Just about a week after his proposed ½ cent sales tax failed, he closed down the Bogalusa substation, and as of press time Tuesday more closings were expected and possibly under way.
The sheriff’s office would not respond to repeated calls to verify, but according to unofficial reports more than 20 WPSO employees had already been laid off and additional layoffs were in the works.
 A sign on the front door of the WPSO Bogalusa substation Tuesday pretty much says it all. Employees were reportedly laid off, and anyone who wants to take care of business, like paying a ticket, now has to go to the Franklinton headquarters. Advertisement |
Before the Oct. 17 vote, Crowe said the WPSO was in the hole nearly $50,000 a month and needed the additional funding to keep from having to make cuts and, probably, layoffs.
The tax was projected to bring in about $2.4 million a year, and some questioned why the sheriff didn’t try for a smaller tax, especially in light of current economic conditions and because the addition would put the Bogalusa sales tax at close to 10 cents.
Crowe said the additional money would be used for community policing, equipment, vehicles and full time staffing of the WPSO substations.
The proposal was rejected by voters, 55 to 45 percent.
Comments
Justice wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:55 AM:
a deputys wife wrote on Oct 30, 2009 8:28 AM:
" ...the...sheriff's office offered only meager salaries supplemented by a state supplment that when combined, made it virtually impossible to live on a deputy's salary...The old $800-amonth-salaries won't cut it anymore."
My husband puts his life on the line each day he goes to work...and he doesn't make much more than the $800 now. AND there is no longer a state supplement for them (although I don't know why-Franklinton PD gets one)! I have had to take on a second job just to continue to make ends meet around here! " "
Why rent... wrote on Oct 29, 2009 3:27 PM:
I mean I don't understand having a substation in the middle of Bogalusa where you've got the BPD on patrol. Oh wait that's right if it weren't for the Sheriff's patrols in Bogalusa no crime fighting would get done.
Abolish the BPD and FPD. Put these budgets into the Sheriff's Department and save on two administrative costs at least!!! Then the money can be spent on crime fighting!!! "
Terrie wrote on Oct 29, 2009 12:08 PM:
sharon achord wrote on Oct 28, 2009 9:25 PM:
Red wrote on Oct 28, 2009 4:38 PM:
Admin wrote on Oct 28, 2009 2:05 PM: