Mayor Broome Focuses on Stability Amid Uncertainty with St. George Incorporation

BATON ROUGE – As the City of St. George prepares to break away, taking a significant portion of East Baton Rouge Parish’s tax revenue with it, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome is focusing on maintaining stability while steering the city through a period of financial uncertainty. With foresight and a commitment to protecting public services, Broome has asked city agencies to prepare for potential budget cuts of 10% to 20%, ensuring that Baton Rouge remains proactive rather than reactive.

During a recent press conference, Broome outlined her plan to stabilize city finances despite the pending financial impact from St. George’s incorporation. “We are working to plan ahead and protect the essential services our residents rely on,” she said. “My administration is committed to finding solutions that will allow us to navigate this transition without laying off staff or cutting critical programs.”

The Louisiana Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of St. George’s incorporation has introduced uncertainty into Baton Rouge’s budget. As the new city stands to collect millions in sales tax revenue that would otherwise flow into the parish’s general fund, Broome is leading efforts to mitigate the potential fallout. Her directive for city departments to submit contingency plans is part of a broader strategy aimed at safeguarding Baton Rouge’s financial health.

“I will do everything in my power to avoid layoffs during this transition period,” Broome said, adding that only essential personnel will be hired for the time being to preserve resources. She emphasized that the focus is on planning for the future, ensuring the city remains prepared for any outcome while prioritizing the well-being of residents and public servants.

Broome’s leadership has been proactive in seeking solutions. Her administration has reached out to St. George’s leadership to negotiate an intergovernmental agreement that would allow Baton Rouge to continue providing certain services to the new city in exchange for financial compensation. However, Broome noted that she is still awaiting a response. “We remain ready to work with the leaders of St. George to negotiate a timely agreement,” she said. “Our goal is to find common ground that benefits both communities.”

In the meantime, Broome has assured residents that her administration will prioritize protecting vital services such as public safety and criminal justice. District Attorney Hillar Moore, whose office relies heavily on the general fund, praised Broome’s foresight. “We trust that Mayor Broome is doing everything possible to protect our resources,” Moore said. “She understands the critical nature of our work and is fighting to ensure we don’t lose the staff we desperately need.”

Even with the challenges ahead, Broome remains optimistic that Baton Rouge will emerge stronger from the transition. She has engaged with the Metro Council and key stakeholders across the parish to ensure that the 2025 budget, set to be finalized in December, reflects the city’s priorities while accounting for the potential loss of revenue.

“We are taking measured, responsible steps to manage this process,” Broome said. “It is my sincere hope that by the time we propose and adopt our 2025 budget, we will have clarity on the path forward. My administration will continue to work diligently to ensure we protect our city and provide the services our residents depend on.”

As Baton Rouge faces an unprecedented shift, Mayor Broome’s steady leadership and dedication to the well-being of her constituents are evident. She remains committed to preserving the integrity of city services while working toward a solution that will allow both Baton Rouge and St. George to thrive.