Baton Rouge Mayor Proposes $8 Million Worker Raises as Council Flags Pension Strain
Updated
Updated · The Advocate · May 12
Baton Rouge Mayor Proposes $8 Million Worker Raises as Council Flags Pension Strain
1 articles · Updated · The Advocate · May 12
$8 million a year would fund 3.5% raises for Baton Rouge city-parish workers and move 540 positions onto higher pay scales under Mayor-President Sid Edwards’ plan, which faces a council vote Wednesday.
Council critics say higher salaries would deepen retirement liabilities as workforce cuts leave fewer active employees paying into the pension system; general-fund contributions to employee retirement plans have already risen 36% since 2017.
Supporters including Council member Darryl Hurst argue the package would not hurt the general fund because it uses money from vacant positions, a hiring freeze and retiree-health savings, while addressing low pay and rising living costs.
The debate follows the council’s approval last month of the largest police pay raise in Baton Rouge history, and has revived calls for pension reform after a 2024 study found benefits equaled 75% of salary costs versus 30% to 38% in comparable cities.
Facing a lawsuit and a city split, can Baton Rouge afford an $8 million pay raise for its workers?
Could new state laws on pensions upend Baton Rouge's entire debate on employee pay and benefits?