Budget Battle in East Baton Rouge Could Lead to Lawsuit, Officials Warn
Proposed cuts to East Baton Rouge Parish’s 2026 budget are sparking concern, with officials cautioning that reductions could disrupt services and prompt legal challenges.
BATON ROUGE, La. — A fight over East Baton Rouge Parish’s 2026 budget took a tense turn Wednesday, as constitutional officers warned that proposed cuts could force drastic measures—and possibly a lawsuit.
At a public hearing, District Attorney Hillar Moore stated that his office could take legal action if it did not receive what he calls fair funding for the upcoming year. While Moore described a lawsuit as a last resort, he said it could become necessary if the parish moves forward with the proposed $7 million allocation—a 12% cut from last year’s budget.
“We, and all of us today, the constitutional offices and the public defender, need to be funded first before any other entity is funded,” Moore told council members. “That has just never been made a priority.”
Moore presented his own proposal: a $22 million budget he says would put East Baton Rouge on par with parishes like Orleans and Jefferson, which manage similar caseloads and crime rates.
Other public safety offices echoed his concerns. Juvenile Court Judge Gail Grover said her staff is already operating at capacity.
“There isn’t any more ‘jumping in’ room or space to be flexible like that,” she said.
The proposed cuts follow Mayor-President Sid Edwards’ THRIVE tax initiative's failure to win voter approval, leaving the administration seeking ways to close the budget gap. Council members face the challenge of balancing tight finances against the demands of multiple agencies.
Councilwoman Laurie Adams described the situation as unprecedented.
“This is not anything I’ve been aware of in my adult life,” Adams said.
Some officials suggested that municipalities benefiting from parish-wide services—such as Central, Zachary, Baker, and St. George—should help cover costs, a move that has never been required before.
Moore emphasized that the parish has the money to fully fund his office and others; the question is whether it is collected and allocated properly.
The council must approve a final budget by December, with all offices funded by Jan. 1, leaving little room to resolve disagreements before the new fiscal year begins.
