[{"_1":2,"_107":-5,"_108":-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",[32,74,86,97],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6238458,"mediaKeyId","3351862-00b5db3663ff16f1649b53207cb12d41","parentId",3351862,"title","Resident urges council to address low fire‑protection ratings in parts of Central","audioSeconds",1513,"startMs",8777000,"endMs",10290000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3351862-00b5db3663ff16f1649b53207cb12d41&start=8777&end=10290","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3351862-00b5db3663ff16f1649b53207cb12d41/thumbnail_8777000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6238458/Central/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Resident-urges-council-to-address-low-fireprotection-ratings-in-parts-of-Central","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238458-68e82a8f316e580e1cb89820f0fecc5c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770907796&Signature=Eajd3sG5h~-pqV09y2O7yWJtcd1U9h2kGX3xuhz5XJaw4ycSwxTi2c-~7bKg0rdT3IY3cclNoIz~~YXivFU2sxZo3j6KloVxQ~X03M89jgYJ8a6JAHADzJc8EcuyzISxCtyOIpYSB6fDGX20BsAzQnAoWuArLyrdjo-~~CFGcYSWLJrikLXbF1NfzajF-Tp21ubDFOg4LuO-vuKpV0umiFCsFQfaaewo4zp7HHcm7U1QNFXbhy~36et1~ZSvf6CKzdbD2q86itJ8h~VU4pae46qACcYLzwKNO2t0Oma9BCv8rH-dWWCDVk44IylXm4HONS8uXwjAMGqxQdMeVY~krA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-17T01:03:54.447Z","article","A Central resident urged the City Council to take action on fire protection and insurance‑rating disparities that affect some neighborhoods, saying the differences increase homeowner insurance costs and that a coordinated city response is needed.

Dwayne Rogers, identified himself as a Central resident and former law enforcement official, gave an extended public comment asking the council to convene a meeting with area fire districts and relevant officials. Rogers said parts of the parish near Central have significantly worse Insurance Services Office (ISO) or equivalent ratings and that those ratings directly affect homeowner insurance premiums.

Rogers said he lives “in the worst area in East Baton Rouge Parish” for fire protection and urged the council to appoint a committee to examine causes and remedies. He described specific consequences for his church and neighborhood, saying recent insurance market changes had forced policy changes. Rogers asked the council to set up a meeting with the chiefs of adjacent fire departments to review the rating findings and possible corrective actions.

Mayor Evans and council members acknowledged the concern and agreed to schedule a meeting with the fire chiefs and other stakeholders. The mayor said the issue involves multiple volunteer and municipal fire organizations that serve Central and that a coordinated review is appropriate; council members said they would follow up on scheduling and invited Rogers to participate.

The council did not adopt any formal policy or allocate funding at the meeting but directed staff to arrange the meeting and to provide any available documentation about ratings and recent actions taken by the fire districts.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-2026 BUDGET WORKSHOP","oneSentenceSummary","A longtime resident and former law‑enforcement professional asked the council to form a committee and meet with fire districts after describing local fire‑insurance rating disparities that he says increase homeowner premiums. Council members agreed to arrange further discussion.","taxTitle","Central, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana","taxId",68593,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6238462,"Council hears status and costs for Grumel Springs restoration project",515,3060000,3575000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3351862-00b5db3663ff16f1649b53207cb12d41&start=3060&end=3575","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3351862-00b5db3663ff16f1649b53207cb12d41/thumbnail_3060000.jpg","/articles/6238462/Central/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-hears-status-and-costs-for-Grumel-Springs-restoration-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238462-b89871726790cb782f66397282f43a0e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770907796&Signature=SQ2kzT7aiyzzwnoCEdJiNI8g5llyr~7IeZxcsdE20DbqhANFCi9bBAVJzhB9C6Y750nHCRygSrU3ZxIKE2eE3uEXuKJC64Nd8kJqiadfFFKPL0WQAo6a7PSxEsq4jltaSyfhZ96QsLDUIBTpAtl0CRz3zROSlmHHlFcnMePPWj1Sk~-rJwKmu-v17bHF~SvHeJbWCZ81IT2aEaukd0-WTN-7AUuaHMKTtaFO~hv9c6ip08IA8GgcbBrDBS2~1kxYXV99bBGJT82dMKFYT3rOO03ilKEJ6Hg9EOlTawyO42ViNCRCa55YMb~UoVT4DX3qhxgsS0L4IFHAxSLFxg1~VA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff updated the Central City Council on ongoing work at the Grumel Springs recreational site, describing recent stabilization work on deteriorated concrete walls and outlining remaining tasks and cost estimates.

A staff presentation said crews had cut trenches and poured new concrete supports behind several badly degraded walls and completed multiple partial wall repairs. The contractor’s work to stabilize the back sides of the original cast concrete walls was shown to the council in photos; staff said the visible repairs are not the final finish but are intended to stabilize the structure.

Staff reported the project budgeted approximately $5.25 million for the overall site program and said the next phase to complete floors, stairs and spring‑box plumbing is estimated to cost about $1.96 million. A staff member told the council that completing the floors and stairs is necessary before the site can be safely opened and before the city becomes eligible for some larger state and federal grants aimed at recreational site development.

Council and staff discussed interim steps such as clearing vegetation and creating a parking plan and pedestrian access across adjacent property to support events at the springs once construction and parking are in place. Staff said some trees had been cleared to allow for work and that local milling operations have been identified to salvage removed timber.

Council members asked whether the city should pause and wait for external grants or complete the structure now to improve grant eligibility; staff cautioned demobilizing and then remobilizing would add mobilization costs and recommended completing the structural work that secures the site before applying for construction grants.

No formal funding decision was taken; staff said they would return with final construction estimates and timing.","Council members reviewed progress and costs for the Grumel (Springs) restoration project, including recent structural stabilization work, remaining scope and estimated further costs. Staff said structural repair and floor work are needed before the site can support broader public access and attract larger grants.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6238466,"Finance director outlines general fund revenues, operating reserves and pending amendments",0,1855000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3351862-00b5db3663ff16f1649b53207cb12d41&start=1855&end=1855","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3351862-00b5db3663ff16f1649b53207cb12d41/thumbnail_1855000.jpg","/articles/6238466/Central/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Finance-director-outlines-general-fund-revenues-operating-reserves-and-pending-amendments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238466-5eab24e918563c796c1d1a9c3e361b72/orig.mp4?Expires=1770907796&Signature=S6gA4Juhs128r5jdnNOiY5nf42FBD4NgGlsNqBH7InkdUAEb1yyIplOv0rjfs~s3czcknCPPQRZIqIeTso7HSR2Lx8pp-kHFmGkJ3IDmCYkJfr67mx29S-mj4gJZiUes-4jPVrve7H10JTjZL5pWeDxNrkkiKZe8E6ww27oEdjlWZ6wvz~EWtv5LyCvR7cZw8EkaP3NWxkGEnk7besrQPNcPrdFgxWH22u3YZdQ8X1U~W1~icAFHIuWIdiaL3-tmxM1UdNDNVwkzRY5FKEkkwv8hg-HEFR2KTIHhgdGd9PDStWl84xa-eOKqs-WDanZ~3GvjIAIiq0qYLISsmMRLsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Finance Director Suzanne Coward presented the Central City Council with the draft general fund and discussed revenue assumptions, the city’s committed operating reserve and several line items still pending final figures.

Coward said the general fund is funded primarily by the city’s 2% sales tax and other streams including insurance premium tax, industrial tax and auto sales tax. She described the operating reserve account as “committed funds not restricted funds” and said it was set up to cover operating expenses for about a year in case of an emergency that materially reduces revenue.

On revenues she told the council staff projected a 3.5% increase in sales tax for the coming year based on recent trends and said figures shown in green are amendments to the current fiscal year while numbers in blue are still pending final confirmation. Coward noted the administration will make transfers before the end of the fiscal year if needed to cover expenses.

Council members asked for clarification on non‑spendable fund balance items; Coward explained those typically reflect current accounts payable and receivables. On administrative‑hearing fines and fees, Coward said several large assessments had been recorded this fiscal year and were showing in accounts receivable; she explained liens have no expiration date but sales and sheriff’s‑sale outcomes can reduce the collectible amount.

The finance director flagged blue‑lined entries in judicial and administrative cost lines as awaiting final invoices (for example, administrative hearing costs and legal estimates) and said she expects to finalize those numbers before the next meeting. She also explained how grant revenues are handled: the city will amend the budget when state or federal legislation or grant awards are received so those receipts and expenditures can be recorded.

On rent income Coward said the budget includes two months’ rent from a municipal services contractor in anticipation that city hall will be ready around the same time next year; she described the estimate as based on a fair market per‑square‑foot approach and said the city prefers transparency over offsetting internal expenses.

No formal votes were held; council members directed staff to return with any final invoices, updated grant award information and a reconciled one‑page summary of fund totals for easier review.","Finance Director Suzanne Coward walked the council through the general fund revenue assumptions, the city's committed operating reserve, and line‑item notes where numbers remain pending. She emphasized committed funds and explained routine amendments will be necessary as final numbers arrive.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":90,"_45":101,"_47":102,"_49":92,"_51":103,"_53":104,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":105,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":106,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6238470,"Central council debates police pay, extra-duty and staffing levels as budget is revised",350,2205000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3351862-00b5db3663ff16f1649b53207cb12d41&start=1855&end=2205","/articles/6238470/Central/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Central-council-debates-police-pay-extra-duty-and-staffing-levels-as-budget-is-revised","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238470-720543f86723682641f7a1919d97655d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770907796&Signature=b5KJUyrO-GxMmCb3uSbUVnZzPd16vVBV7ev4Lx1bxAJ-SlDBksHKDkMKdBWv2KKS5UrWkJvcL55bRLdoWPuX-eqOBynKFE7a8R0Q6OdDd2~Uk3i896XbYkUYiL01RZIjytJ0gFiCL~iZynQvVyRmyg9~rFYk1Zco~XFN26AmoFIYYlEQmdZOE0dXMFYVooeNs8lZj7-bYARG~08HpZQ5pTI32xCxNH5NfQ84cZfooVs8~AG6841i2S5zn4IWjtZf~Krqx6si3JuKIYExu3uofahuRZLTJc~OgRcHODdAiD9-5FVc1692zaLdoqvecy6idcG40bmEk~UbjUT9P9Km7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Central City Council discussed the police department budget and staffing needs during a budget review meeting, with Finance Director Suzanne Coward presenting figures and the police chief answering council questions.

Coward told the council that the police budget as originally adopted for 2024 was $1.398 million, the last amended budget stood at $1.374 million and the city is projecting a final amended total of about $1.128 million for the current fiscal year. She said the department’s salaries line in the proposed budget reflects a 2% increase.

The discussion focused on so‑called extra‑duty labor — paid details staffed by deputies working off duty — and on recruiting and retention. The draft shows a projected extra‑duty spend of roughly $86,000 for the current year but council members were told actual spending historically comes in well under allocations. The chief said the sheriff’s office has had challenges fully staffing details and that the city often does not expend the full amount budgeted for extra duty.

Police staffing and pay drew the heaviest back‑and‑forth. Coward and the chief explained some positions were being rebudgeted to match actual hours worked — for example, the logistics officer and evidence clerk hours were reduced in the draft because they are working fewer hours than were included in last year’s budget. Coward said one lieutenant position’s hours were trimmed and that adjustments were made to accommodate a planned salary increase for a management position: “This bumps Michelle Lewis’ pay up to $55,000 a year,” she said.

Council members pressed whether raising part‑time/extra‑duty rates would meaningfully improve coverage. A law‑enforcement recruiter from another parish who spoke during public comment said pay matters for recruiting and retention but is not a complete solution; he told the council that many applicants now seek work that allows more family time and that raising rates would help attract retirees and experienced officers. The recruiter said, in part, “I can tell you right now for extra duty... it would take at least that for me to go back on the streets,” referring to a higher hourly rate discussed in the meeting.

Council members said they want a more deliberate plan before agreeing to large pay increases. One councilor warned that immediately increasing hourly pay for part‑time or extra‑duty work could complicate a longer‑term transition plan should the city pursue a full‑time police department in the future. Coward and the chief said any pay‑scale or step‑plan could be adopted later and funded by an amended budget, but councilors asked staff to return with more detailed cost scenarios.

The chief and staff also reported that the department is evaluating a new records management system (RMS) and that software and hardware budget lines are still being finalized. Coward said she recently received updated quotes and expected only moderate changes to those lines in the near term.

No formal action or vote was taken on pay changes; council members asked staff to prepare options and costed proposals for further consideration.

Looking ahead, the council asked for a concise cost analysis showing the fiscal impact of (a) increasing part‑time/extra‑duty pay, (b) adopting a step pay scale tied to experience, and (c) moving toward a full‑time department so the council could weigh recruitment benefits against additional recurring costs.","Council and staff reviewed the police department portion of the draft budget, focusing on extra-duty pay, unspent allocations, proposed hourly rates for part-time/off-duty work, and a 2% across‑the‑board pay increase. The chief told the council recruiting is improving but staffing and coverage remain concerns.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges council to address low fire‑protection ratings in parts of Central

Council hears status and costs for Grumel Springs restoration project

Finance director outlines general fund revenues, operating reserves and pending amendments

Central council debates police pay, extra-duty and staffing levels as budget is revised