Metropolitan Council Meeting April 22, 2026

The East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council held its regular meeting on April 22, 2026, following presentations recognizing community leaders, students, and the Baton Rouge Fire Department for achievements. The main agenda featured a highly debated police pay raise (Item 51) that passed after a substitute motion to defer failed. The council also approved an EMS pay raise (Item 54), created an economic development district (Item 62), and handled numerous routine items including consent calendar approvals, condemnations, adjudicated properties, change orders, and appointments.

Consent Calendar

• Adoption of minutes from the April 8, 2026 Metropolitan Council meeting and the April 15, 2026 zoning meeting.
• Introductions for pay plan amendments, condemnations, adjudicated properties, and other routine items (Items 2–26) were approved unanimously.
• Condemnation items (41–50) proceeded without opposition.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Police Pay Raise (Item 51): The council received 805 public comments (803 in support, 2 in opposition). Numerous speakers addressed the council:
  • Supporters included Police Chief Thomas Morris, union president Brandon O'Neill, Deputy Chief Sharon Douglas, retired Major Pat Tozan, and Mayor Sid Edwards. They emphasized the department is 170 officers short (allotted 696, currently ~525) and that competitive pay is critical for recruitment and retention. They highlighted officer sacrifices, financial strain, and the risk of reduced services without the raise.
  • Support with caveat: Constable Williams, Judge Phil Alexandra, and several citizens (Yigal Bander, Paula Collins, Dr. Gerald Robinson, Alfrieda Tillman Vester) urged that constable deputies and all city-parish employees be included in the raises, arguing they are also law enforcement and equally deserving. They requested a unified approach rather than pitting departments against each other.
  • Opponents: Champagne Roundtree criticized police response times and complaint handling, suggesting raises should be merit-based. Mary in Bloomwall opposed the raise, advocating instead for investment in crime prevention programs (youth, economic stability). Joy Foster, a former BRPD officer, said the issue is deeper than pay and raised concerns about trauma and accountability.
• EMS Pay Raise (Item 54): Walter Beach opposed, arguing the raise was insufficient. Another speaker opposed due to lack of investment in violence prevention.
• EDD District (Item 62): Councilman Hearst commented on the need for similar investment in North Baton Rouge (Plank Road EDD) and criticized lack of support for minority communities.

Discussion Items

• Police Pay Raise (Item 51): Councilwoman Coleman moved to approve the $5.615 million pay plan for BRPD. Councilman Hearst offered a substitute motion to defer the item to May 13 so that constables and all city-parish employees could be voted on together, citing concerns that other workers would be left behind. After debate, the substitute motion failed (4-7) and the original motion passed (9-2, with two council members not voting). The council committed to considering raises for all city-parish employees at the May 13 meeting.
• EMS Pay Raise (Item 54): The council approved a $1.919 million pay plan for East Baton Rouge EMS, adding 12 positions, deleting 6, and increasing pay grades for 21 classifications. The plan is funded entirely through EMS special funds (transport fees and billing) with no impact on the general fund. Administrator Chris Landry and Mayor Edwards supported the measure.
• Economic Development District (Item 62): Councilwoman Rocka proposed an amendment to the Fountain EDD that scales back the percentage of tax increment captured over time (100% in 2026, 75% through 2031, 50% through 2041, 25% through 2051). The amendment was approved, and the item passed.
• Other items: Items 52–53 (pay plan and position changes) were deferred to May 13. Items 59–61 (settlements) were deferred to May 27. Item 63 (smoke/vape shops) and Item 64 (retirement system inclusion for airport authority) were approved. Numerous contracts, change orders, final acceptances, and low bids were approved.

Key Outcomes

• Item 51 (Police Pay Plan): Approved after substitute motion to defer failed. The pay plan increases BRPD salaries to a starting salary of approximately $58,000. Vote: 9-2 (two council members recorded no vote).
• Item 54 (EMS Pay Plan): Approved unanimously. The $1.9 million plan adds classifications and pay grades, funded entirely from EMS revenues.
• Item 62 (Fountain EDD): Approved with amendments reducing the tax increment capture percentage over time, ensuring the city retains a growing share.
• Other: Routine items approved include condemnations, adjudicated property sales (Items 79–102), appointments (103–107), change orders (108–115), and final acceptances (116–121).