Heated committee debate on Caddo‑Bossier port pay and governance ends with involuntary deferral

Representative McCormick’s two bills aimed at the Caddo‑Bossier Port — a cap on executive director compensation (HB 7‑13) and a measure to convert the commission from appointed to elected (HB 6‑67) — prompted extended floor debate, testimony from port officials and local governing authorities, and ultimately committee action to defer both bills.

On HB 7‑13 McCormick framed the bill as an accountability measure, citing Legislative Auditor figures about the Caddo‑Bossier Port’s executive compensation and saying the proposal would align that director’s pay with the statewide average of the top 10 paid port directors. McCormick read audit figures into the record including an asserted current compensation figure for the Caddo‑Bossier executive and an average benchmark: "Based on the most recent audit reports by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, the compensation for the Caddo‑Bossier Port Commission is $477,184," he said, adding that the average of the top 10 is roughly $324,448 and that the bill would reduce that gap over time.

Opponents argued the bill would inappropriately single out one port and erode local authority. Jennifer Marusak, executive director of the Port Association of Louisiana, urged caution and warned the bill would set a precedent that could limit ports’ ability to recruit executive leadership. Steven Callaway, a Caddo‑Bossier port commissioner, described projects and activity at the port and said boards historically vetted and approved compensation levels.

Committee members pressed on implementation details, including how the average would be calculated and whether the bill unintentionally creates guaranteed positions or salary rights in statute. Representative Sawyer and others flagged drafting issues that might require technical amendments.

After public comment and discussion, Representative Walters moved to involuntarily defer HB 7‑13; the roll call produced a recorded result of 12 yeas and 1 nay and the motion passed. Representative McCormick then brought HB 6‑67 (selection to elected) with similar arguments; the committee also voted to involuntarily defer HB 6‑67 by recorded vote.

The record shows sharp hometown concerns about tax abatements, local representation, and the tradeoffs between economic incentives and local services; committee members said they would welcome refinements but were not prepared to advance the measures in the forms presented.