East Baton Rouge Voters Deliver Strong Support for Parks, Seniors and Libraries

East Baton Rouge Parish voters approved three major parish-wide property tax renewals Saturday, securing continued funding for parks, senior services and the public library system for the next 10 years.

The largest measure renews a 9.5-mill property tax for the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System, generating an estimated $59.6 million annually. The funding supports library operations across the parish, including staffing, branch maintenance, educational programming, access to technology, and community services. The approval follows the defeat of a separate library funding proposal in a previous election cycle, reinforcing voter support for maintaining existing library services.

Voters also renewed a 3.96-mill property tax for the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC). The measure is expected to generate nearly $25 million each year and accounts for roughly one-fifth of BREC’s operating budget. The funding supports park maintenance, recreational programming, youth sports, community centers and upkeep of public green spaces across the parish.

In addition, voters extended the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging’s dedicated property tax, which will generate approximately $12.5 million annually. The revenue funds essential services for older residents, including meal programs, transportation assistance and support services designed to help seniors maintain independence.

All three measures passed with strong voter approval, ensuring uninterrupted funding for key public services relied upon by thousands of parish residents and providing long-term financial stability through the next decade.