By james art 
Baton Rouge, La. (First Louisiana)-President Mayor Sid Edwards updated the public on his new plan for reviving Baton Rouge, which includes a major repairs to the budget.
He said he was trying to create a better future for the parish of East Baton Rouge and the city of Baton Rouge, but some want more details about his proposal.
“I make difficult decisions,” Edwards said. “I don’t have time for political theater. I was sitting quietly for two weeks. ”
Edwards said the change in the Baton Rouge area would be painful – but it is necessary – to clean the deficit of $ 52 million, before which it is facing, along with the high degree of crime.
“I like books, I like libraries, but I like people more – and no service will be cut off from the library system,” Edwards added.
The Vice President of the East Baton Rouge parish library, Donald Luther, said he would like to see more detailed numbers of the proposed plan of the mayor, which will take away from the library’s funds.
“If your plan doesn’t work, it can be a potential problem – it can be detrimental to the library system,” he said.
Local leaders had a chance to express their beliefs at the mayor’s press conference.
“What I think the conversation should be: how to get everyone to compete with a competitive salary,” said the subway adviser Daryl Hursts.
The mayor’s plan calls for a proposal to relocate $ 114 million from the library tax in the General Fund. If adopted by the Metro Council, it will be on the ballot in October voters to decide.
The plan also includes raising the salaries of police officers and money for economic development and infrastructure.
Below is a breakdown of what projects will be funded with redistribution.
Parish synergies
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GARDERE initiative partnership: $ 1M-11.25M
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Rearrange the former ‘brave cave’ with ywca: $ 1M-15M
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Improvement of the Program for the Start Start/Increase Payment: $ 1,25M-2M
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Mental Health and Homeless Services: $ 1M-15M repeated
Public safety and prevention of crimes
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Youth Violence Prevention Program: $ 1.5m-1.75m
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Community police expansion: $ 1M-12M
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Development of the Band Working Group: $ 1M-12M
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Support for the District Prosecutor and Public Defenders: $ 2M-2.5M
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Additional Funding for Public Safety: 10 million dollars-10.5 million repeated
Economic development
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Efforts to reduce shiny: $ 1M-15M
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Discontinuation of food deserts and increase access to fresh food: $ 2M-2.5M
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Budget Stabilization for Long Term Financial Health: $ 9.6m
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Revive the River Center: $ 7m-7.5m
Infrastructure improvements
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Improvement of the drainage system: $ 2M-2,5M repeated
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Holding and maintenance of the road: $ 6m-6.5m repeated
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