Voters in East Baton Rouge Parish will decide June 27 whether to renew a Council on Aging millage that leaders say supports meals, transportation, housing, and senior services across the parish.
Council on Aging leaders James Gilmore and Jennifer Moisant discussed the renewal on ‘Mornings with Brian Haldane’. They stressed that the proposal is not a tax increase. Instead, it renews an existing property tax first approved by voters 10 years ago.
The original rate approved by voters was 2.25 mills. During the pandemic, officials rolled it back to 2.0 mills to ease pressure on taxpayers. Leaders said the Council on Aging chose to keep the lower rate because services have continued successfully under the reduced funding level.
Council on Aging officials highlighted several programs funded by the millage:
Meals and Food Support
The organization serves more than 1.1 million meals annually. That includes Meals on Wheels deliveries and meals at 21 congregate centers where seniors gather for food, exercise, and social activities. The agency also operates a food pantry.
Transportation and Medical Access
Transportation programs help seniors reach doctor appointments, grocery stores, and community centers. Leaders said access to transportation remains critical for older residents who live alone or have mobility challenges.
Housing and Home Repairs
Funding also supports affordable senior housing, accessibility improvements, and home repairs. Officials pointed to investments in housing developments, ADA upgrades, and roof repairs aimed at helping seniors remain safely in their homes.
Council on Aging leaders also emphasized financial oversight. They said the organization has received clean audits for the past decade while undergoing reviews from local, state, and federal agencies.
Early voting begins June 12. The millage renewal will appear on the June 27 ballot in East Baton Rouge Parish.