The Associated Press
Richwood, La. (AP) -- The staff of the Richwood Police Department has been cut in half because of financial problems, leading the chief to say he will resign.
Mayor Edward Harris said Monday that seven employees were fired. Chief Robert Kelley said that as soon as he gets “the loose ends tied up, making sure our inventory and equipment are all accounted for, I’ll join the others in the soup line.”
Richwood’s recent agreement to start paying Monroe past-due sewage treatment invoices, increasing fuel prices and maintenance costs on police cars led to the layoffs, Harris said.
Kelley said the town has disbanded its department “three or four times” and that he is tired of rebuilding it.
Harris said seven members of the department will retain their positions. Any additional protection that is needed will be provided by the Ouachita Parish sheriff, he said.
The mayor said he hopes the eliminated positions can be brought back in a few months.