City-Parish council approves multiple contracts, renewals and a legal-services amendment; deferral attempt fails

The Baton Rouge City-Parish Council approved a package of personnel, contract and professional-service items at its Oct. 27, 2025 meeting, voting to adopt staffing levels and to authorize or renew several vendor agreements, including an amendment to outside legal representation and a consultant contract for River Center redevelopment work.

Several votes were procedural and carried by voice vote or machine vote; in some cases the clerk noted emailed public comments in opposition.

Key council actions and outcomes

Item 4 — Fixing number of employees: Council approved an ordinance to fix the number of employees of the Parish and City and set an effective date of Dec. 28, 2024. Motion by Councilman Dunne Junior; second by Councilman Hurst. Outcome: approved.

Item 6 — Annual comprehensive audit contract: Council authorized the mayor-president to execute a professional-services contract with The Eisenhower (listed in the agenda as “the Eisenhower”) for amounts not to exceed $413,530 for audit services for the 2024 audit year. Motion by Councilman Dunn Junior; second by Councilman Godet. Outcome: approved.

Item 7 — Adult education for inmates: Council authorized a contract with the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board not to exceed $134,110 to provide adult education classes for inmates at the parish prison. Resident Christopher Toombs spoke in support during public comment. Motion by Councilman Dunne Junior; second by Councilwoman Coleman. Outcome: approved (recorded: one emailed comment in opposition was noted).

Item 8 — Tax recovery services: Council…