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No. The Attorney General (AG) has opined that an elected official cannot refuse to be paid their salary. According to the AG, such reduction, even if voluntary, would constitute a reduction in the salary of a local elected official, which is prohibited by Article VI, ยง12 of the Louisiana Constitution. See AG Op. No. 11-0260, AG Op. 01-0087, AG Op. 98-0241, AG Op. 88-0587, & AG Op. 88-0255.
The AG in AG Op. No. 11-0260 has set forth two methods by which a local elected official can legally refuse their pay.
1. The elected official can refuse to cash or deposit their issued paycheck; or
2. The elected official can cash or deposit their paycheck and donate the money back to the municipality.
Absent additional guidance by the AG or the courts to the contrary, local elected officials who wish to refuse their salary should follow one of the above methods.
Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 06/12/2025 04:24:46 AM
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