This week, the city-parish budget discussions were a major focus, particularly regarding the allocation of tax dollars. Mason Batts, Executive Director from the Mayor’s Office, provided insights into the events and decisions made. The Metro Council meeting on Wednesday was a significant event, with many police officers and community members present. The main issue was the debate over the library’s tax proposition. The Council could not reach a consensus on whether to defer or delete the item, leading to a de facto deferral. The earliest the issue can be revisited is March 28th, after another proposition is heard on March 12th or 13th.
The Mayor’s Office proposed reducing the property tax millage from 11.1 to 9.80 mils, reallocating funds from the library’s dedicated fund to the General Fund. This change aims to maintain excellent library funding while providing more flexibility to address a looming budget deficit. Mayor-President Edwards emphasized that any reallocation of funds requires voter approval, ensuring that residents have the final say.
The proposal is seen as a way to balance the budget without further cuts to essential services like police and fire departments. The Mayor’s Office argues that the library’s dedicated tax saved the city 40 years ago and can do so again. They urge the Metro Council to let voters decide on the reallocation.
Additionally, the discussion touched on the funding of the Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) by residents outside the city limits, a situation exacerbated by the incorporation of Saint George. The proposed reallocation would ensure that property taxes from areas like Saint George, Central, Zachary, and Baker are not used to fund BRPD. Instead, surplus funds would be used to pay down debt, freeing up $9.6 million annually for the General Fund. This approach aims to address budgetary challenges without relying on external funding sources.