Council forms strategic revenue task force to review East Baton Rouge Parish taxes and fees

The Metropolitan Council on Jan. 8 approved a resolution establishing a strategic plan task force to review all revenues to East Baton Rouge Parish, study tax and fee sources and recommend options to the mayor-president and council.

Councilman Aaron Mook, who introduced the item, said the effort is meant to inventory every taxing and fee authority and develop a comprehensive analysis to inform future decisions. "This is not about reducing taxes. This is not about increasing taxes," Mook said, adding the task force will propose options for the council to consider.

The task force will include representatives from the council, the mayor’s office, finance staff, the parish attorney, business associations and universities; Mook said he expects the group to complete its work in roughly one year and present recommendations for consideration in 2026. The council voted to approve the task force (motion by Mook; second by Councilwoman Adams).

Why it matters: The review will examine property taxes, sales taxes, fees and other revenue mechanisms that fund parish operations. The council framed the study as a comprehensive, objective analysis to guide budget and policy decisions rather than a preordained tax increase or reduction.

What’s next: The council-appointed task force will begin its work with staff support from the finance department and the parish attorney’s office; Mook said he anticipates public input and involvement from Southern University, LSU and business groups during the study period.

Ending: The council recorded the motion as carried, and members said they expect the task force to present a full report within about a year.