Baton Rouge Mayor Unveils Bold Plan for Police Pay Raise and Historic Tax Cuts

BATON ROUGE, La. — In a sweeping proposal designed to tackle public safety concerns, reduce taxes, and bolster the city's future growth, East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards has unveiled a comprehensive plan to raise police pay, slash taxes for residents, and enhance critical infrastructure and economic development.

The mayor’s proposal comes after an extensive analysis of the EBR City-Parish budget by Edwards and his team, who identified opportunities to better allocate existing funds to meet urgent community needs. The plan would reallocate funds from the East Baton Rouge Parish library system to the general fund, allowing for substantial improvements in public safety and essential city services, all while maintaining a robust library system.

Historic Pay Raise for Baton Rouge Police Officers

At the center of the proposal is a major pay increase for Baton Rouge Police Department (BRPD) officers, designed to make the department the highest-paid municipal force in Louisiana. Police officers would see a pay raise ranging from 15% to 41%, depending on rank and current salary. The average starting salary for an officer would increase from $40,900 to $58,000, a significant shift that positions Baton Rouge officers from among the lowest-paid in the region to the highest-paid municipal force in the state.

In response to the escalating crime rates within the parish, Edwards’ plan aims to provide strong support for law enforcement to help reduce crime and improve public safety. The mayor is optimistic that this historic pay increase will improve recruitment and retention, ultimately making Baton Rouge safer for residents.

“The safety of our community is paramount, and providing our officers with the pay they deserve is critical to ensuring we have the best police force possible,” said Edwards. “This investment in our officers will pay off in stronger law enforcement, a safer city, and a more confident public.”

Massive Tax Cuts for Baton Rouge Residents

The plan also includes a 12.7% reduction in tax revenue collected from Baton Rouge residents, which would represent the largest tax cut in more than 20 years. The proposal calls for a reduction in the millage rate from 11.1 to 9.80, allowing residents to keep more of their hard-earned money. This tax cut will offer much-needed financial relief to families and small businesses across the city.

“This tax cut is a win for every taxpayer in Baton Rouge,” Edwards said. “It’s about ensuring that the hard-working people of our community have more control over their finances while still investing in the critical services we need to thrive.”

Rededication of Library System Funds for Critical Needs

The proposal also includes a plan to reallocate funds from the East Baton Rouge Parish library system, which has accrued more than $114 million in surplus funds. For several years, the library’s budget has exceeded $60 million annually—substantially higher than the national average for similar-sized systems. While the library system will continue to receive strong funding under this proposal, Edwards aims to use a portion of this surplus to support essential public safety needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development projects across Baton Rouge.

Edwards stressed that the reallocation of funds would not harm the quality of library services, ensuring that Baton Rouge’s libraries remain among the best in the state.

“This is a thoughtful approach to balancing our priorities,” Edwards stated. “We’re making sure that the library system continues to provide top-tier services to the public, while also ensuring that we have the resources needed to address pressing issues like public safety and infrastructure.”

Support for Economic Development and Infrastructure

Following the law enforcement pay increase, the proposal allocates additional funding for infrastructure improvements and critical economic development initiatives. Each council member would also receive special project funding for their respective districts, enabling targeted investments to meet the unique needs of local neighborhoods.

“Improving infrastructure is vital to the continued growth and prosperity of Baton Rouge,” Edwards added. “From road repairs to economic development projects, this plan sets the stage for a stronger, more vibrant city.”

Next Steps and Community Involvement

The proposal will be presented to the East Baton Rouge Metro Council for review in March. If approved, it will move to the ballot for a community vote in October, giving residents the opportunity to weigh in on these transformative changes.

“I look forward to working with the Metro Council to refine this plan and ensure that we are making the best use of taxpayer dollars,” Edwards said. “Together, we can build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Baton Rouge for generations to come.”

With the proposal now in motion, Baton Rouge residents may soon see a brighter future, marked by stronger public safety, lower taxes, and a more robust economy.