Bossier Sheriff-Elect Plans Salary Cuts

BENTON, La. (AP) — Bossier Parish Sheriff-elect Julian Whittington has decided to reduce the salaries of several high-ranking members of the Sheriff's Office, including chief deputy, majors, captains and lieutenants.

The Times of Shreveport reports that 47 sheriff's office employees will be affected. Whittington said the adjustment is one of several measures he plans to adopt in an effort to maintain office operations without raising taxes.

Whittington, who takes office this weekend, said he examined salaries paid by other law enforcement agencies in the region before coming to his decision.

He would not say how much he plans to cut, adding that he is still making adjustments. But Whittington hopes to save approximately $300,000 through the salary reductions.

Whittington's own annual salary of $143,000 is set by the Legislature.