East Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards discusses budget overhaul
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) – Mayor-President Sid Edwards is updating the public on his new plan to revive Baton Rouge, which includes a major budget overhaul.
He said he's trying to create a better future for East Baton Rouge Parish and the City of Baton Rouge, but some want more details about his proposal.
'I make tough decisions,' said Edwards. 'I have no time for political theater. I've sat quietly for two weeks.' Edwards said change in the Baton Rouge area will be painful – but necessary – to clean up the $52 million deficit he's facing, along with a high crime rate.'I like books, I like libraries but I like people more – and not one service will be cut from the library system,' Edwards added.East Baton Rouge Parish Library Board Vice President, Donald Luther, said he'd like to see more detailed numbers of the Mayor's proposed plan, which would take from the library's funds.
'If your plan doesn't work – it could be a potential problem – it could be devastating to the library system,' he said.
Local leaders had a chance to voice their beliefs at the mayor's press conference.
'What I feel the conversation needs to be is: how to get everyone at a livable competitive wage,' said Metro Councilman Darryl Hursts. The mayor's plan calls for a proposal to move $114 million from the library tax to the general fund. If passed by the Metro Council, it will be on the ballot in October for voters to decide.
The plan also includes police officer pay raises, and money for economic development and infrastructure.
Below is a breakdown of what projects will be funded with the reallocation.
Gardere Initiative Partnership: $1M-1.25M
Repurposing former 'Brave Cave' with YWCA: $1M-1.5M
Head Start program enhancements/pay increase: $1.25M-2M
Mental Health and Homelessness Services: $1M-1.5M recurring
Youth Violence Prevention Program: $1.5M-1.75M
Community Policing Expansion: $1M-1.25M
Gang Task Force Development: $1M-1.25M
Support for District Attorney and Public Defenders: $2M-2.5M
Additional Public Safety Funding: $10M-10.5M recurring
Blight Reduction Efforts: $1M-1.5M
Ending Food Deserts and Increasing Access to Fresh Food: $2M-2.5M
Budget Stabilization for Long-Term Financial Health: $9.6M
Revitalization of the River Center: $7M-7.5M
Drainage System Enhancements: $2M-2.5M recurring
Road Beautification and Maintenance: $6M-6.5M recurring
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