Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards says more city-parish employees could soon see pay raises after the recent approval of increased salaries for Baton Rouge Police officers.
During Mornings with Brian Haldane, Edwards called the police pay raise a major win for both law enforcement and the Baton Rouge community. He said the city remains severely understaffed within the Baton Rouge Police Department, but early signs show the pay increase is helping attract new applicants.
Edwards also revealed that his administration plans to present another pay raise proposal to the Metro Council that would include other city-parish workers. The proposal covers employees in public works, finance, clerk offices, and other departments. He pointed to some Department of Public Works employees making just over $10 an hour and called the situation unacceptable.
The mayor credited his finance team for finding room in the budget by cutting wasteful spending and improving government efficiency. Edwards said the administration spent months reviewing spending and identifying areas where money could be redirected toward employee salaries.
The conversation also turned to public safety following the recent deadly shooting at the Mall of Louisiana. Edwards described the violence as disturbing and heartbreaking, while stressing that similar crimes happen across Baton Rouge on a regular basis. He said the highly public location made the incident feel even more personal for many residents.
Edwards also addressed the ongoing legal dispute involving District Attorney Hillar Moore and parish funding. He described the lawsuit as part of a larger conversation about budget priorities and said communication between both sides remains open.
The mayor added that Baton Rouge still has more work to do when it comes to improving financial efficiency and reducing dependence on federal emergency funding.