Metro Council approves majority of Baton Rouge mayor's tax plan
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Most of Mayor-President Sid Edwards' proposed tax plan was passed by the Metro Council Wednesday and now heads to the November ballot for voters' approval.
Edwards celebrated the vote, calling it 'an important step forward' for the parish. The Thrive! plan aims to address the budget while maintaining critical services and reducing debt without increasing taxes. The only part of the plan that won't be on the ballot is the alimony tax resolution, which was removed after community feedback.
'We paid attention to the voters. We just talked about it, and we said, 'you know what? Let's just not put that in there. Let's get rid of the tax,'' Edwards said.
The proposed plan would rededicate taxes from the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System (EBRPL), Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control, and the Council on Aging to the general fund. The mayor's office said $52.4 million would be used to pay down debt, and a one-time payment of $6 million would go to parish-wide services, including infrastructure, drainage improvements, and public safety.
'We feel that we have accomplished our goals, which first and most important was to keep our dedicated millage and to receive a millage at which we can continue our operations,' EBRPL Director Katrina Stokes said. She added that work needs to be done to educate voters before November.
Recurring funds from the plan would generate $21 million for ongoing debt obligations, with $4.5 million remaining annually to stabilize the budget.
'This plan doesn't make us whole, but it is a much-needed first step on the path to financial stability,' Edwards said.
Voters in East Baton Rouge can expect to see items from the plan as three separate ballot items.
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Metro Council approves majority of Baton Rouge mayor's tax plan
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