East Baton Rouge Parish voters will decide on a library millage renewal during Saturday’s election. The proposal is one of three tax renewals on the ballot and would not create a new tax.
Library representative Mary Stein said the measure continues the funding plan voters first approved in 1986. The proposed renewal sets the millage at 9.5 mills, down from the previous 11.1 mills after required rollbacks. The renewal would remain in effect for 10 years if voters approve it.
Stein emphasized that the library system operates on a pay-as-you-go model instead of borrowing money for major projects. She said the approach has allowed the parish to complete major renovations and new construction without issuing bonds. According to library finance estimates, that strategy has saved taxpayers about $88 million in interest over the past two decades.
The renewal would restore funding for books, digital databases, employee staffing, and future capital improvement projects. Stein said library leaders froze 72 positions, reduced book purchases, and delayed several renovation projects while planning for lower funding levels during earlier discussions.
Projects on hold include improvements to the Central, Zachary, Delmont Gardens, Bluebonnet Regional, Carver, and Main libraries. Stein said the higher renewal amount would allow those projects to move forward at their original scope instead of a reduced level.
Stein also reminded residents that every registered voter in East Baton Rouge Parish can vote on the measure, regardless of whether they live in Baton Rouge, Zachary, Central, or another municipality. She said some residents mistakenly believed the election applied only to certain areas.
Polls open Saturday, and parish voters will decide whether to continue funding the library system through the renewed 10-year millage.