St. John Voters Approve Tax For Sheriff’s Office

EDGARD, La. (AP) — For St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre the second time was the charm.

Six months after failing to persuade residents — by 453 votes — to pay an extra $2 million a year, Tregre won Saturday his proposal to raise the parish sales tax by a quarter-cent to add more officers, boost deputies' pay and buy more crime cameras for busy intersections and the entrances to major subdivisions.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, 60 percent voted in favor of Tregre's proposal.

Starting salary for deputies in St. John is about $24,800 per year. The pay jumps to about $35,700 for a deputy on patrol with the proper credentials.