East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council Meeting – February 11, 2026

The East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council convened on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The meeting opened with recognitions and public comments, followed by a lengthy consent calendar, discussions on condemnations, and major debates on the renewal of dedicated property tax millages for the East Baton Rouge Parish Library and the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging. The council also approved emergency funding for low-income energy assistance and a transfer to support deputy constable positions. Roll calls were recorded on several key items.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: Approved minutes from the January 14, 2026, Metropolitan Council meeting, January 21, 2026, zoning meeting, and February 3, 2026, Airport Commission meeting (motion by Dunn, second by Amarosa, unanimous).
• Introductions: A motion to introduce all agenda items except item 42 was approved (roll call: 10-2, with Hudson and Amarosa dissenting). Item 42 was excluded without explanation.
• Condemnations (Items 68–111): The council adopted a consolidated motion to proceed with most condemnation items, with 30-day and 60-day deferrals for specific properties. Public hearings were held on items 88 (Mitchell Connor, 30-day extension granted) and 76 (Sheree Smith, deferred for six-month plan at Councilman Kenny’s request).
• Meeting Schedule Changes (Item 112): Approved cancellation/rescheduling of meetings due to holidays and a special December 8, 2026, budget meeting (motion by Harris, second by Amarosa, unanimous).
• Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rates (Item 113): Set 2026 millage rates for numerous taxing districts; passed without opposition (motion by Hudson, second by Coleman, unanimous). Public comments included support from the Council on Aging.
• Items 114–172: Approved a series of consent items (settlements, contracts, change orders, final acceptances, appointments, and low bids) with minimal discussion, except where noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Library Millage (Item 114): Over 100 speakers signed up; approximately 20 spoke. The overwhelming majority urged the council to place the library’s 9.5-mill renewal on the June 27, 2026, ballot. Key speakers: Library Director Katrina Stokes and Assistant Director Mary Stein presented the reduced rate (9.5 mills, with two rollbacks over 10 years). Citizens, including library board members Jan Bernard, Robin Mulder, Jennifer Carwile, Nick Leboard, Kathy Wascom, Justin Turner (opposed), Donald Luther, Ronnie Pierce, Carissa Kenney, Reverend Alexis Anderson, State Representative C. Denise Marcel, and State Senator Regina Barrow, stressed the library’s national excellence, community value, and the public’s right to vote. Opponent Justin Turner cited financial audits showing large fund balances (e.g., $123 million at end of 2025) and argued for a lower rate.
• Council on Aging Millage (Item 115): Speakers included Senator Regina Barrow, board members Jennifer Moysan and Francis Johnson, staff Tasha Rove (bookmobile manager), and residents Tanya Jones and Jennifer Carwile. They emphasized the millage (2 mills) costs $28/year on a $200,000 home and supports meals on wheels, senior centers, housing, and disaster response. 1,809 emails were received in support.
• Other Items: Several speakers addressed condemnations (Mitchell Connor, Sheree Smith), a hazardous waste contract (Item 130.2), and constable funding (Paula Collins, Constable Regina Brownfield).

Discussion Items

• Library Millage Debate: Councilwoman Adams presented data showing a decline in physical circulation (-73% from 2016 to 2025) and computer use (-63%), but a 214% increase in digital checkouts. She noted the library’s per-capita funding ($124) is far above the national average ($40–$50). Councilman Hudson argued for a lower rate (8.3 mills), similar to Thrive negotiations. Councilwoman Rocka clarified the council’s role is only to place the item on the June 27 ballot, not to approve the tax itself. Library board members explained that the 9.5-mill request funds facility maintenance, security, 75 frozen positions, and capital projects (e.g., boilers, chillers costing $150,000–$400,000). A substitute motion to approve the millage as presented (9.5 mills) passed on a roll call of 8–4, with Garde, Adams, Hudson, and Amarosa dissenting.
• Council on Aging Millage: Councilman Goday questioned the organization’s funding sources and disaster response. Executive Director Tasha Thompson clarified the council on aging is a quasi-governmental entity, not a traditional nonprofit, and the millage is a renewal, not an increase. Approved unanimously.
• Constable Funding (Item 131): Constable Regina Brownfield requested two additional positions to address shortfalls and security. Councilwoman Adams and others explored revenue generation and the building security gap. Chief Morris (BRPD) noted that securing City Hall is not statutorily BRPD’s duty; the council and administration must develop a plan. The item passed (motion by Coleman, second by Hearst).
• Emergency Low-Income Energy Assistance (Item 169): $4,025,339 in LIHEAP funding was approved as an emergency item. Councilman Goday expressed concern over the short deadline (March 31) and a closed online application; staff explained the portal would reopen immediately after approval. Town hall meetings with Delta Utilities had already collected hundreds of applications.

Key Outcomes

• Library Millage Referendum: The council voted 8–4 to place a 10-year dedicated property tax millage of 9.5 mills (with rollbacks to 9.36 and 9.22) on the June 27, 2026, ballot. The final vote: yes – Mo, Dunn, Hearst, Rocka, Noel, Coleman, Kenny, Harris; no – Garde, Adams, Hudson, Amarosa.
• Council on Aging Millage Referendum: Approved unanimously to place a 2-mill renewal (10 years) on the June 27 ballot.
• Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rates (Item 113): Adopted without opposition, setting 2026 rates for all taxing districts.
• Constable Positions (Item 131): Approved transfer of $163,700 from unassigned fund balances ($79,700 general fund, $84,000 court cost fund) to fund two deputy constable positions.
• Adjourned: Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.m.