[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6491843,"mediaKeyId","5691960-82da84b3e6525429d176a8de4a334896","parentId",5691960,"title","Council hears Head Start pay report; federal guidance, job classifications and retro pay prompt follow-up","audioSeconds",1668,"startMs",11184000,"endMs",12852000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691960-82da84b3e6525429d176a8de4a334896&start=11184&end=12852","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691960-82da84b3e6525429d176a8de4a334896/thumbnail_11184000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6491843/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-hears-Head-Start-pay-report-federal-guidance-job-classifications-and-retro-pay-prompt-follow-up","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491843-52ad06af353a9d9f043221cebc926ed4/orig.mp4?Expires=1776041938&Signature=mwb7z-o-zBAUvSclmHCIxDUj49lVTpej2V~ax88JqT~8EwHTymYP3VehdCID2slK5BTfGrqT62WIJeoZVbjhAFxDJBD4WjTy9YjueI12Lcz-D5fnQ9xMGluJIrEIgEsMYbXdL2syaXhnO7jVxuaSgD8A25XbjnuB4km5Dn-0R69O40xa-UP-Q~6d~0E~6~enBRR1fnPtATeYbz4oO1sPgft7xgf97vW0pwTkWU3IQaj62RGJ5ukVV~IYV3rPJLuqlogoW6mIoskSBByzxFsrwY8jEXdX5UQ~2B9W0dV3Ha0l8A8xXffQIJfeNrmZFUzbhpVKobDL~u95FXSIIMm7Zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Baton Rouge","date","2025-08-28T13:31:20Z","article","At the Metropolitan Council’s administrative-report portion of the meeting the Office of Human Development and Services (DHDS) and the city-parish human-resources office briefed the council on implementation of a Head Start wage-adjustment plan that the council previously approved.

Head Start and DHDS leaders told the council the agency received federal approval and that, under Office of Head Start guidance, “all Head Start staff are to receive those increases” as part of an approved funding proposal submitted earlier in the fiscal year. Dr. (first name) Roberts, DHDS leadership and program staff said the increases were intended to improve recruitment and retention and to be applied to education and program staff as well as other Head Start personnel; DHDS said the program is at full enrollment (reported as 657 children) and that maintaining staff is essential.

Councilmembers and several Head Start employees in public comment raised concerns about retroactive payments. A Head Start employee representative said some classification groups — including building attendants, kitchen staff and clerical workers — had not received retroactive pay. The HR office explained it could not authorize retroactive payments for a new job classification that did not exist in the parish pay plan during the retroactive period. HR said some job titles were revised since Jan. 2025 and those new classifications did not exist at the earlier date, so they do not meet the legal threshold HR uses to issue retroactive pay for a previously non-existent title. HR also said the clerical positions are substantially similar to clerical positions used across city-parish government, and creating a new clerical class just for Head Start would create classification parity issues.

DHDS and council members described a timeline of communications: the approved federal wage proposal was finalized late last year and some implementation steps were attempted earlier; time and procedural constraints prevented full earlier implementation. Council members pressed HR and the parish attorney to find a legal path to address affected workers’ claims. HR and the parish attorney said they will review the situation, and an administrative call with the Office of Head Start was scheduled for Sept. 10 to obtain clarifying guidance from the federal agency about the positions covered and implementation deadlines.

Council members urged rapid follow-up and transparency. Councilman Kenny and Councilwoman McCollin emphasized urgency and asked HR and the parish attorney to work with DHDS to examine whether legal or administrative remedies can be applied without creating an unlawful disparity across city-parish classifications. DHDS leaders asked the council to help secure the funds and to advocate for their staff: Dr. (first name) Sanders said council and staff must ensure the parish remains compliant with the Head Start grant terms or risk reduced federal funding. HR said it will pursue the scheduled clarifying call with Office of Head Start and that the parish attorney would look for options to address title-change cases and potential retroactive pay for affected employees.

What’s next: HR and the parish attorney will review legal options and return to council; DHDS and Head Start leadership will continue to engage the Office of Head Start to ensure compliance. Councilmembers requested a 30-day follow-up and more direct communication with affected employees.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Metropolitan Council Meeting - | 08-27-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Head Start officials and parish human-resources staff briefed the Metropolitan Council on implementing federally funded wage increases for Head Start staff, with follow-up work ordered after questions about retroactive pay and job classifications.","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},6491848,"Council approves $12.5M revenue anticipation note for Saint George Fire Protection District; district leaders cite cash-flow needs",480,4255000,4735000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691960-82da84b3e6525429d176a8de4a334896&start=4255&end=4735","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691960-82da84b3e6525429d176a8de4a334896/thumbnail_4255000.jpg","/articles/6491848/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-approves-125M-revenue-anticipation-note-for-Saint-George-Fire-Protection-District-district-leaders-cite-cash-flow-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491848-222feaf3dba697b4aba175f6fd316686/orig.mp4?Expires=1776041937&Signature=TdIAvCBpD9ji-mRX10K~vbiH20mZoZhg-JoSFejsfp-swuQlcFfvYpI3PsfLJzpqu9SrRavHspNrkW7LRZf95Z2PO4cvsHVJaeELItPOpjSrUQy-b3~WALO2iD-rnQfzrgeumume-GGR84SJKUdQVe90QqIUfN5dBMyAW46L3~C4eH6LwN~m6RQ2RW6sLjC~dhnMfQB6eqOcO2FvQ5B7NcSmaG100MnJ4IHqwR1JJacriFSp1SutFD~Dyg8WyPIc91-KQctHlfW1WBErfRVXcdEOgjtqKnvrJ-OYkgSQUr~QbBrkzs~1wCO8BKBGm~CPIPwLshexi4ScVLFdH0dfWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Council granted approval for Saint George Fire Protection District No. 2 to issue a revenue anticipation note not to exceed $12.5 million. The note is intended to address the fire district’s operational cash-flow gap while property-tax revenues are collected in the district’s typical revenue cycle.

The item was presented as a routine financial authorization; Councilman Hudson moved and Councilman Hurst seconded the motion to approve. The district’s president, Jason Turner, told the council the note “provides operational funds to simply pay people” while the district is in ongoing negotiations and legal matters. Jerry Tarleton, chief of the Saint George Fire Protection District, said the district regularly uses revenue anticipation notes because most property taxes are collected in the second quarter of the fiscal year and the district’s fiscal year begins Oct. 1. He said the practice has been standard practice for decades and the note will be used for operational expenses only.

Jim Morgan, identified as a Saint George commissioner, urged the council to scrutinize the district’s finances and expressed concern that a planned Bluebonnet fire station had not been built despite earlier promises tied to a 2015 property-tax measure. Morgan described current response times as “15 to 40 minutes” and asked where earlier property-tax revenues had been spent. The Fire Chief, Jerry Tarleton, disputed Morgan’s characterization and told the council the claims were “absolutely wrong,” describing internal conflicts and urging approval of the note because it supports normal cash-flow operations.

Council members and finance staff clarified the nature of the authorization: the district itself will issue the debt and be responsible for repayment; the action before the council is ministerial approval required by law when a local public subdivision issues debt. Finance staff told the council the district’s debt does not obligate the city-parish general fund.

What’s next: The district will execute the revenue anticipation note as authorized, and district leaders said they will continue to negotiate internal disputes and pursue station construction. Council members asked for continued transparency about station construction plans and use of property-tax proceeds.","The council authorized a $12.5 million revenue anticipation note for Saint George Fire Protection District No. 2 to provide temporary operational cash until property-tax receipts arrive; the measure drew comment from district commissioners raising response-time and station construction concerns.",{"_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},6491853,"Council adopts ordinance regulating tire businesses: permits, display limits and penalties set",2078,3607000,5685000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691960-82da84b3e6525429d176a8de4a334896&start=3607&end=5685","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691960-82da84b3e6525429d176a8de4a334896/thumbnail_3607000.jpg","/articles/6491853/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-adopts-ordinance-regulating-tire-businesses-permits-display-limits-and-penalties-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491853-8dd058648db5f9fe0786dc421d99bfdc/orig.mp4?Expires=1776041937&Signature=Q4ulk15MGydl3jtEykZ5xNcYl6q5DcEE32WfQCXj2yw0qCnO1QgdnWqazIlc2QACesyZ2rFUXJsj3no7Y15VXrmeZZdHJ~veh3Gfz7-E5VOwHSQlmgONyCArCbgiN35C9NqX7Z5ZbB3LhxyMWTVWnrpahonZ9rlN-qH5AkKd-0WDf3t4LynHlCZzd1nrt7bMReUXakxQKYyInAyJwNx1uJe91lSgTeBrCpvPhBhcJjmL4u1xSggGxHyrI~MxYweW7IB1O3DUm1GN1VYVMDPhgfX2fB8l2HkgDmpRm-FBErdn8IV0BI2FlSOvTCQp5f94fhUqg7BfhZ3EvTH3IDONjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Council voted to adopt a new ordinance adding a chapter regulating tire businesses, requiring permits, recordkeeping, storage and display controls, and penalties for violations. The ordinance was approved after a presentation from Environmental Services staff and public discussion; the motion to adopt was made by Councilman Anthony Kenny and seconded by Councilman Darrell Hurst, and the motion carried.

Key provisions included in the ordinance as presented: businesses selling or storing tires must obtain an annual permit ($100), used-tire storage limits (no more than 500 used tires and/or 150 waste tires on-site), requirements that tires be stored in an enclosed area or behind a screened fence a minimum of 6 feet high and not within 10 feet of the property line, a limit of five tires displayed outside at any one time, and required records showing tire purchases, sales and hauls-off to licensed haulers and permitted disposal facilities. The ordinance gives Environmental Services authority to audit records; failure to keep records, improper storage or illegal dumping would trigger penalties of $50 per tire for transporting without a permit, $50 per tire for illegal dumping (additive), and additional fines for storage/display violations (stated as $50 per tire per day for certain violations in the presentation). The ordinance takes effect Sept. 1, 2025, with a six-month compliance and educational period for existing businesses.

Environmental Services manager Adam (surname in transcript) explained the background: city teams documented large accumulations of tires in public and private locations and cited examples of illegal dumping. Staff told council the new rule mirrors some existing Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) requirements for waste tires, clarifies recordkeeping for used tires (which DEQ does not regulate), and gives the parish enforcement tools and the ability to suspend or refuse permits for businesses out of compliance, including those with outstanding DEQ consent orders.

Speakers supported and opposed the ordinance in public comment. Edgar Cage of Together Baton Rouge said the measure is “a real good first step in us cleaning up our community,” and community advocates — including Keep Tigertown Beautiful — urged enforcement mechanisms to prevent haulers and operators from diverting tires to illegal dumping. Councilmembers and staff clarified enforcement plans and staffing: Environmental Services will use existing inspectors (some duties recently reallocated) to incorporate tire-business inspections into their workload, and the ordinance is expected to generate roughly $30,000 annually in permit revenue if about 300 businesses obtain permits.

Council questions focused on enforcement capacity, where legally disposed tires will be processed, and whether the parish or private sector is positioned to accept the additional volume. Staff said permitted haulers must take waste tires to permitted facilities; the parish does not operate a dedicated tire disposal facility although staff said one private provider exists just across the river and others are known in the region. The council discussed plans for outreach during the six-month education period and said they had received commitments from mayors in smaller municipalities to adopt the ordinance as well, which would allow Environmental Services to pursue parishwide enforcement through interlocal arrangements.

What’s next: The ordinance takes effect Sept. 1 with a six-month compliance period. Environmental Services will publish guidance, begin permit registration through the parish’s permitting portal, and conduct outreach and inspections. Council members said they expect the parish attorney and staff to track compliance and return with implementation updates.","The Metropolitan Council passed an ordinance requiring annual permits and operational standards for tire businesses, limiting visible display and storage and imposing per-tire penalties for violations. Supporters said the law will reduce blight; some business and enforcement questions remain.",{"_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},6491856,"Council approves $1.16M contract for owner’s adviser on River Center expansion after split public comment",1388,2442000,3830000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691960-82da84b3e6525429d176a8de4a334896&start=2442&end=3830","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691960-82da84b3e6525429d176a8de4a334896/thumbnail_2442000.jpg","/articles/6491856/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-approves-116M-contract-for-owners-adviser-on-River-Center-expansion-after-split-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491856-b5eebb2c3f97ed56bd36e6dbe5180b93/orig.mp4?Expires=1776041937&Signature=gfcFa6e5u8CTgggJn8uMN95I9Hubyali-3K7YonTJHtfb4TGUOnx1gWl0T6iyRN4040sr2OdBRF6EgyVtpv-opV8n6N91Jq1nerBsa7WpvM3dmJTiSTRniVhTemoSyCjHIv-fBnwKY41ICk~sL1QT4u6P6tIkoouuT3K1LWNU0dIY0Jx6MMXvFVrc35oRuCI30Yq523u82GT1mPRhquG8nAUSUswhd0auX8ZBNS5z9uM5iclMq8ZBeOg6ClvauUMBvGZDvUdVFnP8NYs~gxsKCvvwK0Kfn2DBohBev8dH32JsFEkLR1qgK0GPxv5lkEeNluavBWEDwpVgb16VEOP9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Council voted to return a negotiated contract to the council with authorization for the mayor-president to execute a professional services agreement with Hunt & Partners to serve as the city-parish owner’s adviser on the Baton Rouge Convention Center expansion and headquarters hotel project. The contract term is two years and capped at $1,160,000.

Councilman Justin Hudson moved approval and Councilwoman Jen Rocca (later referenced by name in discussion) seconded the motion; the item carried without recorded opposition. The finance director confirmed the $1,160,000 is not general-fund money but comes from a dedicated state sales-tax rebate specifically earmarked for River Center or riverfront capital improvements.

Public testimony split sharply. Opponents included Darrell Glasser and Penny Mae Landry, who warned about the city’s budget deficit and questioned using additional consultant funds when other urgent needs exist. Glasser urged the council to fund the contract from council members’ districts, saying, “If you wanna do it, all 12 of you pay the $1,160,000.” Penny Mae Landry and others asked the council to pause major new investments until the LSU arena debate (a separate project) is resolved.

Supporters, including Jill Kidder of Visit Baton Rouge and members of the mayor’s oversight committee for the River Center, argued the owner’s adviser is essential to develop a competitive plan and attract a private-sector partner. Kidder said the River Center could not be competitive for regional conventions “without a headquarters hotel attached to your center,” and that the advisory contract was part of an RFP process that received 13 proposals and interviewed five. Councilman Aaron Mook and others who served on the oversight committee said the selection process was public and competitive.

Speakers described the contract’s purpose: Hunt & Partners will represent the public (as owner’s adviser) in planning improvements, vet construction and cost estimates, and help identify a developer for a public-private partnership including a headquarters hotel. Proponents said the company will help the city prepare an actionable plan and attract events that increase hotel occupancy and overnight stays.

Council members emphasized that the contract is meant to generate more revenue by making the convention center competitive and by leveraging non-general-fund revenue. Councilman Mook noted the committee interviewed multiple firms and the selection followed an RFP and scoring process. Council members also stressed the funds for the contract are limited to a dedicated revenue source and cannot be used for general services.

What’s next: The mayor-president will execute the professional-services agreement and the adviser will begin work to develop plans and cost estimates; the River Center oversight committee is expected to continue public meetings on the project and to report back to council as work proceeds.","The Metropolitan Council authorized a two-year, not-to-exceed $1,160,000 professional-services agreement with Hunt & Partners to serve as owner’s adviser on the Baton Rouge Convention Center expansion and a headquarters hotel; the vote followed public debate over project need, funding sources and overlap with an LSU arena proposal.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6491859,"Metropolitan Council approves 1¢ sales tax for LSU Economic Development District after heated public debate",1638,816000,2454000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691960-82da84b3e6525429d176a8de4a334896&start=816&end=2454","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691960-82da84b3e6525429d176a8de4a334896/thumbnail_816000.jpg","/articles/6491859/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Metropolitan-Council-approves-1-sales-tax-for-LSU-Economic-Development-District-after-heated-public-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6491859-bf2a6040fc8156f252ee0da74ceaff0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776041937&Signature=hDKRqLld1a-rdfVkmJsXka6jhoc3swPCgYH1eCyiNbnSMAFJnipx4Ryyr~FpcxEeQ-OBzfeM~m8QIwyr8ht0NH5NbPUPkzj4b1CGsD4QnX5sVQVd5JhkrNiYLa9tpwpQy~cBHku~NHwsGDyoGAdoz44oJrp~JyCeQ~uLynjPmhCqvqVa51~MPsNycaWk~9tuE3FgqYhkeOJmg8FXAV3SoAZukGQ39swO72w9MT8Ltp0uJ79ZkybS12lwWgbJT3qLSmYHkVzQJzCc3E0sTyU-jodeJgCURORQ6wn5JJvkxx1yBMpilpC2LwjLoNe3tia999~~I0fVFx3WUN3SikrcDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Council of the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge voted to approve a 1% sales-and-use tax for the LSU Economic Development District (EDD), authorizing the parish to levy the tax and begin collections as provided by the enabling state statute.

The council approved the item on a motion by Councilwoman Carolyn Coleman, seconded by Councilman Justin Hudson; the motion carried with no recorded roll-call objections. The ordinance authorizes the levy and assessment pursuant to the statute cited during the meeting (referenced as Louisiana Revised Statutes 33.938.76(e)(2)(b) in the agenda text) and implements the district boundaries established by the state legislation that created college economic development districts.

Supporters said the tax will let the district collect locally generated receipts and reinvest them in the district. Charles Landry, speaking as a volunteer with interest in LSU’s neighborhood, told the council the EDD “started over 8 years ago” and urged approval so the district can pursue projects the university and adjacent commercial areas need. John Enquist, who identified himself as a member of the LSU EDD board, said the district has been formed by the legislature and “there is no use been determined right now. That will happen at a future meeting. And it will be a public meeting.” Jill Kidder of Visit Baton Rouge said the EDD and related projects would help make the downtown and campus areas more competitive for conventions, events and workforce retention.

Opponents urged delay or rejection. Darryl Glasser said the board that would govern the funds had “not even been formed yet” and raised concerns that the district would protect developers rather than small business owners. Former state senator Woody Jenkins warned council members the proposal may violate the state constitution’s limit on local sales tax levies and said the district map had been drawn to exclude registered voters: “There will be no registered voters residing in the proposed district,” Jenkins said, adding that existing businesses inside the district “would be subjected to this additional sales tax.” Shirley Bowler and other residents said taxes should be imposed only after a vote of the people and that the district’s design effectively leaves students and non-resident customers paying a tax without local voting representation.

Council staff and finance answered questions about formation and authority. Tiffany Delapos of the finance department explained two formation paths: by local ordinance or by state legislation; the LSU EDD was created by a legislative bill that specified board composition, boundaries and the district’s powers. Delapos also said that, under the statute cited, a sales-and-use tax levied by a college economic development district “may exceed the limitation” in the state constitution, per the wording of that specific enabling law. She told the council that taxes approved by the council would be collected by East Baton Rouge Parish and distributed to the district after ratification by the LSU EDD and that collections would begin on Oct. 1 following ratification.

Council members who spoke emphasized the difference between authorizing the levy now and how district funds will later be spent. Delapos and others said the district’s board — not the council — will decide which projects the funds finance, within the statutory limits. Several speakers noted the statute’s language reserving specific uses, and Delapos pointed the council to subsection (d)(9) of the statute that authorizes public improvement projects for the benefit of the college as an example of authorized uses.

The vote followed more than an hour of public comment and technical exchanges. The council approved the ordinance as presented; council members said the legislative creation of the district limited the council’s discretion over boundaries and governance. Several residents and civic groups signaled they will continue to press for transparency and further review of the district’s plans for spending.

What’s next: After the council’s approval the district must ratify the levy; collections (if ratified) would be scheduled to start Oct. 1. The council noted that future decisions about project selection and spending will be the responsibility of the LSU EDD board and will occur in public meetings run by that board.

This article is based on the council meeting record and on public comments made during the item’s public hearing and subsequent council discussion.","The Metropolitan Council voted to authorize a 1% sales-and-use tax within the newly created LSU Economic Development District after public comments split between supporters who said the tax will fund campus-area improvements and opponents who argued it carved out voters and shifted burdens to nearby businesses and students.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council hears Head Start pay report; federal guidance, job classifications and retro pay prompt follow-up

Council approves $12.5M revenue anticipation note for Saint George Fire Protection District; district leaders cite cash-flow needs

Council adopts ordinance regulating tire businesses: permits, display limits and penalties set

Council approves $1.16M contract for owner’s adviser on River Center expansion after split public comment

Metropolitan Council approves 1¢ sales tax for LSU Economic Development District after heated public debate