East Baton Rouge Library System Pushes Back Against Mayor’s Funding Proposal
Mayor-President Sid Edwards has proposed reallocating a portion of the library’s 11.1-mill property tax, arguing that the funds could be better used for public safety, road improvements, and other parish-wide initiatives.
BATON ROUGE, La. — A proposal to redirect dedicated library funding to the East Baton Rouge Parish general fund is set to go before the Metro Council in March, with a final decision potentially resting in the hands of voters this October.
Mayor-President Sid Edwards has proposed reallocating a portion of the library’s 11.1-mill property tax, arguing that the funds could be better used for public safety, road improvements, and other parish-wide initiatives. Library officials, however, contend that shifting the funds would jeopardize voter-approved projects and weaken the library system’s financial independence.
“Our funding is not a surplus,” said Assistant Library Director Mary Stein. “We set aside money for planned improvements and maintenance to ensure we can continue providing essential services.”
Library Officials Defend Dedicated Funding
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library system receives over $65 million annually from a voter-approved property tax, which covers salaries, operational expenses, facility maintenance, and programming. According to library officials, the system has maintained a strong financial position, allowing it to plan for long-term upgrades, particularly in underserved areas.
Stein disputes Edwards’ claim that the library has a $114 million fund balance, stating the actual figure is $92 million, all of which is earmarked for specific projects, including much-needed renovations in northern parts of the parish.
“If we lose control of our own budget, we won’t get the improvements we need,” Stein said. “The northern branches are next in line for upgrades, and those communities deserve investment.”
Mayor’s Office Seeks Alternative Uses for Funds
Edwards insists that the proposal does not seek to cut library funding but rather to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.
“We’re not trying to do away with libraries,” Edwards said. “Even if some of this money is moved into the general fund, we will still fund the library better than any other system in the state.”
Under his plan, the Metro Council would gain control over how much funding the library receives each year, rather than allowing the system to manage its own dedicated tax revenue. Edwards has suggested that if the library needed funding for major expenses—such as a new roof or expanded programs—the money would still be available.
Opposition and Community Concerns
Library advocates argue that shifting the funds to the general budget could lead to delays in maintenance, service reductions, and a loss of financial autonomy. Many worry that, once absorbed into the general fund, library projects could be deprioritized in favor of other government expenses.
Beyond infrastructure, the library system offers free access to books, technology, literacy programs, job training, and educational resources for the community. Critics of the proposal fear that losing financial independence could lead to program cuts affecting children, students, and families who rely on library services.
What’s Next?
The Metro Council will review the proposal in March. If approved, the measure will go before voters in October. Library officials are encouraging residents to stay informed and engaged in the process, emphasizing that the current funding model has allowed the East Baton Rouge Parish Library to remain one of the most well-funded and effective systems in Louisiana.
