Central City Council supports bill to create independent park system

The Louisiana Legislature's recent meeting on April 30, 2025, focused on a significant proposal that could reshape the park system in Central, Louisiana. The proposed legislation aims to transfer park management from the East Baton Rouge Parish Recreation and Park Commission (BREC) to the city of Central, a move that has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and community members.

Central's mayor, Wade Evans, and city council members argue that the city can manage its parks more efficiently and at a lower cost. Currently, BREC's budget allocates a substantial 85% to employee salaries, which they believe detracts from the funds available for park maintenance and improvements. The proposed plan suggests a reduction in the millage rate from 3.5 million to 2.9 million, allowing Central to operate its parks for approximately 1.5 million, significantly less than what BREC currently spends.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about the implications of separating from BREC, particularly regarding the potential loss of jobs for current BREC employees working in Central. Mayor Evans assured that those employees would have opportunities to apply for positions with private contractors that the city plans to engage for park services. However, some lawmakers expressed skepticism about the transition, fearing it could lead to job losses and a fragmented park system.

The proposal also includes a referendum for Central residents to vote on the new tax structure, which has raised questions about the fairness of a city-wide vote on a system that was previously established through a parish-wide effort. Some representatives voiced concerns that this could undermine the collective decision-making process that originally brought BREC into existence.

Despite the pushback, supporters of the bill argue that local control will lead to better accountability and responsiveness to the community's needs. They emphasize that Central has successfully managed its government through private contracts for years, demonstrating a model of efficiency that they believe can be replicated in park management.

As the discussion continues, the outcome of this proposal could significantly impact how parks are managed in Central and set a precedent for other municipalities in Louisiana considering similar moves. The next steps will involve further deliberation and community engagement to ensure that the voices of Central residents are heard in this pivotal decision.