BATON ROUGE, La. – Mayor-President Sid Edwards is doubling down on his push to redirect dedicated library funds to public safety and infrastructure, warning that failure to approve his Revive EBR initiative could result in hundreds of job losses and major budget cuts across city-parish services.
During a press conference Tuesday, Edwards said that if voters reject his proposal to shift library funds to a general account, he will be forced to cut 600 city jobs and reduce government services. “If this don’t happen, I’m cutting 600 jobs. We’re cutting services,” Edwards said. His office later clarified that the statement was hyperbole meant to underscore the city’s financial challenges.
The mayor’s proposal seeks to reallocate library tax revenue to support law enforcement, drainage projects, blight reduction, and expanded mental health services. Edwards defended the plan as a necessary restructuring, arguing that the library system is overfunded while the city struggles to meet its most pressing needs.
“This is a pivotal moment for Baton Rouge,” Edwards said. “By using existing resources more effectively, we can address longstanding issues without placing an additional burden on taxpayers.”
Debate Over Fiscal Priorities and Public Trust
Supporters of Revive EBR argue that shifting library funds to law enforcement, infrastructure, and community services is a responsible way to address the city-parish’s growing financial strain, especially in light of the $48 million in annual tax revenue that now goes to the newly incorporated city of St. George instead of the city-parish’s general fund. Edwards’ office maintains that the library system will still have the highest-funded budget in the state and that no library services will be cut.
However, library officials say that claim is unrealistic.
“We will have to cut to fit into that different shape of a budget. Again, it is not magic money. You can’t do $55 million worth of services on $38 million. You can’t do it,” said Mary Stein, assistant director of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System.
The potential reallocation of dedicated tax revenue has also sparked concerns over fiscal transparency and precedent. Critics warn that if voters approve the redirection of library funds, it could encourage future administrations to similarly repurpose tax revenue approved for one purpose and use it for another.
Library Funding on the Chopping Block?
The controversy is unfolding as the library system’s dedicated property tax is up for renewal this year. Library supporters had hoped to negotiate a compromise with Edwards to find a solution that meets both city-parish funding needs and protects library resources, but it remains unclear whether Edwards is open to such discussions.
Library patrons have voiced concerns over the proposal, especially in light of Edwards’ comments minimizing the role of libraries in public life. “Dead people can’t read books,” the mayor said, defending the priority shift toward public safety.
While Edwards insists that the library system will remain strong despite a budget reduction, the proposal’s impact on library operations and public services remains a key point of contention. The Metro Council will review Revive EBR in March, with the final decision resting in the hands of East Baton Rouge Parish voters in October.
As the debate continues, the outcome of this proposal could reshape not only the city-parish’s budget priorities but also voter confidence in how dedicated tax revenues are managed.
