A more complete and practical funding proposal is needed to ensure that vital crime fighting needs can be met, an attorney told the Metro Council Crime Committee at the group’s second meeting Monday evening. Local law enforcement leaders agreed that a new prison, juvenile correction facility, misdemeanor jail and truancy center are top priorities in the parish. “This is not a wish list; it’s tailored to what actual needs are,” East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says.
However, attorney Richard Leibowitz cautions that the committee’s plan currently relies on voters approving every tax and bond proposal on upcoming ballots. “All four have to pass. If three pass, it doesn’t matter,” he says. “You have to go back to the drawing board. Any shortfalls from any legs, that’s a disaster across the board.” Still, Leibowitz says, “Voters know you have to choose all four; you can’t cherry-pick. But that’s just one approach to take. How that sausage gets put together, we’ll see over lots of meetings in the next few months.”
The committee also discussed ways to centralize funding for the proposals. “A dedicated revenue stream would help,” says committee chairman and Metro Councilman Trae Welch. “We don’t have an operating fund.” Gautreaux says he wants to use all existing funding before turning to taxpayers. “None of us want to go to the public and say, ‘We need this,’ then not have the money to do it.”
Mayor Kip Holden says the committee must draw up a contingency plan in subsequent meetings. “You can’t discuss this in a vacuum. What happens if it doesn’t go according to plan? Roll like you’re rolling. But be mindful of things that might hamper that effort.”
The Crime Committee will meet again on Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. at the 19th JDC Courthouse. — Ian McGibboney
Today’s poll question: Would you support a bond proposal for the law enforcement needs the Metro Council’s Crime Committee is discussing?
