Edwards Proposes $1.1 Billion Baton Rouge Budget, Cuts 400 Jobs Following St. George Incorporation
Mayor-President Sid Edwards unveiled a $1.1 billion Baton Rouge budget that cuts over 400 jobs after the incorporation of St. George, echoing earlier warnings from former Mayor Sharon Weston Broome about the city’s looming financial strain.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Mayor-President Sid Edwards has unveiled a $1.1 billion operating budget for 2026 that calls for cutting more than 400 positions within city-parish government—a move driven by the financial impact of St. George’s incorporation.
Edwards told the Metro Council that Baton Rouge faces a $50 million revenue loss over the next two years as a result of the newly formed city. To balance the budget, the administration plans to eliminate roughly 400 jobs, about half of which are already vacant. The remaining cuts are expected through attrition, early retirement, and layoffs.
"Our focus remains on keeping essential services strong, particularly public safety," Edwards stated. “We’re doing everything possible to protect the police department, the district attorney’s office, and the critical work they do for this parish.”
Longstanding Warnings
Former Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome had repeatedly cautioned that St. George’s incorporation would place a heavy financial strain on Baton Rouge. As early as 2019, Broome’s administration projected an annual loss of nearly $48 million in sales tax revenue if the new city were approved.
At the time, Broome warned that such a loss could force departments to cut their budgets by at least 18%, and as much as 45% for non–public safety services. Her office also filed legal challenges questioning St. George’s ability to operate as a fully functioning city and raised concerns about the fiscal and administrative impact on the remaining parish government.
Those warnings have now materialized under Edwards’ administration.
Budget Breakdown
The General Fund, which supports core city-parish operations, will decrease by $15 million—about 4.5%. Personnel costs remain the largest portion of that fund, and excluding police and fire, overall workforce reductions are projected at 33%.
Most other departments face an 11% budget cut. Still, Edwards’ proposal safeguards police and fire funding, including resources for 2026 training academies to maintain manpower levels. Public safety, infrastructure improvements, and blight reduction remain his top priorities.
The budget also allocates $3.5 million for stormwater compliance and continues limited support for programs such as the Public Defender’s Office, Arts Council, Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, and Live After Five. Those programs will rely on interest earnings from federal American Rescue Plan funds but may need new funding sources by 2027 to sustain operations.
The proposal does not include revenue from the Thrive EBR propositions on the Nov. 15 ballot. If approved, those measures could help offset cuts to the General Fund and community programs.
The Metro Council is scheduled to vote on the final 2026 budget on Dec. 10.
