Recent question and answer regarding the presidents salary in the charter.

Question: How was the salary for Parish President decided upon and what is the basis for it being $90,000 when the per capita income in Avoyelles Parish was only around $24,000 in 2022?
I do understand the job of President would not be light, but I feel that $90,000 is not a very representative number considering the state of the majority of the people in the Parish.
Answer: The salary for the Parish President was set at $90,000 after careful consideration by the Home Rule Charter Commission. This amount was chosen to strike a balance: it is enough to attract qualified, professional candidates to this demanding role, but not so high that it would encourage individuals to seek the position purely for financial gain. For context, other elected officials in Avoyelles Parish, such as the Sheriff, Clerk of Court, and Tax Assessor, earn significantly higher salaries—ranging from $150,000 to $190,000 annually. Additionally, the Police Jury’s current budget exceeds those of these offices, underscoring the scope and responsibility of this position.
It’s also important to note that running for a parish-wide elected office can cost between $50,000 and $100,000, which further highlights the need for reasonable compensation to make the role accessible to capable candidates. While the Parish President’s salary may seem high compared to the parish’s per capita income, it reflects the significant responsibilities and aligns with similar positions in our community.

Dr. Jay Callegari