff prior to an event.

6. Who do I talk to about booking an event at The Ike?

Director Chris Post handles all bookings. He may be reached by calling 318-325-9160. 

7. What kind of events does The Ike have?

The Ike has a variety of events throughout the year! Event schedules are available at The Ike and on the webpage. For the most up-to-date information on events call the event hotline at 325-9160, ext 1. Most livestock events offer free admission for the public.  New events are added each year so be sure to check the calendar often. Types of events include:

• The Ag Expo
• Bull riding
• Cow shows
• Goat shows
• Horse shows
• Livestock sales
• Monster truck shows
• Rodeos

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Ike Hamilton Expo Center - Features

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1. Are there showers available at The Ike?

There are showers and dressing rooms available.

2. How big are the horse stalls at The Ike?

Horse stalls are 10 by 10.

3. Do the stalls at The Ike have dirt floors?

No, all stalls have an asphalt floor.

4. Can I bring my own shavings to The Ike?

No, all shavings must be purchased from The Ike. There is a charge of $10 per bag with a minimum of 3 bags of shavings per stall. 

5. Can I make reservations for the horse stalls at The Ike?

The Ike staff does not usually take stall reservations unless special arrangements have been made with the show’s promoter.

6. How many stalls does The Ike have?

The Ike has 510 permanent stalls and additional covered space for temporary stalls.

7. Do the stalls at The Ike have electricity?

Yes.

8. How much are the stalls at The Ike per night?

The promoter establishes the cost of the stalls for his/her event.

9. Must I stall my horse at The Ike?

Absolutely! The Ike does not permit horses to be tied.

10. Are there wash racks at The Ike?

Yes, there are two sets of wash racks. Both sets have numerous wash areas.

11. How many cow ties does The Ike have?

The Ike has approximately 200 permanent tie-outs and additional covered space for temporary stalls.

12. Does the cow barn at The Ike have electricity?

Yes.

13. Is there concrete under the dirt floor at The Ike?

No, the dirt can be compacted if requested but there is no concrete underneath. At this time there is no additional floor covering provided.

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Ike Hamilton Expo Center - RVs

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1. Can I make a reservation for an RV space at The Ike?

We have over 175 RV spaces, therefore, we do not take reservations for RV spaces.

2. Do the RV spots at The Ike have a dump station or sewer?

All RV spaces have water, electric and sewer.

3. How close is the RV area to the horse stalls at The Ike?

An RV area is located immediately behind the horse barn.

4. Can I rent an RV spot if I am not part of an event at The Ike?

The RV spots are for the convenience of our participants and are not rented out unless there is an event.

5. Can we plan to evacuate to The Ike RV area in case of another hurricane?

The City of West Monroe was pleased to offer assistance during hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In another similar disaster, we would again jump to assist our southern neighbors. However, The Ike is not a designated evacuation center so each emergency must be individually evaluated.

6. How much does an RV space at The Ike cost?

RV spaces are $50 per night. Promoters may add an additional surcharge.

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Police Department

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1. How do I get a accident report?

Click to get a traffic report

2. Where do I go to get a background check completed?

Front counter at 2301 N 7th Street- Records Division

Must be present with photo id. Search in for WMPD records ONLY

Cost=$10 cash

3. Where do I go to pay a ticket?

City Court of West Monroe

4. Where do I go to get fingerprinted for employment?

The main entrance of our Corrections Facility can be found on the South side of our headquarters at 2301 North 7th Street.  The hours for these services are:

Monday - 8:00 am to 10:30 am

Tuesday - 8:00 am to 10:30 am and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Thursday - 8:00 am to 10:30 am

Friday - 8:00 am to 10:30 am & 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

5. How to apply for employment?

Click for employment information

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Property Enforcement

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1. Why do I have to board up a house that I own?

The City of West Monroe requires all structures to be secured, which includes locking windows, doors, and other means of egress. If locking the doors or windows can not be done, you will be required to board up the structure in accordance with city ordinances.

2. Why do I have to mow an empty lot?

Not only is tall grass an eyesore, but it is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

3. Who complained about my property?

Chances are no one. Although, the Code Enforcement Office does act on all complaints; most violations are discovered through routine patrol.

4. What do I do if there is an emergency?

Call the West Monroe Police Department at 318-396-2722 or dial 911.

5. Why can’t I have a couch on my porch?

Furniture intended for indoor use placed outside of your house is considered junk and debris. Humidity can cause mildew inside of the furniture, which is a health hazard.

6. Why can’t I work on my vehicle in my yard?

It is illegal to work on your vehicle if it is perceptible from beyond your property, which means it can’t be seen from the street or your neighbor’s property.

7. Why can’t I place tires in my yard?

Tires that are not on a vehicle are considered junk and debris. Tires must be kept in an enclosed shelter. It can not be visible from beyond your property.

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Property Tax

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1. My property is sold at tax sale, what do I do to redeem my property?

Contact our office to receive the amount that you are now required to pay to put your taxes back into your name. If your taxes are sold at a tax sale, you will have to pay the original tax amount along with any interest and costs associated with the sale and redemption of the taxes. You have three years from the date of sale to pay the redemption figure but each month the taxes are not redeemed, the cost increases.

2. I sold my home during the year but I am still receiving a tax notice, what should I do?

Take any paperwork that you have from the sale and call or go to the Ouachita Parish Tax Assessors Office at 300 St. John Street. They will process any changes and notify our office to change the name and mailing address of the homeowner. This information must be changed at their office and they must notify us!

3. My mortgage company pays my property taxes, will you send them a copy of the property tax notice?

A copy of your property tax notice will be sent to your mortgage company if your mortgage company requests a copy of the notice from our office. We do not keep your mortgage company information on file. If a copy of your property tax notice is sent to your mortgage company, you will receive a copy of the tax notice with a stamp indicating that the notice was sent to your mortgage company.

4. I did not receive my tax notices but my property is now going to tax sale or has already been sold at tax sale. Can you sell my property without notifying me?

Property taxes are mailed and are due every December. If you do not receive your notice during this time, call our office to get the information. Three notices and a certified notice along with printing the delinquent property tax owners in the legal section of the Ouachita Citizen four times will occur before your property is sold for non-payment of property taxes.

5. I have closed my business located in the city limits of West Monroe or any inventory that was previously reported has changed, whom do I notify of these changes?

Any changes to your tax notice should be reported to the Ouachita Parish Tax Assessors Office. They are located at the Ouachita Parish Courthouse located at 300 St. John Street in Monroe, Louisiana. You may call them at 318-327-1300. This information must be changed at their office and they must notify us!

6. My mailing address has changed, how do I notify your office?

Any changes to your tax notice should be reported to the Ouachita Parish Tax Assessors Office. They are located at the Ouachita Parish Courthouse located at 300 St. John Street in Monroe, Louisiana. You may call them at 318-327-1300. This information must be changed at their office and they will notify us!

7. Where do I pay my property taxes?

Property taxes can be paid at the Ouachita Parish Tax Assessors Office at 301 South Grand Street in Monroe LA.

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Public Transit

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1. What are your hours of operation?

Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 7:30 am-4:30 pm and closed on weekends.

2. How far in advance do I need to call for a ride?

you must call 24-48 hours in advance to schedule ride.

3. How do I pay for my ride?

You pay the driver.

4. Does the bus go to Monroe?

WOPT only goes to medical offices and federal buildings in Monroe.

5. Does the transit bus pick up at residences in Monroe?

No.  All rides must originate in West Monroe.

6. How many carry-on items can a passenger have?

Passengers are responsible for carry-on bags.  No more than 3-4 bags per person.  All carry-on items must be placed under the passenger's seat or on his/her lap.  This includes groceries.

7. Are buses handicap accessible?

All transit buses are handicap accessible, but transit is unable to provide service to/from the ER or to/from medical procedures.

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Public Works

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1. Are there any items that the city trash service will not pick up?

For questions regarding trash intended for pick up by the city, please call the City Complex at 318-325-0496.

2. What is the commercial treatment plant charge?

The treatment plant charge is $1.20 per thousand gallons.

3. What is the garbage charge for commercial accounts?

There is a $16.10 fee for garbage collection per can. We no longer provide commercial dumpster service for pickup.

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Water & Sanitation Services

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1. How can I pay my utility bill ?

The City of West Monroe Utility Department accepts the following forms of payment:  cash, checks, money orders, Visa and Master debit/credit cards. 

Payments can be made via:

• Online One-Time Payments (debit and credit cards only - a 3% service fee will be charged for credit card use):   www.cityofwestmonroe.com/paywaterbill
• Kiosk Machine outside of City Hall accepts cash, debit and credit cards only 24/7/365 (change is not provided)
• Night Drop box located out front of City Hall; preferred payments are check and money order only
• Auto draft payments offered via checking account with a voided check
• US Postal Service for your mailing options 
• As always, we will be happy to assist in the utility department, located just inside of City Hall

Helpful Hints:

www.doxo.com is not affiliated with the City of West Monroe website

If receipts are not provided by the Kiosk, please feel free to visit the water department or contact us at 318-397-6898

2. What is the residential sewage charge?

$8.48 is the flat rate for sewage.

3. What is the monthly charge for residential water?

For residential water, there is a $6.75 water minimum charge. Everyone pays this amount. $2.87 is charged for each thousand gallon. We measure in thousands of gallons.

4. What is the monthly charge for residential garbage ?

$16.50 is the garbage collection fee for one can. There is an additional charge of $13.60 for each additional can. Three cans is the maximum.

5. What is the treatment plant charge?

The amount charged for the treatment plant for residential is $3.13 per thousand gallons. This charge is dependent on the amount of water you use. The amount charged for a commercial is $3.48 per thousand gallons.

6. What is the amount of a residential water deposit?

The amount of the deposit for a residential account is $85. This fee includes all water services.

7. What is the amount of a commercial water deposit?

The amount for a commercial deposit is $50.

8. What is the monthly charge for commercial water?

 

For commercial water, there is a flat rate of $12 to $27, depending on the meter size. This includes 0 to 999 gallons of water. Everyone pays this charge. Commercial charges are reflective of water usage, excluding the garbage fee. $3.34 is charged for every thousand gallons after the minimum. We measure in thousands of gallons.

9. What is the monthly charge for commercial garbage ?

Commercial garbage service is $ 20.10 per can per month.

10. What is the monthly charge for commercial sewage?

There is a flat rate of $8.48 for sewerage collection which includes up to 10,000 gallons of usage. Thereafter the fee is $2.07 per thousand depending on water usage.