Mayor Requests Independent Audit of East Baton Rouge Finances After Recent Indictments

BATON ROUGE, La. — East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards has asked the Louisiana Legislative Auditor to conduct a broad, independent review of the city-parish’s financial and operational practices, a move officials say is aimed at restoring public trust after a wave of indictments linked to past government contracts.

At a news conference Thursday, Edwards said he met this week with Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack and formally invited the agency to examine East Baton Rouge’s financial operations, including federal grant management, contract administration, state funding and invoice processing. The auditor’s office is expected to begin its review as early as March.

The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny after several indictments involving former Capital Area Transit System (CATS) officials and a current parish Metro Council member. Those indictments allege conspiracy and misuse of public funds related to CATS contracts, including an alleged bribery and contract fraud scheme tied to Metro Councilman Cleve Dunn.

Edwards emphasized that the requested review is independent and administrative in scope — not a criminal investigation. He said the goal is to ensure the parish’s financial systems are operating correctly and transparently, and to implement any improvements auditors recommend.

“There’s a difference between making a mistake and committing a crime,” Edwards said, stressing that stronger safeguards and clearer documentation can protect employees, taxpayers and the institution itself. He said mistakes are correctable when identified, but any weaknesses in controls must be addressed proactively.

Edwards, who took office Jan. 1, 2025, noted that the recent indictments involve conduct that predates his administration. But he acknowledged that the public’s confidence has been shaken and that it is his responsibility to respond.

The mayor-president also said the audit could include workshops and training for city-parish staff to improve future compliance and efficiency. No formal timeline has been set for how long the review will last once it begins.

Local reaction has been mixed, with some residents expressing support for independent oversight and others urging patience and due process as the review unfolds.

The audit request marks one of the most comprehensive external reviews of East Baton Rouge Parish’s financial operations in years and comes as officials face ongoing efforts — including a recall petition filed recently — to address concerns about transparency and accountability in local government.

If you want, I can also provide a sidebar with key facts — like who’s been indicted, what the audit will examine, and what it doesn’t cover. Just ask.