Pay increase is approved for chief of CPD

By: TONY MARKS Editor The Chataignier Village Council, during its meeting held Monday, March 18, voted to adopt an ordinance that increases the salary for the chief of police from $600 per month to $1,500 per month. During a public hearing, Councilman Tom Frank commented the village had to come up with a salary increase that is sustainable. At last month’s meeting, Chief Willtee “Eric” Gallow requested a salary of $2,500 per month. “The village comes first,” Councilman Frank said during the public hearing. “We can’t afford $2,500. We have to keep it at a reasonable wage. The chief puts his life on the line because this (La. Hwy 29) is a major thoroughfare between Ville Platte and Eunice for drugs, but, at the same time, we’re only bringing in so much revenue.” He went on to say, “We have to put his salary at something that we know we can pay in good times and bad times.” Later in the meeting, Councilwoman Carilyn “Tu” Arvie moved to increase the chief’s salary to $1,500 per month. She cited the rising cost of living and the rising cost of gas. She also cited a newly signed state law which requires residents to carry a concealed weapon. “His life is more threatened,” said Councilwoman Arvie. “As of July 1, anybody can pack a gun. You don’t have to be certified or anything. He needs to be paid $1,600 a month. I wanted $1,600, but I’m dropping it down to $1,500.” Councilman Frank agreed with the $1,500 figure but said the village has to take into account any benefits that come with the salary increase. “That puts (the chief) into full-time employment, and then we have to provide more,” said the councilman. Village Clerk Anna Mosbroker pointed out that a salary of $1,000 a month or over would require the village to pay 35.6% of the chief’s salary to the state municipal association regardless if the chief takes his retirement benefits or not. Village Attorney Greg Vidrine explained that 35.6% is in addition to the chief’s salary. As discussion continued on the proposed ordinance, Chief Gallow said, “All I’m saying is I’m on 24-hour call. When everybody is sleeping, I’m out there, and, let me tell you, I never know what I’m going to get into at night.” “I like what I do,” the chief went on to say. “I made a commitment to come back home and support my community and to do the best I can to help my community. I’m going to protect y’all to the best of my ability, and, when you call me, I’m there.” Councilman Frank then said the salary increase is a “matter of sustainability.” He added, “We’re not a big city. We’re not a big tax base.” Later, Councilman Frank said, “He is the chief, and he deserves a decent salary.” The motion to increase the salary to $1,500 per month passed unanimously. With the retirement benefits, the salary becomes $2,084 per month. In other business, Mayor Justin Darbonne reported the Easter Egg Extravaganza and Black Pot Cook-off is set for Saturday, March 23, at the village park.