What is happening in Baton Rouge and New Orleans should be a warning sign to Shreveport leaders.
Baton Rouge Mayor Proposing Massive Cuts
Voters in Baton Rouge turned down 3 tax propositions over the weekend and that will leave the budget in the capitol city in quite a pinch. East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards has done what he promised. He has starting cutting the budget. This plan will include layoffs of city workers. Edwards laid off four employees in his own office and other city workers will soon be getting pink slips.
Edwards says these layoffs are part of his plan to reduce staff by 12%. He says this was “one of the most difficult days” of his administration.
What Other Cuts Are Ahead in Baton Rouge
Mayor Edwards has directed staff to prepare for a 33% workforce reduction for all jobs connected to the General Fund. This order will exclude police and fire. In a letter to Department Heads, Human Resources Director LaToya Pierson instructed the team to find cuts and get that information compiled by December 1. A hiring freeze has also been put in place.
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