Baton Rouge, La. – Mayor-President Sid Edwards introduced a revised plan Tuesday aimed at ending a heated debate over the future of library funding in East Baton Rouge Parish. Dubbed “Thrive! East Baton Rouge,” the new plan reduces proposed cuts to the library system, reroutes funds from Mosquito Control and the Council on Aging, and boosts the city-parish general fund by nearly $37 million annually.
The revision marks a significant shift for Edwards, who faced widespread criticism from library advocates and community members for his original plan, which sought to redirect nearly 40% of library funding to other city-parish priorities such as police salaries. Under the new proposal, the library system’s annual budget would be cut by approximately 25%, down from an original 40%.
Standing alongside Edwards at Tuesday’s press conference, Assistant Library Director Mary Stein praised the compromise, acknowledging the efforts of city-parish leaders and residents.
“We truly appreciate the many hours the mayor’s office, Metro Council, and the community have spent working out this compromise,” Stein said. The reduced budget cuts, Stein noted, will help preserve essential library services and operating hours previously at risk under the original plan.
What’s in the New “Thrive!” Plan?
Key elements of the updated proposal include:
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Reduced Library Budget Cuts:
The library system will now see about a 25% budget cut, down from Edwards’ initial proposed cut of approximately 40%. The new budget plan will ensure the library retains dedicated funding through an 8.3 millage renewal, maintaining an independent funding structure separate from the city-parish general fund—an important victory for library supporters concerned about future budget reductions. -
Additional Funding Sources
The proposal redirects $3.77 million annually from Mosquito Abatement and $1.4 million annually from the Council on Aging to the general fund, contributing to a total general fund increase of $36.89 million annually. These additional resources would help fund public safety, infrastructure improvements, workforce stability, and general parish services. -
Workforce Stability and Debt Reduction
Of the new general fund money, approximately $21 million will be allocated to stabilize the city-parish workforce budget, helping to prevent layoffs, while $13 million is designated for workforce compensation enhancements and the creation of a new 401(k)-style retirement plan for new city-parish employees. -
A substantial one-time financial boost of around $52.4 million will also be used to pay down existing debt, generating long-term savings on interest payments and helping to stabilize city-parish finances over the long term.
Bipartisan Collaboration
At the announcement, Edwards was flanked by members of the Metro Council from both political parties, highlighting the bipartisan nature of the revised proposal.
Councilman Dwight Hudson, a Republican, echoed that sentiment, saying the plan balances fiscal responsibility with maintaining essential services, avoiding the contentious “us vs. them” battle that defined previous debates over funding reallocations.
Democratic Councilwoman Carolyn Coleman emphasized the collaborative nature of the new plan: “This is the most cooperation I have seen on the council, and it’s a step toward healing some of the divisions we’ve seen in this debate.”
Reaction from Affected Agencies
While library leaders accepted the new arrangement, the impact on other programs—including Mosquito Control and the Council on Aging—sparked new concerns. Mosquito Control will lose nearly $4 million annually, and the Council on Aging will see a reduction of $1.4 million. These reallocations, though smaller than the initial library cuts, could still affect operations for those agencies.
What’s Next?
The new “Thrive! East Baton Rouge” plan is expected to be formally introduced at the Metro Council meeting on March 26, with a public hearing and council vote scheduled for April 23. If approved, aspects of the new plan—including the renewal and rededication of existing millages—will ultimately head to voters later this year.
As city-parish leaders finalize the details, voters and community members continue to watch closely, understanding that the outcomes of these decisions will impact Baton Rouge’s financial stability, public services, and trust in local government for years to come.
Updated 5:43 pm, March 11.
