[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6555590,"mediaKeyId","3306817-797c473db10444a451853e7f9ee9ac9d","parentId",3306817,"title","Council hears emergency plan to raise Head Start teacher pay; administration aims to obligate federal funds by June 30","audioSeconds",380,"startMs",7225000,"endMs",7605000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3306817-797c473db10444a451853e7f9ee9ac9d&start=7225&end=7605","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3306817-797c473db10444a451853e7f9ee9ac9d/thumbnail_7225000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6555590/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-hears-emergency-plan-to-raise-Head-Start-teacher-pay-administration-aims-to-obligate-federal-funds-by-June-30","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555590-64b8ea13c5e10ce5d9574103fe128e5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770855352&Signature=LI3JeEFzq3NeQutkBNWIkIi4JAPBomc0ohrgbz5L189CCeezDwlAKnKo4dN-ta~Th7-~DOqGPKQcvABVIjXV4lMH-4mzwXt7bVeMKP46r0dLj6WdBuJhoniYAvCb85ZwrrlBNPXBIHl6wKHfdBHZRNhLrKiw6-iST3JR4Bd4hGAnW0FP9niPrChMZcsfMgnapCBsZRXnDi--Geq3MGObM-UCgxshLAnYmDzLmRtY8bJ2rhYHkF7YjVysMLYQf-TCR6WKIgsKf9YkxjV0gmWq33nxc-GZKJo6Fvk1qw8RJ3DUeMNxW9yqgz4K3gQv81fC7JMugsZINSpRgXgjRAxV3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Baton Rouge","date","2025-05-15T11:33:48Z","article","The Metropolitan Council received an emergency report and discussion on federal requirements to raise Head Start teacher pay and the risk of losing as much as $3 million in grant funds if the parish does not comply. Council members and administration leaders said they have prepared a plan to implement pay-grade increases and retroactive pay and that the Office of Human Resources and Department of Human Development and Services (DHDS) are working to meet the June 30 obligation deadline.

What was presented: Councilman Darrell Hurst introduced the item as an emergency. Administration and DHDS staff said the parish inherited a Head Start program with low starting wages: historically teachers with bachelor’s degrees had been paid as low as $14 per hour before recent adjustments. Officials said they raised some pay to $21 per hour and then pursued a federal comparability requirement that would establish a starting salary that aligns more closely with local school systems. DHDS and HR reported they have a plan to implement the pay-grade increases, including retroactive pay to Jan. 11, pending council approval of the introduced ordinance/amendment.

Timing and funding: Administration representatives told the council that monies needed to improve wages can be drawn from salary savings created by vacant positions (vacancy savings are permitted to be reinvested into salaries under the federal guidance cited by staff). The administration said they must obligate the funds to avoid a federal recapture risk and that the council’s timely approval is necessary to meet an obligational deadline of June 30.

Council reaction: Councilman Hurst framed the issue as critical to program quality and workforce stability, arguing teachers should not be paid so little that they must work second jobs. Council members asked human resources and DHDS officials for implementation details; HR representatives said the plan is in place and described an execution timeline that would allow pay increases and retroactive pay to be processed before the federal deadline if the council approves the introduced items.

Outcome and next steps: The council declared the item an emergency and heard the report. Administration staff said they are prepared to implement pay-grade adjustments upon council approval of the specific pay-plan ordinance and asked the council to act at the next scheduled vote so the parish can obligate funds by the June 30 deadline.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Metropolitan Council Meeting - | 05-14-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council members and administration described a plan to increase Head Start teacher pay to meet federal comparability mandates and avoid losing grant funds. The mayoral administration said pay-grade changes and retroactive pay would be implemented pending council approval; staff said funds must be obligated by June 30.","taxTitle","Baton Rouge City, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana","taxId",3708,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6555594,"Parole Project reports ebike pilot helped seven participants log nearly 5,000 miles and maintain employment",593,6057000,6650000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3306817-797c473db10444a451853e7f9ee9ac9d&start=6057&end=6650","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3306817-797c473db10444a451853e7f9ee9ac9d/thumbnail_6057000.jpg","/articles/6555594/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Parole-Project-reports-ebike-pilot-helped-seven-participants-log-nearly-5000-miles-and-maintain-employment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555594-6c9d052c8d9a1f60c9870841de99c9d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770855352&Signature=A09lwdCslPJ1DNG1ULeflV-mDM~ELVU~oISfw~ObSo1kdrHDVVejehJ1tAJSEfqUs~vKzYb~jYeti9mTxj0bRfyvMxJGVSII-Ud85wmLDKmhKzF8zgKUXaD4Z46TonjZuYjka27pDTK5TpNOhiPPwWFbyHex9Neb2d~JPvG7HUkA-EQOHl-FUx~DyW~NtgQDSa5ztOAQQua0G3z91K484mCCfKKTTg88XMhAIXQCBR4rXTWyWQQEkJ3grL9Vee2V7eupxNdnoFqT9D6-vb9wbCY9oXCa9FYtFf8co-IEEgLM0ANQXi7hDw0rkMwR42nyIRcDon4p0mkGyANbWnFfyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Council received a six-month report on the Ride to Work pilot, a partnership between the Department of Human Development and Services (DHDS) and the Louisiana Parole Project. Project managers said seven participants have used electric bicycles (e-bikes) to travel to work, together logging nearly 5,000 miles in six months. The program provides rideshare credits for use during bad weather.

Why it matters: Council members and administrators framed the program as a targeted, low-cost intervention that addresses a common reentry barrier—lack of transportation—and as a pathway to employment stability and housing. Officials described the program as temporary transportation assistance intended to help participants progress to longer-term solutions, such as vehicle ownership.

Report details: Tim Wilkerson, project manager with Louisiana Parole Project, said participants have used the e-bikes for work commutes and that the organization provides case management from issuance through the pilot's duration. Wilkerson said the project has provided support aimed at helping participants move from bikes to vehicle ownership when feasible. Video testimony included participant remarks about cost savings compared with bus fares and the reliability e-bikes provided for getting to shifts. ProLogistix (the Parole Project's housing partner) reported 40 transitional houses available to support participants who need housing solutions while they reenter the workforce.

Council response: Council members praised the pilot and urged expansion and coordination with workforce and housing programs. Councilman Hudson suggested exploring second-chance hiring programs that could be administered through the Parole Project. Councilman Mote and others thanked the Parole Project for reducing barriers to employment and recommended continued investment and scaling where outcomes justify it.

Action: The item was presented as an informational report; council members asked for follow-up on housing and potential funding coordination. No formal vote was recorded on program expansion during the meeting.","The council received a six-month report on the Ride to Work pilot: seven participants used e-bikes, logged nearly 5,000 miles, and used rideshare credits during inclement weather. Officials said the program supports reentry and transitional housing efforts.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6555597,"Council approves $396,000 agreement for national community violence intervention program after objections from local groups",819,4871000,5690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3306817-797c473db10444a451853e7f9ee9ac9d&start=4871&end=5690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3306817-797c473db10444a451853e7f9ee9ac9d/thumbnail_4871000.jpg","/articles/6555597/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-approves-396000-agreement-for-national-community-violence-intervention-program-after-objections-from-local-groups","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555597-4ddccdcad29935e2f0f1692085c2d7e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770855352&Signature=egRLXoMECLpE4-OQXxtHyYKXzH6oPfzkpqB4aAgPICw~Jg3soIDicPr4YWMDRtLgXa6U3OqCRDQ4zYCZ867Ncd3h25beFpBuBFaM-Pb6c0Ki3pAnDyUUDtj0l~ps-VuOxlM2LVasDi4L9kwXMTo8iqLI9dmC~5O8c8mt-5DM01BpquMUg9wI2h1Tr5ZJrUmzOvEhj52G2y7yYTbnDXuNYsgNLCDjBmqf0OGpVz8ysykDGtUoP6slqELrv7yy9hi6tJrIw7QChw2b3FaF1SlspJ~VB9-1q8eRvsnT-XMi82Uxpd9sBPw93rZCnRJfmcjttEh~B~Kz6JEp2lt7FpkRpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Council authorized an agreement (item 105) with a contractor identified in the agenda as the Research Foundation of the City University of New York (CUNY) to deliver community violence intervention services under a $396,000 agreement for the Office of Community Development. The item drew public comment from local violence-prevention groups that said they had not been consulted and sought clarity on how existing community providers would participate.

Why it matters: City and parish officials said the agreement is intended to bring a national evidence-based intervention back to Baton Rouge; police and administration officials cited past reductions in homicide associated with similar efforts. Community providers said funding that had been dedicated to neighborhood-based organizations was being shifted without local consultation.

Public comment and council discussion: Cedric Hargrave of the Baton Rouge Peace Brokers and Teaching Young Youth Organization told the council the organization works “on the front line of our neighborhoods” and asked that local groups be engaged in funding and planning decisions. Dwayne \"Big Baby\" Regard and others said they had been assured of follow-up meetings. Chief LaDuff described the National Network model previously used in Baton Rouge and cited a historical 34% drop in homicides when the model operated locally; he said the program includes law enforcement, community moral voices and intervention teams. Council members pressed administration staff on procurement history, funding sources and whether prior RFP applicants would be given opportunity; administration officials said some related proposals remain under review and that community applicants will have future opportunities after compliance and budgeting steps are completed.

Funding and timing: Officials said the funding source is Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds administered by the Office of Community Development (OCD). Mayor-related staff and Chief LaDuff said the national partner is being paid through an agreement with the Research Foundation of CUNY to enable rapid implementation, and that the arrangement will be used to leverage additional local and federal funding for longer-term work. Council approved the contract on a motion by Councilman Dunne Jr., seconded by Councilman Hurst; the motion carried.

Next steps: Administration staff pledged to update local applicants to the 2024 RFP process and to hold meetings with community organizations to explain how they can participate in implementation. Council members asked staff to provide follow-up meetings and transparency on how front-line providers will be integrated into the program.","The council authorized a $396,000 agreement with a CUNY-linked contractor to deliver a national 'community violence intervention' model; local providers said they were not consulted and sought inclusion in planning and funding decisions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6555599,"Council approves Thrive BR millage propositions, adds clarifying language for library measure",704,1894000,2598000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3306817-797c473db10444a451853e7f9ee9ac9d&start=1894&end=2598","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3306817-797c473db10444a451853e7f9ee9ac9d/thumbnail_1894000.jpg","/articles/6555599/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-approves-Thrive-BR-millage-propositions-adds-clarifying-language-for-library-measure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6555599-5b96ed10c15f094dd9f481271b55f968/orig.mp4?Expires=1770855352&Signature=iCCM0UvFFx6r-Yu283-5bhr56uXCCBjC~p7y26IN6PMNX-lpHKs~zsrwtOD0ti6J~D~UzTfERLoRXYOETaDoe~56Hm216cqEvlJt7TpywsSogU9NHEXmj~kbQeZBqobSysxxWDKEnhgR6OHU-m3M6FhQZDxvZqSIjNI-1FyeYis-cykuL9GB9Y1qR7W2Xur1Y3hxDhB8mEeUeb3YVfJwvbyKk1HlBip21HJ2OtQco~-lG1cpUHHKzp2IQAD04wFdPdgdbhvYeQuhJoqDd7c8~nqrpbYRERkXeuJ2g8bf0bjSTgu4aypfXQu11Ee39YZ1lZzA9cYkdcnP3QSyLpCblQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Council of the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge voted to place four millage proposals tied to the Thrive BR plan on the Nov. 15, 2025 ballot, approving an amendment that clarifies how a portion of library millage proceeds may be used.

The council approved a resolution (item 86, as amended) to extend an 11.1 mills ad valorem tax for an additional 10 years beginning with 2026 and to rededicate $52,400,000 of proceeds. The amendment, requested by library representatives and read into the record by Councilman Dwight Hudson, adds the words “collections, software, furniture, and equipment” to the list of allowable library operations expenditures. Council members voted to approve the companion propositions for mosquito abatement (item 87), a millage restoration (item 88 was deleted by the administration), and the Council on Aging (item 89).

Why it matters: Council and administration leaders described the package as a compromise to address an estimated recurring $21 million budget shortfall, pay down one-time debt, and preserve key services including libraries, mosquito abatement and elder services. Stakeholders who spoke at the public hearing — including library and Council on Aging officials — urged voters to support the measures and asked for transparency and commitments that dedications and program priorities will be maintained.

Council members and the mayor emphasized the effort required to reach the compromise. Mayor President Sid Edwards described the effort as a collaborative process among the council, administration and community stakeholders and said the one-time $52.4 million would be used largely to retire debt; recurring revenue would help stabilize the operating budget. Councilman Godey likened the parish budget to a household that must make adjustments to balance priorities; Councilwoman Rock credited a months-long, cross-office effort. Several council members stressed the need for voter education ahead of November.

Public testimony: Katrina Stokes identified herself for the record and thanked the council; Mary Stein of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library said the library supports the compromise and sought clear public messaging about what each component of the Thrive plan will deliver. Tasha Clark of the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging said her organization will “support the Thrive BR plan” and noted the Council on Aging’s pledge to help stabilize the budget by retaining the full levy amount requested for its services. Other speakers urged caution about shifting funding that had been previously dedicated to the library.

Council action and next steps: Councilman Hudson moved to approve item 86 with the library-supplied clarifying language; the motion passed. Item 87 (mosquito abatement) passed on motion and second; item 88 was deleted at the administration's request; item 89 (Council on Aging levy) passed. The measures will appear on the Nov. 15, 2025 ballot if the mayor president follows through on required administrative steps. Council members said they will participate in voter education and outreach in the coming months.

The council record shows at least one emailed comment in opposition to each of items 86–89. Several council members repeatedly urged public outreach to combat misinformation and to explain how proceeds will be spent if voters approve the measures.","The Metropolitan Council voted to place four Thrive BR millage propositions on the Nov. 15 ballot, including an amended library rededication that adds explicit language about collections, software, furniture and equipment. Council and stakeholders said the plan fills budget gaps and finances one-time debt reduction and recurring operating needs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears emergency plan to raise Head Start teacher pay; administration aims to obligate federal funds by June 30

Parole Project reports ebike pilot helped seven participants log nearly 5,000 miles and maintain employment

Council approves $396,000 agreement for national community violence intervention program after objections from local groups

Council approves Thrive BR millage propositions, adds clarifying language for library measure