Personnel board removes unclassified positions from pay scale; chairman abstains

The St. Bernard Parish Personnel Board voted April 15, 2026, to remove certain unclassified positions from the official Personnel Pay Scale, a change that board members described as housekeeping rather than a reclassification of jobs. The motion was made by Timothy P. Doody and seconded by George Imbraguglio, Jr.; the final tally recorded four votes in favor and one abstention.

CAO Donald Bourgeois told the board that "the positions themselves would remain; however, they would be removed from the Pay Scale," explaining these roles have always been designated unclassified under the Home Rule Charter and therefore are not bound by the Pay Scale. Bourgeois said salaries for those positions will continue to be set based on experience and qualifications. Executive Counsel John B. White added that prior appearance on the Pay Scale did not confer classified protections to those employees.

Board members questioned the effect of the change on employee protections and classification. Mr. Doody asked how classification is determined; Bourgeois cited the Home Rule Charter. Chairman George Imbraguglio disclosed a potential conflict of interest because a relative could be affected and abstained from the vote. The vote result was recorded as Yeas: Brandon, Doody, Tonry, Lavergne; Abstained: Imbraguglio. The motion passed on April 15, 2026.

Next steps: the administrative change will be reflected in board records and the Personnel Pay Scale; no reclassification or change in duties was presented at the meeting.