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Mission Statement |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Metropolitan Council acts as the governing authority for the
City and Parish of East Baton Rouge. Its authority is exercised over
the City and Parish General Funds, all districts created by the
Council, the Greater Baton Rouge Airport District, the Public
Transportation Commission, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sewerage
Control Commission, and the Greater Baton Rouge Parking Authority. The
Council acts as the official policy-making board for all of the above.
It is required by The Plan of
Government to hold meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of
every month. The Council also conducts committee meetings on
alternating Wednesdays and special meetings whenever they are deemed
necessary. Mission Statement
To establish policy for the city, the parish, and the districts
under its authority, to adopt the annual budgets for the City and
Parish General Funds and all districts requiring such action of the
Council, to appoint the members of various boards and commissions as
necessary, and to provide for the continued growth of East Baton Rouge
Parish through establishment of zoning policy and regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions What are some of the things
the Metropolitan Council is responsible for?
The East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council is
responsible for setting the policy of the City-Parish, including
establishing local sales taxes, setting the salaries of police
officers, approving whether a piece of property is ultimately rezoned,
determining whether or not liquor can be sold on Sundays and more. One
of the biggest responsibilities of the Metro Council is approving how
the City spends money. Each fall, the Mayor-President submits the City-Parish's budget for Council review. In 2002, the budget totaled $492
million. In the event there's a surplus of revenue, the Council also
decides how the funds should be spent.
And, when it comes to passing new legislation, it
is Metro Council members who get the ball rolling. Many of the items
members introduce come first from constituents, so it's important to
get to know your Council Member and what he or she stands for.
What do Metro Council Members earn for their role on the
Council?
As they earn just $1,000 a month for their role on
the Council.
What is the Mayor Pro Tem?
After a new council is seated, members elected
their own president, or Mayor Pro Tempore. The Mayor Pro Tem presides
over meetings and serves on the Mayor-President's behalf when he is
unable to be present.
Where and when does the Metro Council meet?
The Council meets in the Governmental Building
downtown at 222 St. Louis Street. The chambers are located on the
third floor. The Council usually meets twice a month, but often more
frequently.
How can the community participate in Metro Council meetings?
"Public hearings" give the community a chance to
speak on topics they feel strongly about. Public hearings are held on
all sorts of issues, including road projects, appropriating money and
levying taxes. Before a public hearing takes place, the item is
introduced by a Council Member then approved by the body for
discussion at a later date. In that interim period, the date and time
of the public hearing are announced, both in the newspaper and through
postings in the Governmental Building.
Do we have term limits in East Baton Rouge Parish?
Yes. In 1995, the citizens of the parish voted to
limit both the Mayor-President and members of the Metropolitan Council
to three consecutive terms of office.
How to I reach my Metro Council Member?
There are several ways to find out who your council
member is. You can use the Council District
map or search by your street name using the
Council District Lookup. If you still need help in
determining who your Metro Council member is, call the Council Administrator's office at 389-3123.
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