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Public hearing on library millage draws more than 100 speakers; council fails to act
Summary
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library asked the Metro Council to put a renewed 10.5‑mill, 10‑year dedicated property tax on the Oct. 11, 2025 ballot, but after more than 100 public speakers and late‑night procedural votes the council did not take final action.
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library asked the Metro Council on Feb. 12 to place a renewal of a dedicated 10.5‑mill property tax before voters on Oct. 11, 2025, but the council did not complete action after hours of public comment and competing motions.
Library Executive Director Katrina Stokes told the council that the renewal “is not a new tax. This is the sole revenue for your award‑winning East Baton Rouge Parish Library system,” and said the lower 10.5 rate — down from 11.1 mills approved in prior renewals — would allow the system to operate 15 branches seven days a week and continue pay‑as‑you‑go capital maintenance.
The presentation and public hearing drew more than 100 people — parents, students, retired professors, library trustees and social‑service providers — who described the library as a community anchor for literacy, job training and…
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