{{tncms-inline content="<p>The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by <strong>Andrew Perzo</strong>, an <em>American Press</em> staff writer. To ask a question, call <strong>494-4098</strong> and leave voice mail, or email <strong>informer@americanpress.com</strong>.</p>" id="3990d342-a6b9-47d7-8159-0b6a9a195528" style-type="info" title="THE INFORMER" type="relcontent"}}

<strong>Is there a city ordinance in regard to trash cans sitting out all week? Residents leave their trash cans out all week on our narrow road and they become a nuisance trying to not hit them with my car.</strong>

The City Council, responding to residents’ complaints, amended the ordinance on trash can placement in October.

Under Section 9-5 of the city code, trash cans must be removed from the curb by 7 p.m. on collection day.

The penalties for leaving cans at curbs, according to the ordinance:

<strong>First offense</strong> — door tag notice.

<strong>Second offense</strong> — violation notice via certified letter.

<strong>Third offense</strong> — can removal and a $25 fine.

<strong>Fourth offense</strong> — can removal and a $50 fine.

<strong>Fifth offense</strong> — suspension of service for at least six months.

“All fines must be paid before service will be reinstated,” reads the provision.

To report left-out cans, call the Public Works Department ordinance enforcement office at 491-1334.

<strong>Online</strong>: www.cityoflakecharles.com.

<strong>Proceeds from taxes have risen over years</strong>

<strong>How much in sales and property taxes has the Calcasieu Parish School Board taken in over the last five years?</strong>

Sales and property tax totals for 2008 to 2017, as listed in the School Board’s latest financial report, released by the state Legislative Auditor’s Office in January:

<strong>2017</strong> — sales tax, $168 million; property tax, $58 million.

<strong>2016</strong> — sales tax, $154 million; property tax, $58 million.

<strong>2015</strong> — sales tax, $111 million; property tax, $59 million.

<strong>2014</strong> — sales tax, $98 million; property tax, $55 million.

<strong>2013</strong> — sales tax, $94 million; property tax, $54 million.

<strong>2012</strong> — sales tax, $92 million; property tax, $51 million.

<strong>2011</strong> — sales tax, $83 million; property tax, $49 million.

<strong>2010</strong> — sales tax, $81 million; property tax, $48 million.

<strong>2009</strong> — sales tax, $94 million; property tax, $46 million.

<strong>2008</strong> — sales tax, $93 million; property tax, $42 million.

<strong>Online</strong>: www.lla.la.gov.

<strong>Law allows residents to keep guns in cars</strong>

<strong>What does Louisiana law say about packing a firearm in your vehicle?</strong>

State law allows residents to keep firearms — either in the open or concealed from view — in their vehicles.

But one statute, R.S. 32:292.1, notes that businesses and employers may require that guns in parked cars be hidden from view or be kept in “a locked case or container within the vehicle.”

<strong>Online</strong>: www.legis.la.gov.

The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by <strong>Andrew Perzo</strong>, an <em>American Press</em> staff writer. To ask a question, call <strong>494-4098</strong> and leave voice mail, or email <strong>informer@americanpress.com</strong>.