HomeMy WebLinkAbout(4) MARDI GRAS/CITY SERVICESUnbilled Mardi Gras Expenditures
2002 2001
Water 1,675.44 1,438.20
Fire 498.22 1,112.12
Police 1,566.56 2,273.60
Public Works
Streets 10,068.00 6,330.94
Drainage 1,558.90 1,529.72
EJectrical 4,439.11 5,030.56
Solid Waste 2,941.68 1,829.13
Total Estimated Unbilled 22,747.91 19,544.27
Total Billed Costs
47,693.83 53,486.03
Unbilled Costs for other activities
Juneteeth MLK Bethlehem
Water 309.98
Solid Waste 81.20 40.60 40.60
Electrical 2,432.23 6,381.52
Drainage 392.53
Streets 1,632.68 463.83 451.30
4,848.62 504.43 6,873.42
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
STEVE FITZGIBBONS, CITY MANAGER
DALE L. WATSON, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING
MARDI GRAS
02/13/03
The City Council at its meeting of January 28, 2003 raised several questions concerning
Mardi Gras. I will attempt to pmvide answers to those questions.
1. Is Mardi Gras a tax-exempt organization?
Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas was established as a 504 C (4) tax-exempt
organization in 1992 by eighteen Port Arthur non-profit organizations. Each of these
organizations contributed $5,000 to pay the cost of conducting the first Mardi CJras.
These organizations also provide many of the hundreds of volunteers that it takes to
put on this event every year.
Representatives fiom these organizations make up the board of directors and make all
decisions relative to Mardi Gras.
2. Was Mardi Gras donated land at 601 Procter Street to build their storage
building?
In 1993, the building on this property was in the process of being demolished by the
owner. As a result of a fire and in the interest of public safety, the Fire Department
halted demolition. This created a controversy between the owner and the City. This
was complicated by the fact that the owner had been paid in advance for bricks and
other salvage items from the building. The City asked Mardi Gras to assist in this
problem. Mardi Gras agreed to buy the building fi'om the owner and settle the claims
of approximately 20 citizens who had paid for salvage materials. Mardi Gras
purchased the property and donated it to the City. The City then demolished the
building.
As a result of the assistance provided by Mardi Gras, they were granted right of first
refusal should the City later wish to dispose of the property or should Mardi Gras
have a use for it. Mardi Gras later requested that they be permitted to construct the
present structure on the property and donate it to the City in return for a 25-year lease
at $1.00 per year. Mardi Gras is responsible for all maintenance and insurance.
3. What organizations make up Mardi Gras and who is on the board of directors?
Org~niTation
American Italian Club
Golden Triangle Cajun Club
Knights of Peter Claver # 18
Knights of Peter Claver #182
Lindley Foundation
Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce
Port Arthur Evening Sertoma
Port Arthur Noon Sertoma
South Jefferson County Center
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Board Member
Mary Colletti
Lou Boudain
Sylvester Chavis
Arthur Pillette
Felix Ramirez
Kris Adam
Donald Varing
Joe Collette
Raymond Depwe
Rosa Chavis
St. Catherine Catholic Church Barbara Norwood
St. Catherine Catholic PTO Alice Robbins
St. Catherine Catholic School Ann Marceaux
Foundation
St. James Catholic Church Pete Manuel
St. Johns Catholic Church
St. Joseph Catholic Church
St. Mary Catholic Church
St. Mary Hospital Fo.ndation
Mary Bell Lewis
Joe Richard
Harold Manuel
Emily Taylor
Officers of the Board are:
Chairman
Treasurer
First Vice President
Vice President
Secretary
Second Vice President
President
Mary Bell Lewis
Joseph Richard
Mary Bell Lewis
Laura Childress
Emily Taylor
Sylvester Chavis
Floyd Marceaux
The Retail Merchants Association has recently been added as the nineteenth member
organization. Retail Merchants has provided staff'mg at no cost to Mardi Gras since
its inception.
4. Does Mardi Gras make money?
Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas has taken in more money than it spends on the event
each year. This money is used to fund the event for the following year, establish a
reserve fund that would provide funding for the event in case there is a year in which
the event has a bad year, establish a capital fund for the purchase of additional assets
2
and the payment of money to each of the founding organizations for use as they see
fit, as permitted by their non-profit stares. These organizations have received the
following repayments:
1993 $500
1994 $500
1995 $1,000
1996 $1,000
1997 $1,000
1998 $1,000
1999 $2,000
2000 $2,000
2001 $2,500
2002 $4,000
A copy of the Mardi Gras accountant's revenue and expense statemem is attached
(Exhibit "A") covering FY2001 and FY2002.
5. Are there other Mardi Gras festivals? Do they charge an entry fee?
I have only been able to idemify two other Mardi Gras celebrations similar to the
celebration we have here. Those are in Galveston and Lafayette. I have attached
(Exhibit "B") an article about the Galveston Mardi Gras that explains how it is funded
and the fees that they charge. To summarize the article, until this year the City of
Galveston has funded the entire cost and charges an entry fee roughly twice that of
our local Mardi Gras and still lost $350,000 last year. Starting this year the Galveston
Mardi Gras will be funded by the Park Board. While not the City, the Park Board is a
public board funded primarily by parking fees on Galveston's public beaches.
The Lafayette Mardi Gras is funded by donations, sponsorships and the Lafayette
Convention and Visitors Commission. They do not charge an entry fee for any
activities but do charge $5.00 for parking.
Most Mardi Gras celebrations consist of parades only and do not charge. The cost of
security and traffic control is normally provided at no charge by the City.
It should be noted that of the approximate 300,000 people who attend local Mardi
Gras of Southeast Texas each year only 40,000 are paid attendees. The majority of
those enjoying the Mardi Gras celebration attend on the free night Thursday or watch
the parades outside the compound. In effect, those 40,000 are funding the Mardi Gras
celebration for the other 260,000.
6. Is sales tax paid on purchases made at Mardi Gras?
All vendors at Mardi Gras are required to have a sales tax certificate fi.om the State
Comptrollers office. The Comptrollers Office asks Mardi Gras for a list of vendors
each year to determine if they have all applied for a sales tax certificate. In addition,
for the past several years the Comptrollers Office has made an onsite check of
vendors during Mardi Gras to verify all vendors had the required tax certificate.
7. Is Mardi Gras a benefit to the City?
A survey (Exhibit "C") conducted during the 2000 Mardi Gras showed that
approximately only 22% of the attendees are fi.om Port Arthur and 50% of those
attendin4g were from outside the area. These attendees bought gasoline, stayed in
local motels and spent money at local businesses.
The Lafayette Convemion and Visitors Commission was the subject of a study
(Exhibit "D") to determine the economic benefit to the City. This study shows that
the average visitor spent $56 per day. Even if one makes the most conservative
estimate and assumes that all attendees outside of the gates are Port Arthur residents,
visitor spending in Port Arthur would be $1.6 million.
4
EXHIBIT A
MAZ Ja &
CERTIFIED ~BLIC ACCOUNTANTS
2931 PARKP~ RO. BOX~
Po~ AmuR. TEXAS 77~3
Terepuo~ (409) 982-9405
May 9, 2002
To The Board of Directors
Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas,
Port Arthur, Texas
Inc.
We have compiled the accompanying statements of assets,
liabilities, and nee assets income uax basis of Mardi Gras of
Southeast Texas, Inc. (a nonprofit corporation) as of April 30,
2002 and 2001, and the related statements of unrestricted
revenues and expenses income tax basis for the twelve months
ended April 30, 2002 and 2001, and the accompanying supplementary
information contained in the schedule, which is presented only
for supplementary analysis purposes, in accordance with
Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services issued
by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. These
financial statemenus and supplementary information have been
prepared on the accounting basis used by the organization for
income tax purposes, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting
other than generally accepted accounting principles.
A compilation is limited to presenting in the form of financial
statements and supplementary schedules information that is the
representation of management. We have not audited or reviewed the
accompanying financial statements and the supplementary schedule
and, accordingly, do not express an opinion or any other form of
assurance on them.
Management has elected to omit substantially all of the
disclosures ordinarily included in financial statements and
supplementary information prepared on the income tax basis of
accounting. If the omitted disclosures were included in the
financial statements and supplementary information, they might
influence the user's conclusions about the organization's assets,
liabilities, net assets, revenues, and expenses. Accordingly,
these financial statements and supplementary information are not
designed for those who are not informed about such matters.
Ce~l~ied Public Accountants
MARDI GRAS OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS, INC.
STA%~MENTS OF UNRESTRICTED REVENUES AND EXPENSES
FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS AND TWELVE MONTHS ENDED APRIL
INCOME TAX BASIS
30, 2002 AND 2001
This Year Last Year Variance
REVENUES
Admission - Gate
Admission - Advance tickets
MKA dues
MKA costumes
Mardi Gras store
Munchkin parade
Truck parade
- Sponsors - General
Concessions - Arts & Crafts
Concessions - Food vendors
Concessions - Games
Concessions - Beverages
Parking
Rentals
Teen Aurora
Interest income
Gain (loss) on sales of assets
Miscellaneous income
TOTAL REVENUES
EXPENSES
Advertising
Artwork/Poster
Bank service charges
Barricades
City services
Concerts - Music
Concerts - Staging
Concessions - Beverages
Concessions - Equipment
Contributions
Credit card fees
Depreciation expense
Dues and subscriptions
Entertainment and fireworks
Fencing supplies
Insurance - General
Legal and professional
MKA expenses
Mardi Gras store
Office expense
Permits
Port 0 Lets
Postage & Freight
Printing - Outside services
Private security
Rental - Floats
Rental - Others
Rental - Events
$
$
202,019 $ 167,041 $ 34,978
63,044 77,663 (14,619)
33,020 41,868 (8,848)
19,666 16,623 3,043
29,223 32,310 (3,087)
215 580 (365)
6,500 4,800 1,700
88,750 79,300 9,450
16,125 15,895 230
34,485 32,075 2,410
18,250 23,705 (5,455)
104,285 117,187 (12,902)
940 1,128 (188)
20,150 26,330 (6,180)
2,475 2,000 475
17,860 11,780 6,080
0 1,050 (1,050)
0 4,916 (4,916)
657,007 5 656,251 $ 756
33,904 $ 25,980
5,330 5,393
33 45
10,101 0
50,455 60,594
24,700 31,793
14,899 16,600
36,540 41,961
0 6,455
77,000 45,000
616 628
40,225 42,401
588 237
17,634 13,908
4,450 3,615
13,708 12,567
1,250 1,525
93,510 84,706
25,834 26,943
37 2,000
730 888
4,200 4,200
238 0
1,576 1,321
52,613 38,324
15,550 19,450
10,800 0
6,789 11,567
$ 7,924
(63)
(12)
10,10i
(10 139)
(7 093)
(1 701)
(5 421)
(6 455)
32 000
(12)
(2,176)
351
3,726
835
1,141
(275)
8,804
(1,109)
(1,963)
(158)
0
238
255
14,289
(3,900)
10,800
(4,778)
See accountants'
compilation
report.
MARDI GRAS OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS, INC.
~STA%~MENTS OF UNRESTRICTED REVENUES AND EXPENSES - INCOME TAX BASIS
FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS AND TWELVE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2002 AND 2001
This Year Last Year Variance
Repairs and maintenance
Taxes - Sales
Taxes - Property
Teen Aurora expenses
Utilities
TOTAL EXPENSES
NET INCOME
10,940 12,798 (1,858)
3,701 2,075 1,626
1,710 1,696 14
3,926 1,896 2,030
2,150 3,719 (1,569)
565,737 $ 520,285 $ 45,452
91,270 $ 135,966 $ (44,696)
See accountants' compilation report.
EXHIBIT B
Page 1 of 2
Subj: Galveston slashes Mardi Gras budget
Date: 10/27/02 1:13:29 PM Central Standard Time
From: dub42435~,yahoo.com
Reply-to: dub42435(~.ih2000, net
To: benii(~.portarthu r. net, Fmarceaux~,aol.com
Sent from the Intemet (Details)
Thousands slashed from Mardi Gras budget
By Richard Massey
The Daily News
Published October 27, 2002
GALVESTON -- City councilman Johnny Smecca announced
Friday that about $115,000 has been shaved off the
Mardi Gras budget.
The cuts were made in the area dedicated to essential
city services: public safety, sanitation, traffic
control and emergency operations. The preliminary
budget is $600,000, down from last year's figure of
$715.000.
The cuts ara not expected to compromise the safety of
the thousands who come here each year to drink, party
and jockey for beads.
The annual push to secure public safety and
entertainment arrangements for Mardi Gras is in full
swing, as city officials and park board staffers ara
solidifying the budget, sponsors and entertainment
lineup.
The event, which will celebrate the r~jAu:u~sts of the
world, is expected to attract up--people to
the island over bNO weekends. "---'7/~',,
Smecca. who serves as council representative to the
park board, is working with city officials to create a
tight budget that still meets security and sanitation
needs.
This is the first year the park board would pay for
all expenses and receive all revenues. The city will
front the money for city services and be compensated
shortly after the event by the park board.
In November, the city and the board are supposed to
ratify an agreement outlining the reimbursement terms.
The agreement cedes $1 of ticket sales -- ~3rojected to
generate $60,000 -- back to the city. The money is to
be used to provide city services for smaller events
that focus on the local community. "At this point.
we've put a lot of work into making this happen." said
Smecca.
He said that in the past, city department heads
basically set aside a pile of money similar to what
Monday, October 28, 2002 America Online: Fmarceaux
Page 2 of 2
had been set aside in the previous year.
"V¥~ don't accept that," said Smecca, who on Friday
huddled with park board trustee Gemj DelPrete, park
board administrator Lou Muller, police chief Bob
Pierce, fire chief Danny V~ber, traffic manager Mike
Ddcks and emergency management director Eliot
Jennings.
The individual budge~;s for police, fire protection,
traffic control, sanitation, the shedffs department,
code enforcement and emergency operations were
reviewed.
Extra attention has been paid to the budget this year
because the city is assuming a risk by fronting Mardi
Gras dollars to the park board.
City Manager Steve LeBlanc has been blunt in his goal
that the city "be made whole" after the event. Last
year, the city lost about $350,000.
Smecca said he was pleased with what he and the Mardi
Gras team had accomplished. "That's what you're
supposed to do as a council member," he said.
Chris W3olwine, special events manager for the park
board, along with special projects coordinator Brett
Foley, is handling the bulk of the planning at the
staff level. VVoolwine and Foley have wrangled
sponsorships and have lined up nine acts for the first
weekend of Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras:
First weekend: Feb. 21-23
Second weekend: Feb 28 - March 2
Fat Tuesday: March 4
ay: $15 -- ~
Saturday: $20 ~
'"---........~ay: $5, 12 and under free ~
Proposed budget for city services during Mardi Gras:
Police: $253,000
Fire: $12,500
Sheriffs department: $88,000
Code enforcement: $4,000
Emergency operations center. $12,500
Sanitation: $80,000
Traffic control: $80,000
Supplies: $70,000
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Monday, October 28, 2002 America Online: Fmarceaux
EXHIBIT C
CREDIT BUREAU
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EXHIBIT D
THE ECONOMI(~ IM A(~T
| OF MA~I 6RAS O~ TIIE
CITY OF lAFAYETTE
2000
·
This study would not have been successful without the generous support of Mr. Gerald
Breaux, Executive Director of Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission and Mr.
Val Domingue from the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association. A task of
this magnitude could not be conducted by one's self and I would like to recognize those
who helped produce this study. First, John Tanner, Ph.D., the Melvin R. Boesch Regents
Professor in Business Administration and Professor of Business Systems Analysis, and
Technology, who performed the pain staking task of looking at all the survey responses
and using statistical analysis to make sense so we can understand the results; Ms. Melanie
Meche, Instructor of Business Systems Analysis, and Technology, and Ms. Becky Noto,
Instructor of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management for their time consuming task
of entering the survey data; Ms. Coty Begnaud, Graduate Research Assistant, for all her
help and organizational skills; Ms. Wendy Coats for all the time and patience to put all
the charts and graphs together; and the students in the School of Human Resources who
helped survey tourists during the Mardi Gras parades when most of their classmates were
partying and enjoying the festivities. A special thanks to the hotels of Lafayette who
allowed us to place the surveys in their lobbies so the tourists could fill them out at their
leisure during their stay. I hope the results of this research project are beneficial to the
Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association, LCVC and the City of Lafayette.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jerome F. Agrusa
Principal Investigator
TABI~ O1~ comPActS
.
RESULTS OF THE STUDY.'INTRODUCTION EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. ! PREFATORY NOTE ........ ...... ..... ........ i ....... i ..............iii24 1
PART ONE: Tourists & Day-Trippers ................... 4
PART TWO: Krewe Members ......................... 9
SUMMARY OF RESULTS... 12
COMPARISON OF RESULTS: 1998, 199 ~& 2000 ............ 15
REFERENCES ............................ 24
ii
PREFATORY NOTE
This report was developed fi.om primary data collection by interviews ofkrewe members
as well as tourists. That is, the figures Used in the analysis of The Economic Impact of
Mardi Gras on Lafayette were derived fi.om surveys collected and do not represent
speculative estimates.
iii
(
(
(
:
For the third consecutive year a study was undertaken to determine the economic impact of the
2000 Mardi Gras season to the Lafayette area. The overall total spending and tax revenues that
are generated during the carnival season are tremendous. The premise of this research report was
to determine how much money was spent by krewe members and guests for the balls and
parades, as well as, how much money was spent by tourists who visit and participate in the
Lafayette Mardi Gras. The study was conducted fi.om March 3 to March 7, 2000, and 774
surveys were collected during that time.
Slightly more than half (50.4%) of the respondents reported that this was their f~rst visit to
Lafayette for Mardi Gras. Forty-siX states, the District of Columbia and eight different countries
were represented in the sample. Most of the visitors came fi.om neighboring states with Texas
providing the largest pementage of all visitors (23.4%). As fo~ international visitors, Canada had
the highest representation with over 3% (3.4%).
Most of the respondents (62.4%) indicated that family and friends provided the greatest influence
on their decision to attend Lafayette Mardi Gras. Other sources of information were
comparatively marginal. Word of mouth, mentioned by 12.8% of the respondents, and the
Internet (8.2%) were the other most influential sources of information.
Most visitors stay with friends and family (39.7%), followed by people staying in commercial
acco. mmodations such as hotel and motels (38%). When asked the number of nights they were
staying on this excursion to Lafayette, 85.4% reported 2 oO, r more nights _a~_,d over half (52.9%)
reported to staying 4 nights or more. The majority (72.7 ~) of the visitors means of
transportation to Lafayette was by automobile, while the second largest means of transportation
reported was airplane (16.7%).
There are approximately 25 non-parading krewes and 16 parading krewes with an average
membership of 125 members in each krewe in the Lafayette area. Information gathered from the
krewe members in this study reported that the average float rider spends $354.76 on throws.
When asked how much money krewe members spent on the parade float itself, the average
response was $237.02.
A~,,Ithough ~ ~s the parades that lure tourists, much of the money is spent on the balls and dinners.
~ne size of the ball can be from a few hundred guests to over 2,000 celebrants and guests, which
has to be ,held in a large arena. When asked how many balls the krewe member attended during
this years Mardi Gras season, the response was an average of 2.44 balls, with over 17.4% of the
respondents reporting they attended 4 or more balls.
According to the responses, krewe members spent an average of $268.80 to attend each ball.
when asked how much money they spent on clothes (i.e. tuxedo rental, ball gowns, etc.) during
the Mardi Gras season, the krewe members indicated an average of $387.97.
Tourism has become very significant, both socially and economically. It is one of the fastest
growing economic activities in many regions of the United States. Travel and tourism is
Louisiana's second largest industry and has helped to stabilize the local economy that was once
dominated by the petroleum industry. In 1997, the Louisiana travel industry generated travel-
related spending of $7.3 billion on transportation, lodging, food, entertainment, recreation, and
shopping (Louisiana Welcome Center Vis~tors Survey 1999 Final Report). Total estimated
statewide employment for the tourism industry in 1996 was 94,190 (Lafayette Convention and
Visitors Commission 1998 Marketing Report).
Over the past few years, tourism in Louisiana has increased significantly. This is due to the vast
amount of festivals and special events that the state holds annually. Many of these festivals are
centered around the tradition and culture of the state and are held in New Orleans. One of the
largest festivals held in New Orleans is Mardi Gras. According to the Greater New Orleans
Tourist and Convention Commission, Mardi Gras is defined as a period when hundreds of
thousands of citizens and visitom give expression to their festive feelings before the Lenten
period of fast (1966). Mardi Gras in New Orleans is without a doubt, the largest, happiest and
most widely known festival throughout the year, where all revelers say "Laissez les bun temps
rouler" or "Let the good times roll". It has also been said, "People in Louisiana know how to
throw a party. They always do it "well". Most of the time they do it "better". Once a year they
do it "best" ("Mardi Gras," 1993, p.1).
Mardi Gras in New Orleans has always brought tourists from far and wide and, because of its
high popularity, has had a strong economic impact on the city of New Orleans. A recent study
conducted by James McLain, an economics professor at The University of New orleans, has
shown that New Orleans is impacted each year by Mardi Gras in the $800-900 million range
(1998).
However New Orleans is not the only area in Louisiana where Mardi Gras is celebrated. Some
claim that Lafayette, Louisiana has been recognized as having one of the largest Mardi Gras
celebrations in the state. (Mamalakis, 1975). The parish of Lafayette serves as the focal point of
the Southwestern region of Louisiana, also known as Acadiana. This portion of Louisiana is an
area that is rich in local culture. This area came to be known as Acadiana when French-speaking
Acadians from Nova Scotia were forced from their homeland for refusing to swear allegiance to
the British crown in 1755 (National Parks Service, 1992). Those who were exiled journeyed to
the Louisiana territory to fred new homes along the fertile bayous and prairies of South
Louisiana. By the turn of the 19th century, between three thousand and four thousand Acadians
had arrived and settled in the Southern region of Louisiana now known as Acadiana (National
Parks Service, 1992).
Lafayette is called the capital of Acadiana, an eight-parish area in Southwest Louisiana that was
settled by the Acadians. The culture and traditions of Lafayette remain uniquely "Cajun"
(Acadian). The city has a large number of French-speaking inhabitants and is renowned for its
Cajun and Creole cuisine (The Encyclopedia Americana, 1996). The area also has numerous
festivals that are unique to its Cajun, Creole, and German cultures. One of the largest festivals in
this area is indeed Mardi Gras. Because of its increasing popularity, Mardi Gras in Lafayette has
grown over the past years and has consequently had an impact on the city of Lafayette
(Campbell, 1998).
For purposes of this study, a tourist or visitor was defined as a Mardi Gras parade viewer who is
not a resident of Lafayette or the Lafayette area. The official definition of a "tourist," according
to the U.S. Department of Commerce, is one who has traveled 100 miles or farther and who
stayed overnight at the destination. However, the researchers agreed that a Mardi Gras visitor
who is not a resident of Lafayette or the Lafayette area should be categorized as a tourist. Due to
the difficulty of estimating the size of the study population (i.e. number of non-Lafayette resident
visitors) and pragmatic constraints of time and money, a convenient, quota sample of 500 was
determined as the target sample size. The completed questionnaire surveys were treated with
data coding and analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was performed.
Purpose: The purpose of this project was to establish a base line of data information relative to
the following questions.
(1) What is the profile of visitors who attend Mardi Gras in Lafayette?
(2) What type of communication channels were effective (or not effective) in publicizing
and promoting Mardi Gras in Lafayette?
(3) What is the estimated tourist spending associated with Mardi Gras?
(4) What is the estimated la'ewe member spending associated with Mardi Gras?
4
OF Ttli)Y
PART ONE: TOURISTS & DAY-TRIPPERS
There were 774 tourists interviewed during the 2000 Mardi Gras parades. Forty-six states, the
District of Columbia and eight different countries including Spain; Belgium, Sweden, Puerto
Rico, Venezuela, France, Great Britain, and Canada were represented in the sample. Again in
2000 as in 1999, Canada had the highest representation with over 3.4 percent. Of the 46 states Of
origin, an overwhelming majority of tourists came from Texas, representing over 23 percent
(23.4%) of the sample population.
First Visit to Lafayette Mardi Gras
When asked if this was their first visit to Lafayette for Mardi Gras, over 50 percent of those
surveyed stated "yes" (see Table 1).
Table 1 First Visit to Lafayette Mardi Gras
390 50.4
380 49.1
4 .5
774 100.0
S_Sources of Information about Lafayette Mardi Gras
When asked how they heard about Mardi Gras in Lafayette, 62.4% stated family and fi'lends,
12.8% stated word of mouth, 2.7% stated newspaper, only 4% stated Iravel brochure, and the
remaining 17.7% responded to other with almost half (8.2%) of the 17.7% stating the intemet
was their source of information (see Table 2).
Table 2 Sources of Information
31 4.0
99 12.8
483 62.4
21 2.7
137 17.7
3 .4
774 100.0
Travel Itinerary of Mardi Gras Guests
When asked the number of nights that hotel guests were staying on this excursion to Lafayette,
over 85% (85.4%) stated two or more nights and over 52% (52.9%) reported to staying four or
more nights. The longer the tourist stays in the Lafayette area, the greater the economic impact
will be.
When asked about the number of people they were traveling with, 73% of the respondents stated
two or more, with 22.4% stating five or more traveling companions. When asked about their
means of transportation t? Lafayette, 72.7% of tourists stated automobile and 16.7% stated
airplane, which allows the Lafayette airport to collect airport taxes that are directly related to
Mardi Gras. When asked where the respondents stayed, 38% of the respondents stayed in hotels
or motels.
Visitor's Accommodations
Most visitors (39.7%) stay with friends and familY, followed by people staying in commercial
accommodations such as hotels and motels (38 %) (see Table 3).
Table 3 Visitor's Accommodations
38.0
1.7
39.7
8.5
9.9
2.2
774 100.0
L~afayette Mardi Gras Parade Attendance
Every year there seems to be more tourists coming to celebrate Mardi Gras in Lafayette. The
Lafayette parades are much more family-oriented than those in New Orleans, and with the
increase in crime, violence, and expense in New Orleans, The Lafayette Mardi Gras will
continue to grow even larger for years to come. When surveyed, tourists' number one concern
when traveling is safety, not price, especially those who travel with families.
To determine the direct economic impact of Mardi Gras 2000 in Lafayette, the number of parade
hewers (people attending the Mardi Gras parades) has to be established. With the increased
popularity ofLafayette's Mardi Gras and the time of the year, early March (3-7), it was
determined that just over a million people (1,039,554) viewed the four days of parades in
Lafayette. This was an increase of 8% over 1999's Mardi Gras parades' attendance (see Table
4).
The 1998 Mardi Gras, was the first year that Lafayette had a Friday night parade. The Friday
night parade was established to help lower the congestion during parade days by spreading the
parades fxom three days to four days. Due to the success of the Friday night parade in 1998 and
1999 it was continued again in 2000.
Table 4 Mardi Gras Parade Attendance
447,120
201,204
No Parade
257,094
134,136
1,039,554
Hotel Guests' Expenditures
There are 4165 hotel rooms in Lafayette and according to the survey, an average of 2.8 persons
stayed in each hotel room. The hotels were at 87% occupancy for the Mardi Gras weekend
celebration (Friday through Tuesday). (4165) (.87) = 3623 rooms where there were minimum
night stay restrictions placed on the hotel guests by some of the hotels. The Mardi Gras
celebration lasts four days in Lafayette: (3623) (4) = 14,492 room nights. Due to the number
of businesses in Lafayette that close during the Mardi Gms holiday, it is established that 86
percent of the occupied hotel rooms were occupied as a direct result of the Mardi Gras festival.
Therefore there were 12,463 occupied rooms as a direct result ofMardi Gras [total rooms
occupied 14,492 (.86) = 12,463 Mardi Gras room nights]. The average hotel rate for the Mardi
Ca'as season is $83.00. There was (12,463) ($83) = $1,034,429.00 in hotel spending for Mardi
Gras, which generated $108,615.04 in taxes [($1,034,429) (10.5%) hotel tax = $108,615.04] and
generated $20,688.58 in tax revenue for the city of Lafayette [($1,034,429 (.02) = $20,688.58
direct city taxes]. ~
The number of tourists who stayed in hotel rooms during the four day Mardi Gras celebration
was (12,463) (2.8) persons = 34,896.4. The 34,896 visitors who stayed in hotels for the carnival
season, according to the survey responses, spent an average of $37.10 per day on food and
$23.26 per day on drinks and miscellaneoUS items for a total of $60.36 per day [($60.36)
(34,896) = $2,106,322.50 in food and miscellaneous spending]. Tax revenue generated to the
city of Lafayette was $42,126.45 [($2,106,322.50) (.02) -- $42,126.45]. The survey determined
that hotel guests spent an average of $104.95 on gifts [(3,623) (.86) = 3,115 ($104.95)] --
$326,919.25 in total spending and ($326,919.25) (.02) = $6,538.38 in direct tax revenue for the
city of Lafayette.
There were a total of 1,039,554 parade-viewers over the four days ofMardi Gras parades, and if
one subtracts those who stayed in hotels, a total of 1,027,091 parade-viewers were day-trippers,
visitors staying at campgrounds, and visitors staying in local families' homes or with friends in
college dorms. According to the survey responses, these two groups of parade-viewers spend
$28.46 per day on food and $28.50 per day on miscellaneous items (snacks and drinks) for a total
of $56.96 per day.
It is estimated that 80 percent of the food, drink, and miscellaneous items that parade viewers
purchased was done in Lafayette. With these figures, a total of $936,049.64 [(1,027,09'1)
($56.96) = ($58,503,103) (.80) = $46,802,482 (.02) = $936,049.64] in direct city tax dollars were
generated by these two categories of parade viewers.
Consideration to Return to Lafayette Mardi ~ras
Of all the tourists, day-trippers and visitors staying in local families' or friends' homes, less than
3 percent (2.8%) stated that they would not return to Lafayette to celebrate Mardi Gras (see
Table 5).
Table 5 Consideration to Return to Lafayette Mardi Gras
716 92.5
22 2.8
36 4.7
774 100.0
PART TWO: KREWE MEMBERS
There are approximately twenty-five non-parading krewes and sixteen parading krewes (another
parade was added this year) with an average membership of one hundred twenty five members in
each krewe in the Lafayette area.
Individual Parade Expenditures
Information gathered from krewe members in this study stated that the average float rider spends
$354.76 on throws. With 149 floats and an average of twenty riders per float, $1,054,920 [(149)
(20) = 2980 ($354) = $1,054,920] was spent on throws. It is assumed that 70 percent of the
dollars spent on throws represents spending within the city of Lafayette. Direct city tax dollars
from throws is $14,768.88 [($1,054,920) (.70) = $738,444 (.02) = $14,768.88] (see Table 6).
Table 6 Money Spent by Krewe Members on Mardi Gras Throws
54 24
41 18.2
60 26.7
30 13.3
13 5.8
12 5.3
15 6.7
225 100.0
When the survey asked how much money krewe members spent on the parade float, the average
response was $237.02. This amount multiplied by the 2,980 parade riders yields $706,319.60 of
direct spending on the floats, which will account for $14,126.39 [($706,319.60) (.02) =
$14,126.39] in taxes for the city of Lafayette.
10
Number ofMardi Gras Ball~ Attended
When surveyed how many balls the krewe member attended during the 2000 Mardi Gras season,
the response was an average of 2.44 balls~ with 17.6 percent of the respondents stating they
attended four or more balls (see Table 7):'
Table 7 Number of Balls Attended thistMardi Gras Season
53
70
55
21
17 7.6
9 4
225 100.0
Krewe Members' Expenditures at Mardi Gras Balls
Although it is the parades that lure tourists, a great deal of the money is spent on the balls and
dinners. The size of the ball can nm fi.om a few hundred guests to over two thousand celebrants
and guests which has to be held in a large arena. The figures generated in this section are
extremely conservative and include only those that were received from the survey responses by
krewe members. These figures do not include the mount of money that was spent by invited
guests to the balls.
According to the survey, krewe members spent an average of $268.80 to attend each ball, wh/ch
generated $67,226.88 [(41) (125) = 5125 ($268.80) = $1,377,600 (2.44) = $3,361,344 (.02) =
$67,226.88] in direct city tax dollars.
When asked how much money krewe members spent on clothes (i.e. tuxedo rental, ball gowns,
etc.) during the Mardi Gras season, the krewe members' response indicated an average of
$387.97. The ladies wear gowns and long dresses to balls and dances. Some of the balls and
dances are highly formal, including elbow-length white gloves and accessories. It is assumed
that each lady attending any ball would purchase a new gown or dress. As for the male krewe
:
:
:
:
,,
lB
I
!
!
IJ
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
11
members, committeemen, or invited guests who rent or purchase their tuxedo or formal wear,
their spending per ball is much lower than that of the lady. It is assumed that 70 percent of all
clothes bought for Mardi Crras are purchased in the city of Lafayette. Therefore, $67,921.90
[($387.97) (5,125) = $1,988,346.20 (2.44) -- $4,851,564.70 (.70) = $3,396,095.20 (.02) =
$67,921.90] in direct taxes were generated for the city of Lafayette.
When asked how much krewe members spent on hairstyles, haircuts, nails, etc. during this Mardi
Gras season, the survey indicated an average of $148.81. Hence ($148.81) (5,125) =
$762,651.25 (.02) = $15,253.03 was generated in Lafayette city taxes. It is assumed that 100
percent of the halrstyling, haircuts, nails, etc. are purchased in the city of Lafayette.
When asked how much krewe members spent on presents or gifts (ball favors), the survey
indicated an average of $295.40 per krewe member and that $22,708.87 in direct taxes generated
for the city of Lafayette. It is assumed that 75 percent of the gifts are purchased in the city of
Lafayette [($295.40) (5,125) = $1,513,925 (.75) = $1,135,443.70 (.02) = $22,708.87].
Krewe Members' Guests Exnenditures at Mardi Gras Ball~
When considering the mount of money spent by ball guests on ball gowns, tuxedo rentals,
halrstyling, and food and drinks, a very conservative figure of $125 is used. Considering also that
each krewe member invited three guests and that only 50 percent of the spending was done in the
City of Lafayette, $19,218.75 [(5,125) (3) = 15,375 ($125) = $1,921,875 (.50) =$960,937.50
(.02) = $19,218.75] in city tax dollars would be generated.
SUSOO_RY OF RESULTS
Total SDendine and Local Government Revenues fi.om Lafayette Mardi C~ras Parades
Through the surveys collected, it has been shown that the total amount of money generated
directly and indirectly by the parade goers by applying a spending multiplier of 2.1 is
$108,601,324.30. Thereby generating a total of $2,172,026.40 total tax revenue for the city of
Lafayette by applying the same multiplier of 2.1.
12
Table 8 2000 Total Spending and Local Government Revenues from Lafayette Mardi
Gras Parades
$1,034,429
$ 2,106,322.50
$ 326,919.25 538.38
$ 46,802,482 $ 936,049.64
$ 738,444 $14,768.88
$ 706,319.60
$14,126.39
$ 51,714,916.35
$1,034,298.30
$ 108,601,324.30
$ 2,172,026.40
Although a figure of 2.1 may appear low, it is justified by the small geographical area of the
study and is supported by current regional and urban economic research, theory, and practice.
The following table shows the breakdown of spending in Lafayette and tax revenue to the city of
Lafayette.
13
Mardi Gras Ball Spending by Krewe Members
The same multiplier of 2.1 was used with carnival ball spending by krewe members as was used
when estimating the multiplier effect for the carnival parades. A total of $18,176,620.25 of
spending in Lafayette by krewe members who attended carnival balls generated $ 363,532.40 in
direct tax dollars for the city of Lafayette.
The $18,176,620.25 of spending indicated in the table below is attributed to krewe members for
Mardi Gras balls only, and is exclusive of any money spent by their guests for Mardi Gras balls.
The following table shows the breakdown of Krewe Members' spending at Mardi Gras Balls in
Lafayette and tax revenue to the city of Lafayette.
Table 9 Mardi Gras Ball Spending by Krewe Members
$ 3,361,344
$ 67,226.88
$ 3,396,095.20 $ 67,921.90
$ 762,651.25 $15,253.03
$ 22,708.87
$173,110.66
$18,176,620.25
$ 363,532.40
Total Spendin~ of Mardi Gras 2000
Overall, the spending for Mardi Gras Balls in the city of Lafayette is $8,655,533.45 from krewe
members and $960,937.50 from invited ball guests, which is an extremely conservative estimate,
for a total of $9,616,470.95. There was $173,110.66 in direct city taxes generated by krewe
members and $19,218.75 estimated taxes by ball guests for a total of $192,329.41 in direct city
taxes.
14
Table 10 Total Spending ofMardi Gras 2000
$ 51,714,916.35
$1,034,298.30
$ 8,655,533.45
$173,110.66
$ 960,937.50
$ 61,331,387.30
$128,795,913.30
$19,218.75
$1,226,627.74
$ 2,575,918.26
The total spending associated with Lafayette carnival parades is $51,714,916.35, which
generated $1,034,298.30 in direct taxes for the city of Lafayette. By applying a multiplier of 2.1,
the total spending generated in the city of Lafayette is $128,795,913.30 with $ 2,575,918.26
generated in total tax revenue for the city. The following table outlines the total spending and
tax revenue generated during the 2000 Mardi Gras.
COMPARISON OF
TIlE RESETS OF
THE STUDY
1998, 1999 & 2000
15
OMPARI$ON OF THE RESULTS STUDY
The purpose of this study was to do a comparison of the estimated tourist spending and krewe
member spending associated with the 1998, 1999 and 2000 Mardi Gras in Lafayette, Louisiana.
A total of 899 in 1998, 696 in 1999 and 999 in 2000 usable surveys were collected and analyzed
for this report. To help limit the confusion with the comparison of this report, all figures
reported in bold were collected from the 1998 Mardi Gras surveys, all figures reported in black
were collected from the 1999 Mardi Gras surveys and all figures reported underlined were
collected from the 2000 Mardi Gras surveys.
PART ONE: TOURISTS & DAY-TRIPPERS
There were 553 (571) (774) tourists interviewed during the Mardi Gras parades. Thirty- five
(39) (46) states and 8 (4) (8) different counthes were represented in the sample. Mexico,
Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Great Britain, Rio De Janeiro, and England (Spain,
Greece, Great Britain, Canada) (Spain. Belgium. Sweden. Puerto Rico. Venezuela. France. Great
~were the originating countries of the international tourists.
Again in 2000 as in 1999 and 1998, Canada had the highest representation with over two percent.
Of the 35 (39).~6) states of origin, an overwhelming majority of tourists came from Texas,
representing almost 17% (16.9%) (over 25%(25.9%))vLqXIL2~2~~ of the sample
population. When asked if this was their first visit to Lafayette for Mardi Gras, over 38% (50%)
(50%) of those surveyed stated "yes".
Table 1 First Visit to Lafayette Mardi Gras?
When asked how did they hear about Mardi Gras in Lafayette, 47.4% (61.8%) (62.4%) stated
family and friends, 19.7% (15.1%) (12.8%) stated word of mouth, only 4.5% (3%) (4%~ stated
travel brochure, 4.2% (5.4%) (2.7%) stated newspaper and the remaining 21.3% (14.7%)
(17.7~) responded to other.
16
17
Table 2 Sources of Information
Travel Itinerary of Mardi Gras Guests
When asked the number of nights they were staying on this excursion to Lafayette over 76%
(74%) (85%~ stated two or more nights and almost 40% 08.7%) (37% (36.2%)) (53% (52.9%B
responded to staying 4 or more nights.
The longer the tourist stays in the Lafayette area, the greater the economic impact will be. When
asked about the number of people they were traveling with, over 75% (82.8%) (73%~ of the
respondents stated two or more, with 29.3% (31.2%) (22.4%) stating five or more traveling
companions.
When asked about their means of transportation to Lafayette, 75.2% (79%) (72.7%) of tourists
stated automobile and 12.8% (9.3%) (16.7°,/o) stated airplane, which allows the Lafayette airport
to collect airport taxes that are directly related to Mardi Gras. When asked where the
respondents stayed, 39.8% (34%) (38%) of the respondents stayed in hotels or motels.
18
Table 3 Visitor's Accommodations
Lafayette Mardi Gras Parade Attendance
To determine the direct economic impact ofMardi Gras in Lafayette, the number of parade
hewers (people attending the Mardi Gras parades) has to be established. With the increased
popularity of Lafayette's Mardi Gras and the time of the year, mid-February (20-24) (12-16)
(early March 3-7), it was determined that just short of a million people (930,000) (962,550) just
over a million oeoole (1.039.554) viewed the four days of parades in Lafayette.
Table 4 Mardi Gras Parade Attendance
19
There are 3,450 (4000) (4165) rooms in Lafayette and according to the survey, an average of 2.5
(2.5) (2.8) persons stayed in each hotel room. The hotels for the Mardi Gras weekend
celebration (Friday through Tuesday) were at 87% (84%) (87%) occupancy. (3455) (.87) =
3005.85 (4000) (.84) = 3360 (4165) (.87) = 3623 rooms where there were minimum night stay
restrictions placed on the hotel guests by some of the hotels.
The Mardi Gras celebration lasts four days in Lafayette: (3005.85) (4) = 12,023 (3360) (4) =
13,440 (3623) (4) = 14.492 room nights. Due to the number of businesses in Lafayette that close
during the Mardi Gras holiday, it is established that 85% (85%) (86%) of the occupied hotel
rooms were occupied as a direct result of the Mardi Gras festival. Therefore there were 10,219
(11,424) (12.463) occupied rooms as a direct result of Mardi Gras [total rooms occupied 12,023
(.85) = 10,219 13,440 (.85) = 11,424 ~ Mardi Gras room nights]. The
average hotel rate for the Mardi Gras season is $78.00 ($83.00) ($83.00).
There was (10,219) ($78) = $797,082 (11,424) ($83) = $948,192.00 (12.463) ($83) =
$1.034.429.00 in hotel spending for Mardi Gras, which generated $83,693.61 in taxes
[($797,082) (10.5%) hotel tax = $83,693.61] and generated $15,941.64 [($797,082) (.02) =
$15,941.64 direct city taxes] $99,560.16 in taxes [($948,192) (10.5%) hotel tax = $99,560.16]
and generated $18,963.84 [($948,192) (.02) = $18,963.84 direct city taxes] $108,615.04 in taxes
[($1.034.429) (10.5%) hotel tax = $108.615.04] and generated $20.688.58 [($1.034,429 (.02) -
$20.688.58 direct ci_ty taxes] in tax revenue for the city of Lafayette.
The number of tourists who stayed in hotel rooms during the four day Mardi Gras celebration
was (10,2!9) (2.5) persons = 25,547 (11,424) (2.8) persons = 31,987.2 (12.463) (2.8) nersons =
34.896.4. The 25,547 (31,987.2) (34.896) visitors who stayed in hotels for the carnival season,
according to the survey responses, spent an average of $43 ($41.50) ($37.10) per day on food
and $27 ($24) ($23.26) per day on miscellaneous items for a total of $70 ($65.50) ($60.36) per
day ($70) (25,547) = $1,788,325 ($65.50) (31,987) = $2,095,148.50 ($60.36) (34.896) =
$2.106.322.50 in food and miscellaneous spending].
Tax revenue generated to the city of Lafayette was ($1,788,325) (.02) = $35,766.50
($2,095,148.50) (.02) = $41,902.97 ($2.106.322.50) (.02) = $42.126.45. The survey stated that
hotel guests spent an average of $56 ($88) ($104,95) on gifts (3,005) ($56) = $168,280.00
(3,360) ($88) -- $295,680.00 (3.115) ($104.95) = $326.919.25 in total spending and
($168280.00) (.02) = $3,365.60 ($295,680.00) (.02) = $5,913.60 ($326.919.25) (.02) = $6.538.38
in direct tax revenue for the city of Lafayette.
There were a total of 930,000 (962,550) (1.039.554) parade-hewers over the four days of Mardi
Gras parades, and if one subtracts those who stayed in l}otels, a total of 899,943 (930,563)
(1.027.091) parade-hewers were day-trippers and visitors staying in local families' homes or
with friends in college dorms. According to the survey responses, these two groups of parade-
viewers spend $34 ($27) ($28.46) per day on food and drinks and $15 ($25) ($28.50) per day on
miscellaneous items for a total of $49 ($52) ($56.96) per day.
2O
With these figures, a total of $705,555.31 [(899,943) ($49) = ($44,097,207) (.80) =
$35,277,765.60 (.02) = $705,555.31l $774,228.42 [(930,563) ($52) = ($48,389,276) (.80) =
$38,711,420.80 (.02) = $774,228.42] $936.049.64 [(1.027.091) (56.96) = ($58.503.103) (.80) =
$46.802.482 (.02) = $936.049.64] in direct city tax dollars were generated by these two
categories of parade viewers.
Of all the tourists, day-trippers and visitors staying in local families' or friends' homes, less than
3% (2.7%) 2% (1.1%) 3% (2.8%~ stated that they would not return to Lafayette to celebrate
Mardi Gras.
Table 5 Consideration to Return to Lafayette Mardi Gras
PART TWO: KREWE MEMBERS
Official Krewe Spendim,
There are approximately twenty- five non-parading krewes and fifteen fifteen sixteen parading
krewes with an average membership of one hundred twenty five members in each krewe in the
Lafayette area.
Individual Parade Ext~endit~'es
Information gathered from krewe members in this study stated that the average float rider spends
$314.80 rounded to $315 ($356) ($354.76) on throws. With 137 (137) (149) floats and an
average of twenty riders per float, $863,100 [(137) (20) = 2740 ($315) = $863,100.00] $975,440
[(137) (20) = 2740 ($356) = $975,440.00] $1.054.920 [(149) (20'} = 2980 ($354) = $1.054,920]
was spent on throws.
It is assumed that only half the dollars spent on throws represents spending within the city of
Lafayette. Direct city tax dollars fi'om throws is $8,631 [(863,100) 650) = $431,550 (.02) =
$8,631] $12,680.72 [(975,440) (.65) = $634,036 (.02) = $12,680.72] $14.768.88 [($1.054.920)
(.70) = $738,444 (.02) = $14.768.881.
21
Table 6 Money Spent by Krewe Members on Mardi Gras Throws
When the survey asked how much money la'ewe members spent on the parade float, the average
response was $272.60 ($231) ($237.02). This mount multiplied by the 2,740 (2,740) (2.980~
parade riders yields $746,924 ($632,940) ($706.319.60) of direct spending on the floats, which
will account for $14,938.48 [($746,924) (.02) = $14,938.481 $12,658.80 [($632,940) (.02) =
$12,658.80] $14.126.39 [($706319.60) (.02) = $14.126.39] in taxes for the city of Lafayette.
Individual Ball and Dinner-Dance Spending
Although it is the parades that lure tourists, much of the money is spent on the balls and dinners.
The size of the ball can run fi.om a few hundred guests to over two thousand celebrants and
guests which has to be held in a large arena. The figures generated in this section are extremely
conservative and include only those that were received from the survey responses by krewe
members. These figures do not include the amount of money that was spent by invited guests to
the balls.
When surveyed how many balls the krewe member att6nded during this years' Mardi Gras
season, the response was an average of 2.56 (2.62) (2.44) balls, with almost 20% (over 21%)
(17.6%~ of the respondents stating they attended four or more balls.
Table 7 Number of Balls Attended this Mardi Gras Season
According to the survey, krcwe members spent an average of $257 ($267) ($268.80) per ball,
which generated $65,792 [(40) (125) = 5000 ($257) -- $1,285,000 (2.56) = $3,289,600 (.02) =
$65,7921 $69,954 [(40) (125) = 5000 ($267) = $1,335,000 (2.56) = $3,497,000 (.02) = $69,954]
$67.226.88 [(4D (125) = 5125 ($268.80) = $1.377.600 (2.44} = $3.361.344 (.02) = $67,226.88]
in direct city tax dollars.
22
As for the male krewe members, committeemen, or invited guests who rent or purchase their
tuxedo or formal wear, their spending per ball is much lower than that of the lady. It is assumed
that 70 percent of all clothes bought for Mardi Gras are purchased in the city of Lafayette.
Therefore, $68,069 [($380) (5000) = $1,900,000 (2.56) = $4,864,000 (.70) = $3,404,800 (.02) =
$68,096] $72,844.60 [($418.89) (5000) = $2,095,000 (2.62) = $5,488,900 (.70) = $3,842,230
(.02) = $72,844.60] $67.921.90 [($387.97) (5.125~ = $1.988.346.20 (2.44) = $4,851,564.70 (.70)
= $3.396.095.20 (.02'} = $67,921.901 in direct taxes were generated for the city of Lafayette.
When asked how much krewe members spent on hairstyles, haimuts, nails, etc. during this Mardi
Gras season, the survey indicated an average of $109 ($106) ($148.81). Hence {$109) (5000) =
$545,000 (.02) = $10,900 ($106) (5000) = $530,000 (.02) = $10,600 ($148.8D (5,125) =
$762.651.25 (.02~ = $15,253.03 was generated in Lafayette city taxes. It is assumed that 100
percent of the hairstyling, haircuts, nails, etc. are purchased in the city of Lafayette.
When asked how much they spent on clothes (i.e. tuxedo rental, ball gowns, etc.) during the
Mardi Gras season, the krewe members response indicated an average of $380.33 ($418.89)
($387.97). The ladies wear gowns and long dresses to balls and dances. Some of these are
highly formal, including elbow-length white gloves and accessories. It is assumed that each lady
attending any ball would purchase a new gown or dress.
23
Krewe Members' Guests Expenditures at Mardi Gras Ball~
When considering the mount of money spent by ball guests on ball gowns, tuxedo rentals,
hairstyling, and food and drinks, a very conservative figure of $125 is used for 1998, 1999 and
2000. Considering also that each krewe member invited three guests and that only 50 percent of
the spending was done in the City of Lafayette, $18,750.00 [(5000) O) -- 15,000 ($125) --
$1,875,000 (.50) ~- $937,$00 (.02) -- $18,750.001 $18,750.00 [(5000) (3) = 15,000 ($125) =
$1,875,000 (.50) -- $937,500 (.02) -- $18,750.00] $19.218.75 [(5.125) (3) -- 15.375 ($125) =
$1.921.875 (.50~ = $960.937.50 (.02) -- $19.218.75] in city tax dollars would be generated.
Campbell, D.A. (1998, February). Mardi Gras in Cajun Country. ~
33(2), 14-16.
Greater New Orleans Tourist and Convention Commission. (1966). The Story of the
New Orleans Mardi Gra~q~ pp. 1-2. New Orleans, Louisiana.
Lafayette Convention and Visitor's Commission. (1998). ~, p. 6.
Lafayette, Louisiana.
Mamalakis, M. (1975, January). Lafayette Mardi Gras Celebration Second Largest in
South. The Dail Advertiser, p. 23.
Mardi Gras: Bawdy, Boisterous, and Beautiful. (1993, January 28). The Daily
Advertiser, p. 1.
National Parks Service & Parks Canada (Producer). (1992). The Cajun Way-Echoes of
Acadia [Film]. (Available bom The Jean Lafitte Cultural Center, 501 Fisher Road, Lafayette,
Louisiana 70508).
POLICE DEPARTMENT
PORT ARTHUR
TO: Steve Fitzgibbons, City Manager
FROM: Colonel Mark Blanton
DATE: February 14, 2003
[x] For your information
[] For comment & recommendation
[] File for future reference
[] Please discuss with me
[] Please take appropriate action
[] Please prepare draft for my reply
[] Please reply on my behalf
[] Please return
RE: Mardi Gras Report
The following is my report on Mardi Gras billings in the past by
the Police Dept.
The Police Dept. maintains records on Mardi Gras for each year of
the event. I was able to locate all records for each year of
Mardi Gras except 1995 which is missing.
The method of billing and the rates charged have changed over the
years.
In 1994, the Police Dept. billed Mardi Gras $43,635.24 in
salaries and $612.00 in equipment for a total of $44,247.24. Of
the $43,635.24, $14,181.82 was to pay for the officers benefit
package (48.15%). All officers including the Co~nd Staff were
paid at their overtime rate. Delta Security, Beaumont PD and the
Constables Offices were paid directly by Mardi Gras therefore
there is no record of the amount paid. The off-duty rate for
Officers at that time was $15.00 per hour for these officers and
$18.00 for supervisors outside our Department. Captain Brough
was the Field Operations Division Cem~nnder and co~piled these
records with my assistance.
In 1995, there are no records found. Major Wright was the Field
Operations Division Commander and has since retired. A complete
booklet was ccaapleted but cannot be located. The billing rate
and method re~ained the sam~ except that the off duty rate for
out of town officers rose to $18.00 p~r hour and $21.00 for
supervisors. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department was used
this year in place of Beaumont PD and has been ever since.
In 1996, I became the Field Operations Division Coa~nder and
b~gan keeping these records. At that time, I began additional
record keeping to track all Mard/ Gras costs and billing. This
would provide a mechanism to verify all security costs to Mardi
Gras. Beginning this year, I submitted the outside agencies
bills for payment and tracked the~ for cost keeping purposes as
Mardi Gras was growing each year and the Costs were going up.
Mardi Gras costs that year were $54,974.70. A breakdown of the
cost is attached.
In 1997, Mardi Gras Security costs were $52,605.65. Ail Police
Department employees were paid their overtime rate except the
exempt employees who were paid cash this year after the Personnel
Dept. stated they could no longer be paid at their overtime rate.
The exempt ~-~.loyees were the Police Chief, the Assistant Chief
the two Deputy Chiefs and the Support Director (five employees).
These employees were paid cash as was the Sheriff's Dept. and the
Constables Depts. A breakdown of the costs is provided.
In 1998, Marcli Gras Inc. incurred a substantial increase in costs
from the Police Dept. Mardi Gras Inc. made the decision to make
Thursday night a full night of activities with no gate charge.
This included entertai-ment and vendors being open. All
Department Heads were instructed to reduce costs if possible to
off-set the increase for this free night of Mardi Gras. This
caused the Police Dept. to hire officers for securit~ for the
entire compound and to open the sub-county jail staffed with
Sheriff's personnel. Total cost to Mardi Gras rose to $60,168.28
(14.38%). This increase has been seen ever~ year since due to
having this night of Mardi Gras. Costs for exempt employees went
down due to a Lieutenant working in my place some of the time,
the Support Director no longer having to supervise c~--~unications
and the Chief of Police working less hours after discussions with
Mardi Gras concerning his high overtime rate. I made the
decision that uniformed supervisors could handle the
responsibility of the Support Director concerning the dispatchers
hired overtime for Mardi Gras.
In 1999' several things took place that changed Mardi Gras
billing reducing the costs to $55,902.03. First, Port Arthur
Police Officers were allowed to have the option of choosing to be
paid their off-dut~ rate rather than strictly their city overtime
rate after negotiations between the Police Association and the
Chief of Police. Second, outside police agencies were ~loyed
to handle the gates rather than Port Arthur Police officers.
Third, the south county jail was no longer opened due to the low
amount of arrests and the Sheriff's Dept. agreeing to send a
prisoner van to pick up any mass arrest situation. City overt/me
dropped dramatically as many officers chose the off-duty rate
versus the city overtime rate. Officers were paid cash after
their tour of duty with Mardi Gras. Officers that work many
hours of Mardi Gras choose a combination of some city overtime,
so~e off-dut~ rate pay, and some compensatory time. As I will
explain later, Mardi Gras is also charged for the compensatory
t/me. A cop~ of my cost analysis is attached. (At some point in
t/me the off-duty rate had been raised to $20.00 per hour for
officers and $23.00 for supervisors. This was the rate used to
pay officers and was paid by Mardi Gras.)
In 2000, several changes were made. Lt. Swann was placed in
charge of Marcli Gras with myself training him in the aspocts of
it. Mardi Gras Costs rose to $61,983.79. Officers were paid b~
check after the event by Mardi Gras for hours worked. This
caused numerous problems due to the delay in checks for several
agencies. After complaints by officers to the Mayor and several
councilpersons, I was instructed that outside officers were to be
employed prior to forced city overt/me. This had to be so as it
is considered an off-duty job.
This year, officers from our agency, the Jefferson County
Sheriff's Dept., the Precinct 3 Constables Office, the Precinct 8
Constables Office, the Port Arthur Fire Dept. Arson
Investigators, the Port Neches Police Dept., the Groves Police
Dept. and the Texas Department of Public Safety were utilized in
an off-dut~ capacity to work Mardi Gras. Eight Police agencies
worked Mardi Gras that year.
This year, we kept up with the n-m~er of hours each officer
worked at the off-duty rate and turned them over to Mard/ Gras
Inc. who issued checks so that we could account for all hours
billed. This was the first year of such accounting and several
errors occurred due to the large n~,m~er of officers both out of
town and from Port Arthur PD working the event. It caused
confusion over the correct n,,~er of hours worked versus those
paid and took several days to correct. A co~y of the billing is
attached.
In 2001, Mardi Gras billing was reduced to $57, 372.83. This
was accomplished by reducing the ~--~er of Police Supervisors for
several days of Mardi Gras and more officers taking the off-dut~
rate of pay. Much controversy took place concerning the off-duty
rate being paid to officers. A Port Arthur Officer was injured
while directing traffic at an unrelated off-duty job. The ruling
was that off-duty officers from other agencies were covered by
state workmen's condensation but our own were not as the injury
took place in our jurisdiction while they were not actively
working for us as they were not being paid by the City. The
Police Association balked at officers working for the off-duty
rate. Murdi Gras Inc. agreed to take out an insurance policy for
all officers working at the off-duty rate. A notice was sent out
concerning this by then Association President Alton Baise, a
of which is attached. He recommended that officers take the City
Overtime Rate which would insure that officers were covered if
injured. Ail officers from any Department that selected the cash
payment method were paid at the end of their tour of duty. A
bill was presented to Mardi Gras at their Money Booth at the end
of their tour of duty and payment was received at the end of
their tour of duty. I then disbursed it by name and any errors
had to be noted at that t/me.
In 2002, Mardi Gras costs rose to $67,116.10. The largest single
cause was that the off-dut~ rate for officers rose to $25.00 per
hour and $28.00 per hour for supervisors. Assignments changed
that affected Mardi Gras billing. Private Security guards were
again utilized at the gates instead of police officers as it was
determined that since a police officer was only a half block
away, the need for an officer at the gate itself was not
necessary. This was not allowed at gates were money was taken in
to deter robberies. This year was also unique in that it took
hiring officers frc~ numerous different agencies with police
powers so that I did not have to force city overtime. These
agencies included the Jefferson County Sheriff's Dept., Precinct
8 Constables Office, Precinct 2 Constables Office, Precinct 6
Constables Office, the Jefferson County District Attorney' s
Office, Port Arthur Police Dept., Port Arthur Fire Dept. Arson
Investigators, Groves Police Dept., Nederland Police Dept., Port
Neches Police Dept. , the Texas Department of Public Safety,
Bridge City Police Dept., and the Orange County Sheriff's Dept.
As ~ou can see 13 agencies worked Mardi Gras this ~ear. This
caused me numerous logistical and c¢.......unication problems to fill
Mardi Gras without forced overtime. This caused a large increase
in the cash payment method as there is no other way to compensate
out of town officers.
More than half of the officers working Saturday came frum other
entities. City overtime only accounted for $15,614.87 for all of
Mardi Gras including the benefit package. As you can also see,
and as I have complained, more out of town officers work Mardi
Gras on Saturday night than do Port Arthur Officers.
Mardi Gras Billing as it stands now:
Councilman Gillam made inquiry as to how Mardi Gras overt/me is
decided or rotated. I have attached a copy of the memorandum
sent out the last three years to the officers. The date of
issuance and the sign-up date are the only changes every year.
As you can see, all Mardi Gras overtime is rotated through our
off-duty employment syste~. Once that is done, I begin
contacting outside agencies. The Port Arthur Fire Dept. is
contacted first as they have jurisdiction inside the city of Port
Arthur. Then the Jefferson County Sheriff's Dept. is contacted
as they have county wide jurisdiction. Then DPS as they have
State wide jurisdiction. Finally, I started asking for officers
from surrounding cities that we have inter-local agreements with.
This process is determined by the city that is closest and
working outward. Forced overtime is reserved as a last resort.
I have not been m~de to use a force~ overtime situation in
several years.
Ail officers from outside agencies are paid at the cash rate of
$25.00 per hour and supervisors acting in the capacity of a
supervisor at $28.00. I keep no individual records of cash or
check payments for this event or any other. I keep a running
total for each day and ty~e for planning purposes. I know of no
Police Dept. that keeps individual off-duty payment records.
That is the responsibility of the officer and the employer.
Our officers have a three-prong choice. They may choose from day
to day whether they want city overtime, compensatory time, or the
off-duty overtime rate. This is done b~ contract with the Police
Association. The Police Dept. bills Mardi Gras Inc. for all
hours no matter what the selection of rate of payment. Mardi
Gras Inc. is billed for overtime hours worked even if an officer
chooses to be compensated with compensatory time as we suffer the
lost time from work. (In one year alone this exceeded $3500.00)
I bill Mardi Gras Inc. for everything dollar for dollar that is
associated with Mardi Gras including and up to the making of
additional keys for the Com~nd Post, coffee supplies for all
city employees, and 1,~er and labor costs to secure city owned
buildings (the Sabine Hotel) . Mardi Gras Inc. has purchased
sullies such as metal detectors, ice chests, and coffee m~kers
that they have then donated to the Police Dept. to be used at any
time by any organization. Further, their fencing and metallic
barricades are used to date by several entities for their events
including Shrimp-Fest, the Pleasure Island Music Festival (when
it was still taking place) , Junetaenth, and the Janis Joplin
Birthday Celebration among others. Juneteenth now has Mardi Gras
fencing set up for its celebration. I--~te labor is used to
assist in the set-up. The Police Dept. does not bill Juneteenth
for any set-up costs.
In the past all Cav-Oil-Cade overtime was absorbed into the
Police Dept. · s budget. This changed several years ago. Ail
overt/me for Juneteenth is still absorbed into the Police Dept. 's
budget as it has always been. Last year Juneteenth's cost went
down as we sent officers h~ne when the crowds did not
materialize. I have sent a breakdown of the cost of Juneteenth
for the last two years with this memorandum.
In reference to unbilled hours to Mardi Gras, I submit the
following:
The only hours s,,~mitted for this officer are those that go over
my mandated 60 Hrs. in a week for additional compensation. This
means that I charge Mardi Gras for any hours that surpass 60 hrs.
in a work week. I do this as a way to reduce costs to Mardi Gras
Inc. I am not compensated by the City in any fo=m until I
surpass 60 hrs. in the work week. Therefore, Mardi Gras Inc. is
not billed for my active work until I surpass these hours. This
only takes places the actual weekend of Mardi Gras. In 1996, I
computerized all of Mardi Gras. When Mardi Gras time approaches,
I am able to complete most Mardi Gras planning at ho~e with my
lap-top. I am able to concentrate more their with no distractions
and it does not take away fr~a my regular duties.
Sgt. Withrow is not co~ensated for planning the parades as he
does each year. His hours actually directing the parades each
day are billed as overtime to Mardi Gras Inc. He is not
compensated for planning any parade all year. (Sgt. Withrow
handles all parades). No entity is billed for planning any
activity as it usually means a 5 minute phone call or a few
minutes out of their regular scheduled duty. The officers that
assist me in set up either take vacation or compensatory leave so
that Mardi Gras can be billed for their time.
I am not compensated nor are any of my officers for planning
Mardi Gras. This includes the rotating of the overtime and
contacting other agencies. No entity such as Shrimp-Fest, the
Pleasure Island Music Festival, the MLK Parade, Cav-Oil-Cada, the
Janis Joplin Birthday Bash, Juneteeth, events on Pleasure Island
or elsewhere are charged for planning security for their event.
This has always been considered part of your responsibility as a
supervisor.
In the past, we have not charged Mardi Gras incorporated for
Officer Gillen assisting in set-up with inmate labor unless it
requires hiring overtime to replace him on patrol. If this
occurs (and it has) Mardi Gras is charged for the overtime hours
for the replacement officer.
As always, I will mske my records that are of a public nature
available to any councilperson upon request.
Colonel W. M. Blsnton
Assistant Chief of Police
Police Department Security Costs
for
MARDI GR^S 1994
Friday 281.00 6,522.99 3,140.62 9,663.81
Saturday 575.25 13,365.55 6,435.51 19,801.06
Sunday 415.00 9,564.88 4,605.49 14,170.37
Totals 1,271.25 29,453.42 14,181.82 43,635.24
Salaries & Benefits from above...
Equipment (Golfcart Rental)...
TOTAL MARDI GRAS SECURITY COST=
43,635.24
612.00
$44,247.24
* Delta Security, Beaumont Officers, and Constables were paid directly by Mardi Gras.
* Department of Public Safety Troopers were paid by the State.
Page
Port Arthur Police Department Security Costs
for
MARDI GRAS 1996
Salaries & Benefits
Golf Cart Rental
Supplies
TOTAL MARDI GRAS SECURITY COST--
$45,674.95
$54O.OO
$295.75
$46,510.70
**Patriot Security, Sheriff's Deputies and Constables were paid directly by Mardi Gras.
***Department of Public Safety Troopers were paid by the State.
Total Police Security Costs
for
MARDI GRAS 1996
PORT ARTHUR POLICE DEPT. $46,51 0.70
JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT. $4,488.00
CONSTABLES OFFICES $684.00
PATRIOT SECURITY $3,292.00
ITOTAL COST TO MARDI GRAS $54,974.701
PORT ARTHUR POLICE DEPT. SECURITY COSTS
for
MARDI GRAS 1997
Salaries & Benefits
Golf Cart Rental
Supplies
TOTAL,MARDI GRAS SECURITY COST=
$40,791.29
$576.OO
$248.97
$41,616.26
**Delta Security, Sheriff's Deputies and Constables were paid directly by Mardi Gras.
***Department of Public Safety Troopers were paid by the State.
****Police Dept. Exempt Employee's Paid Directly by Mardi Gras
Total Police Security Costs
for
MARDI GRAS 1997
PORT ARTHUR POLICE DEPT.
$41,61 6.26
JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT.
$5,220.00
CONSTABLES OFFICES $61 2.00
OFFDUTY OFFICERS AT GATES $3,870.00
EXEMPT POLICE EMPLOYEES 2601.39
LESS FRI. PARADE COST (PAID BY KREWE OF MON AMI) $1,314.00
TOTAL COST TO MARDI GRAS $52,605.65
Sheet3
Port Arthur Police Dept.
for
Mardi Gras 1998
Security.Costs
Salaries & Benefits
Golf Cart Rental
Command Post
Supplies
Total Mardi Gras Security Cost
PAPD
$
$
45,541.85
820.00
256.00
213.44
46,831.29
Total Police Security Costs
for
Mardi Gras 1998
Port Arthur Police Dept.
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office*
Constables Offices (parades)
Off-duty Officers at Gates
Exempt Police Employees
Total Cost to Mardi Gras**
$
46,831.29
5,992.00
1,020.00
4,520.00
1,804.99
60,168.28
*Includes Jail and Parade Costs
** DPS Paid by the State
Page 1
0
Mardi Gras 2000 Security Costs
Check Payments by Mardi Gras
City Overtime ( See Breakdown)
Related Security Costs
Total
$ 32,471.00
$ 28,152.32
$ 1,360.47
$ 6t,983.79
FEB-14-09 FRI 09:i2 AM CITY OF PORT ARTHUR FAX:40998~829I PAGE 2
FEB-i4-03 FRI 09:13 AM CITY OF PORT ARTHUR FAX:40998~8291 PAGE
FEB-Ig-03 FRI 09:I4 AM CITY OF PORT ARTHUR FAX:4099835291 PAGE
April 10, 2000
of southeast texas, Inc.
Mr. Steve Fitzgibbons, City Manager
City of Port Arthur
444 4th St.
Port Arthur, TX 77640
Dear Steve,
At our meeting today of City and Mardi Gras officials, the following topics were
discussed.
1)
A number of requests for shuttle service have been received. Our insurance company
informs us that the City transit can be named as additional insured on bus service
liability but that the bus service would be primary should claim(s) be filed.
We hereby request that the City provide this service for Mardi Gras 2001. We are
available at your convenience to work out the details.
2) Police officials and others are concemed with expansion of the entertainment area.
This is a complex issue and a comprehensive discussion was held on this matter.
The conclusion was that the public is not under undue risk provided that we continue
to maintain adequate security. The police department will continue to regulate crowd
flow whenever it appears that the entertainment area is nearing capacity. Usually this
occurs on Saturday as we approach the evening hours. As we agreed, the issue here is
the health and safety of the public.
3)
Police officials are concerned with Thursday being a free admission night and its
effect on crowd control due to uncontrolled gate entrance. Again this is a health and
safety issue.
Mardi Gras is reluctant to impose an entrance fee as it wishes to continue offering
free entrance to those who cannot afford the fee. It is understood that the fee could be
substantially reduced.
It was decided that this matter would be referred to City Attomey.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Floyd Marceaux, President
cc: Mark Blanton, Steve Curran, Mark Sokolow
- 3830 Hwy. 365 · Port Arthur, Texas 77642 · (409)721-8717 · Fax (409)721-8700 ·
of southeast texas, inc.
April 13, 2000
Ms. Rebecca Underhill
City of Port Arthur
444 42 Street
Port Arthur, TX 77640
Dear Becky,
Enclosed is payment in full the mount billed to Mardi Gras for Mardi Gras 2000. Thanks
to you and your staff for the excellent service provided to Mardi Gras.
The amount billed reflects a 23% increase over last year. However, the water department
was reduced by 66 %. All of this increase is labor as the materials billed are virtually the
same as last year. Because of this, I am taking the liberty of writing each department
supervisor a letter expressing our concern and requesting their assistance.
As discussed, I appreciate your help in distributing the letters to each supervisor.
Sincerely,
Floyd Marceaux
President
cc: Steve Fitzgibbons, City Manager
Mardi Gras Southeast Texas, Board of Directors
3830 Hwy. 365 · Port Arthur, Texas 77642 · (409)721-8717 · Fax (409)721-8700
of southeast texas, Inc.
Apfill3,2000
City of Port Arthur Mardi Gras Supervisors:
Mark Blanton, Steve Curran, Jeny Jones, Bryan Linthicum, Mike Kuykendall, Harriet Byrd, Gerald
Robertson, Mike Davis, Pat Jones.
Dear Friends,
Enclosed is a copy ofMardi Gras Work Request Activity Report. As I am not personally acquainted with all
personnel, a list of all hours billed is included. Please review these for accuracy and report any changes to
the Finance Director.
I wanted to share some Mardi Gras information that I hope is helpful in providing a financial perspective
on the organization.
Mardi Gras is a not- for- profit organization that donates generously to eighteen non- profit organizations
in the local community. We also are involved with the City to build a pavilion downtown and eventually a
permanent stage. We have made substantially capital investment in downtown buildings and acquiring
unimproved property in order to stage the event. It is understood by most people that Mardi Gras benefits
the city in other ways not mentioned in this letter. Mardi Gras pays no salaries to those who work year
around on organizing the event. Many volunteers help us. Actually, without our sponsors and those who
con~xibute their time, the event would be hard pressed financially. An adequate reserve fund is required to
deal with contingencies. We especially want to hold down gate ticket prices.
The only salaries paid are to city employees and security personnel on a contract basis. City employees are
critical partners. Without them Mardi Gras in downtown would not be possible. Mardi Gras believes that,
as a whole, city employees have done an excellent job and that your efforts are well worth the investment.
We are concerned with the cost escalation rate of city personnel and your help is needed. As virtually all
pay is on an overtime basis, we are asking that schedules for future events be on a strictly as needed basis.
As one employee humorously aptly stated, "I'm having all this fun at Mardi Gras and being paid oven/me.
It just doesn't seem right."
Your cooperation and support are needed. Thanks again for the good work.
Floyd Marceaux
cc: Steve Fitzgibbons, City Manager
Mardi Gras Board of Directors
3830 Hwy. 365 · Port Arthur, Texas 77642 · (409)721-8717 · Fax (409)721-8700
CITY of PORT ARTHUR
OSCAR G. ORTIZ, MAYOR
ROSE M. CHAISSON~ MAYOR PRO-TEM
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
WILLIE LEWIS, JR. RONNIE LINDEN
BILL WORSHAM W.A. (DUB) BROWN
THOMAS&HENDERSON BOB BOWERS
TOM GILLAM, III
POLICE DEPARTMENT
April 14, 2000
STEPHEN FITZGIBBONS, CITY MANAGER
M.E. "DUKE" GORRIS
CHIEF OF POLICE
Dear Mr. Marceaux:
I received your letter concerning the increase in costs for Mardi Gras 2000 over the previous year. I
calculated the mount to be $3051.00. This mounts to an increase of 5.36% over last year. Ithen set
about finding where the increase occurred as I had been able to reduce costs the two previous years.
I discovered that in previous years, we were able to utilize some on-duty personnel to assist in set-up both
on Wednesday and Thursday. This calculated to be $746.00 of this increase. The current personnel
shortage did not allow for the Police Dept. to utilize any on-duty personnel to assist in set-up.
Officers received a 2% wage increase in April of 1999 and this resulted in an increase of $710.00 over last
year.
I also reviewed all payroll expenses for police employees both processed as city overtime and as
contractual security paid directly to the officers. A substantial number of officers chose the overtime
payment method over the contractual method this year. This increased costs $3189.00 over last year.
I recalculated the costs and found that if the same number of officers had chosen the contractual payment
method as last year, the cost for Merdi Crras would have decreased from last year by $1119.00
The method of paying the officers at the end ofMardi Gras by check rather than daily re. ay have caused
more officers to choose overtime. We should sit down early next year and evaluate whether or not to return
to the daily payment method. It appears it may save Mardi Gras some expense.
I look forward to working with you again next year.
Sincerely,
· /
w.42.,dy
Criminal Investigations Division
645 4th STREET
P.O. BOX 1089 PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS 7764%1089
AREA CODE 409-983-8600 · FAX ti 983-8662
Aphl21,2000
Major W. M. Blanton
Port Arthur Police Department
645 4th Street.
Port Arthur, TX 77640
of southeast texas, inc.
Dear Major Blanton,
I appreciate your response to Mardi G-ras' concern of cost escalation for the Mardi G-ras event.
Especially appreciated is your professional and comprehensive analysis as well as the suggestion
of a possible solution. Mardi Gras recognizes the excellent work of the PAPD and city
departments evidenced by its Mardi Ch'as track record and safety results. We have no problem
with necessary expenses.
As you mentioned, the method of paying officers by check at the end of Mardi Gras rather than
daily may have caused the increase in overtime. For this reason, officers chose overtime pay
rather than on a contractual basis.
I believe we changed because paying daily in cash was time consuming during hectic times. If
you believe it is a good idea and for simplicity purposes, Mardi Gras would prepare cash
payment envelopes in advance. A list of names and amounts would be needed. We would deal
with adjustments in schedules.
One reason that another city department had increased costs was security related. We requested
three (3) additional people to help with the crowds during parades in the entertainment area. This
was part of the barricade group who clocked in an average of thirty (30) plus overtime hours per
employee apparently for this purpose alone. There may have been other duties involved that I
am not aware. If this does not present a safety issue, then I would like to eliminate these extra
people in the future. As an alternative, perhaps we could invite the volunteer law enforcement
group that has assisted at past events. I believe they are based in Port Acres.
The news that next year, DPS may be sending an additional ten (10) officers to assist along the
parade route is welcomed. It's a great deal for us as only room and board is expected.
I realize that I may be presumptuous in thinking that officers are willing and readily available to
work Mardi Gras and that it may be necessary for you to order them to work. I hope that is not
the case. Also recognized is that you and your staff and the other city department personnel spend
considerable administrative time in advance planning for which you are not billing Mardi Gms.
City leadership has always recognized the value of Mardi Gras to the community and I believe
for this reason, they have been generous in this regard.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Floyd Marceaux, President
cc: Steve Fitzgibbons, City Manager
3830 Hwy. 365 · Port Arthur, Texas 77642 · (409)721-8717 · Fax (409)721-8700 ·
Mardi Gras 2001 Security Costs
Cash Payments
Wednesday - Thursday Set-up
Thursday Compound
Thursday Parade
Friday Parade
Friday Compound
Saturday AM Compound
Sauurday AM Parade
Saturday PM Compound
Saturday Overlap
Saturday PM Parade
Sunday AM Compound
Sunday PM Compound
Sunday PM Parade
Gates
Total Cash Payments
City Overtime (See Breakdown)
Related Security Costs
$ 893.46
$ 1,215.48
$ 330.00
$ 2,447.00
$ 3,137.93
$ 965.00
$ 1,698.00
$ 5,683.30
$ 3,500.00
$ 3,073.00
$ 190.00
$ 3,709.20
$ 2,094.00
$ 5,710.00
$ 28,936.37
$ 27,039.92
$ 1,396.54
Total Security Costs $ 57,372.83
0
0
0
PORT ARTHUR POLICE ASSOCIATION
INFORMATION REGARDING MARDI-GRAS
DATE: 02/16/2001
After conversing for several weeks with the director of Mardi-Gras,
Floyd Morso, he agreed to provide SPECIAL RISK ACCIDENT
INSURANCE for Police Officers who wish to be paid cash money for
working Mardi-Gras. There will be a $100,000.00 Maximum Medical
Insurance Policy for each Officer with a $50,000.00 Accidental
Death/Dismemberment. There is a $1,000.00 Deductable, which is to be
paid by the Officer, included within this Policy. This Insurance Policy
only covers an Officer who is injured during Mardi-Gras as a result of a
slip and fall or similar type non-triggering event Injury. Copies of the
policy's Coverages And Exclusions are attached to this information
letter.
*** Officers are encouraged to accept payment for Mardi-Gras
Services by way of City Overtime to avoid any problems with
Workman's Compensation in case a long term injury is obtained by an
officer during Mardi-Gras Services.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
ALTON J. BAISE
82/15/2881 1G:88
2813284119
2813284119 LaNE
P.O. Box 1724
PH: (281) 328-8111
Products for Financial Securi~
F-Mail lane~worbitebeuefitsgrp.com
FAX 'TRANSMISSION
CROSBY, TEXAS 77~32
FAX: (281) 328-4119
COMPANY: SALTER INS
ATTENTION: STUART
FAX NUMBER: 409-962-0247
FROM: PAT
SUBJECT:
DATE:
NO.'OF PAGES:
MARDI ORAS OF SOUTHEAST TX,.INC.
2-12-01
THE FOLLOWING PROPOSAL FOR THE ABOVE NAMED INSUIi~k'~ IS AS FOLLOWS: THE POLICY
IS TO COVER ALL SECURITY GUARDS OF THE POLICYHOLDER.
ACCIDENT COV'ER,4GE
AMERICAN NATIONAL LIFE INS. CO. OF TX.
$100,000 MAX. Mi~T}. BENEFIT
$ 50,000 ACCIDENTAL DEATH/DISMEMBERMENT
$ 1,000 DEDUCTIBLE
PKIMARY COVERAGE
POLICY TERM:
2-22-01 TO 2-25-01
02/15/2001 1G:00
2S1328allS LANE
P.O. Box I724
PB[: (281) 328-8111
Products ~r Fina~al Securi~/
E-MAil lane~worksitebeuefitsgrp.com
FAX 'TRANSMISSION
CROSBY, TEXAS 77S32
FAX: (281) 328-4119
COMPANY:
A] I~NTION:
FAX NUMBER:
SALTER
STUART
409-962-0247
2-,,~,2~1
NO.'OF PAGES:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
PAT
m~.i GRAS o~' SO ,Um~ST rx,.mc.
THE FOLLOWING PROPOSAL FOR THE ABOVE NAM]~D INSURED IS AS FOLLOWS: THE POLICY
IS TO COVER AI J. SECURITY GUARDS OF THIE POLICYHOLDER.
ACCIDENT COVERAGF~ TX. ~.~ ~ ~C~
AM~C~,~ ~ATIONAL LL'~ rSS. CO. O~ ~
fl; 50,000 ACCIDENTAL DEATH/DIS~E~
$ 1,000 DEDUCTIBLE
P~Y COVERAGE
POLICY TERM:
2-22-01 TO 2-25-01
02/15/2~01 ~1~:00 28~328~11S LAHE
llisk Accident Insurance
In today's fast-paced society, accidents can happen anytime, anywl~ere.., while traveling with
a busi hess group,"~ acatiooing, attending school, ~nicipating In athletics or a v~riety of other
situation. Many families have little or no mcdi~l i~u~nce, and those who hive cover~e
be ~qui: ed to meet large d~uctibles be~ore their Insuran~ pays ~ny
Insurance Progr~s are s~eia]l? desired m help eliminate the financial burden ~at one incurs
ss a r~dt of costly medical bills.
Medi :al Expense Benefit
Ifthe Person incurs eligible expenses es die result of ii covered injury, dire,'tly and
(i~voted
indel:,.ndenfly of all other causes, the Company will ply the charge~ incurred for such expense
withi/l $ 2 weeks beginning on the date of accident. Payment will be made for ~ll/lble exp~nses in
excess cf the applicable Deductible Amount, not to exceed the Maximum Medical Benefit. The first
such e~enae must be incurred within 60 days after the date of the a~ddant.
"Eligibh expenses" means charges for the following necessary treatment and service, not to
exceed ~he usual and customary charges in the a:ea where provided,
[ Medical and sot/goal care by a physician
I Eediology (X-rays)
I~ Ih'ascription drugs and medicines
l[ Dental [reatmen[ of sound natural teeth
I1 Hospital care and service in semi-private accommodations or as an outpatient
· Ambulance service from the scene of die ac~dent I:o the nearest hospital
· Orthopedic appliances necessary, to promote he,lint
· Physiotherapy
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit
If a c~ vered Injury results in any of the losses specified below within one year after the date
of th~. acctdent,"'~.he Company will pay the applicable amount:
· Full Principal Sum ~or loss of life
· Full Principal Sum for double dismemberment
· 50% of the Principal Sum for loss of one hand, one foot or sight of one eye
"Memi~ er" means hand, foot or eye, Loss of hand or foot meane complete severm~ce above the
v-fist ~r ankle Joln~. Loss of eye means the [otal, permanent loss of sigh~ Ii the Principal Sum ia
payabl :, no indemnity will be paid/or diemembermant. In any event, the Double Dismemberment
indem dry is the maximum amount payable under this Benefit for all losses resulting from one
accide at.
16:88 2813284119 LANE
Special RiSk Accident Insurance
· Excl.sions
Choice of Coverage
C hoo~=e from the plans available, as shown on the separate inserts enclosed. Select the plan
~ which best suits your organization's needs.
Primary Coverage pays bene3its under the plan without off, et for other ·
insurance (except Workers' Compensation).
Excess Coverage does not cover treatment or service for whioh b~eneftta
are payable or if service Is available under any other Insurance or
medical sea, toe plan available to the insured.
This !'lan does not cover any loss contributed to or resulting, from ~iokness or disee~e in any
for~t (except pyoienic infections due to an accidental out or wound); the use of drugs or
narcoti ts, unle~ administered on the advice of a physician, was or any so! Of war, whether or not
deelaret, or participation in any riot or civil commotion; air travel or the use of any device or
equiprr an: for aeri~] navigation, except as a fare.-payin~ p~ssen~,er on a re~ularly-sohedu[ed
~omme rossi airline; suloide or any attempt ~hereat, or an intentionally ~lf-ini'lio~ed injury. Nor
doe~ tkls Pi, an oover: ser'.'ice provideci b}' (a) any person of faoility employed or retained by the
Polio%.'? older or member or&anizition, or (bi an}' member o[ the Insured Per~on's family or house-
hold; d ~tal ~re.~tment, except as the result of a covered Injury; examination ior, presortption
or the i~urchsse of eye,lasses or contact lenses or hearini aids; Lhe repair of replacement of any
orlhop.~tic apphenee or arti~oial dental reetorstlon; expenses payable under an}' Worliers' Com-
penset on law or similar letislation; injury sustained while ridint in or on any two or three-
wheeled endive-driven motorized vehicle.
Note: ;~]ertain of these exclusions and limitations may bc modified to meet individual state
requtr :meats.
Mardi Gras 2002 Security Costs
Cash Payments
Wednesday- Thursday Sat-up
Thursday Compound
Thursday Parade
Friday Parade
Friday Compound
Saturday AM Compound
Saturday AM Parade
Saturday PM Compound
Saturday Overlap
Saturday PM Parade
Sunday AM Compound
Sunday PM Compound
Sunday PM Parade
Total Ca,sh Payments
City Overtime (See Breakdown)
Lofton Security Services
Related Security Costs ISee Breakdown)
$ 2,446.75
$ 3,t37.50
$ 412.50-
$ 3,289.50
$ 4,736.98
$ 1,206.25
$ 2,293.00
$ 9,127.12
$ 5,462.00
$ 3,672.O0
$ 1,282.50
$ 4,832.90
$ 2,911.50
$44,810.50
$15,614.87
$ 5,214.00
$ t,476.73
Total $ 67,116.10
0
0
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
PORT ARTHUR POLICE DEPARTMENT
Memorandum
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
ALL SWORN PERSONNEL
Colonel Mark Blanton
Mardi Gras Overtime
DATE: 02~03~03
Overtime for Mardi Gras will be rotated through the off-duty overtime rotation
system beginning February 3, 2003. One slot per officer per sign up sheet will
be allowed. Every attempt at the first rotation will be made so that officers from
each shift will have an opportunity to sign up. Subsequent rotations will be
rotated on availability as well as much as possible. This is the third year of 10
Hour Shifts and Mardi Gras and allowances are being made. ICOP and
Administration personnel will sign up with CID. Each rotation will last four days
due to three consecutive days off.
Depending on how quickly the various lists are filled, they will be rotated through
other groups in such a manner as to try to achieve equal opportunity for all who
want to work. Once everyone has had the opportunity to sign up, the lists that
are not filled will be opened for anyone to sign up - limited to two slots each.
After a period of four days, anyone can sign up for anything, including
supervisors.
Sergeants may sign up only in the open slots marked Assistant Mardi Gras Shift
Commander on the first rotation. Sergeants and Lieutenants may sign up in any
slot posted for their assigned shift on all subsequent rotations.
An attempt will be made to hire officers from other agencies for the remaining
open slots pdor to any forced overtime.
Mardi Gres Shift Commander assignments will be made at a later date.
Each Shift Lieutenant will insure that their personnel are notified of the
overtime availability on each rotation. Officers on days off or vacation will
need to be notified.
Officers will be asked at Mardi Gras Shift Briefings whether they wish overtime,
comp. time or cash payment. Cash payment this year will be at the rate of
$25.00 per hour for patrol grade and $28.00 for supervisors. Further indicate
(requests) any request you may have regarding work assignment, ie: bike, patrol
unit, gate, etc. The Mardi Gras Commander will make work assignments.
THERE WILL BE NO REMOVAL OF NAMES OR TRADING OF NAMES
BETWEEN LISTS WITHOUT CONTACTING MAJOR BLANTON FOR
APPROVAL. ONCE YOU SIGN UP~ YOU ARE EXPECTED TO REPORT FOR
DUTY.
AMOUNT OF OVERTIME PAID FOR JUNETEENTH 2001
OFFICER
HRS WORKED OT RATE AMOUNT
ANTOINE, R 4 $24.00 $96.00
ARNETT, P 9 $27.29 $245.61
BONEAU, K 3 $26.76 $80.34
CLARK, R 12 $36.74 $440.88
COOPER, G 9 $27.43 $246.87
FLORES, S 2 $26.82 $53.64
FONTNETTE, J 6 $24.46 $146.76
FREDERICK, K 4 $28.88 $115.52
JACKSON, J 9 $30.97 $278.73
LEGNON, T 8.5 $28.23 $239.96
MINGO, N 9.5 $29.63 $281.49
ROBINSON, T 3 $26.14 $78.42
STAFFORD, J 11 $21.62 $237.82
TOTAL AMOUNT $2,542.03
AMOUNT OF OVERTIME PAID FOR JUNETEENTH 2002
OFFICER
HRS WORKED OT RATE AMOUNT
BILLIOT, W 0.5 $29.66 $14.83
CLARK, J 16 $24.59 $393.44
COOPER, G 9 $28.41 $255.69
CRAIN, W 5.5 $26.70 $146.85
LEGNON, T 6 $29.88 $179.28
SNOWDEN, C 10.75 $31.47 $338.30
TOTAL AMOUNT $1,328.39