The Downtown Development District board approved at its meeting this morning next year’s budget of $641,150, which is only about $9,000 bigger than the 2014 budget. The district is projected to collect just under $10,000 more in taxes next year than this year, at $497,650. Another $142,500 comes from the city-parish general fund.
DDD Executive Director Davis Rhorer said at this morning’s meeting the budget reflects the need to adjust the district’s mission to accommodate more people living downtown. There are 350 additional living units under construction or planned for construction, according to budget documents, which also note that planning is underway for the River Park development near Hollywood Casino. If that project comes to fruition, it could eventually add as many as 1,200 more residential units downtown.
“There will be many more people living in the CBD and that will be a huge change in the dynamic,” Rhorer said.
According to budget documents, the district will put $20,000 toward increasing its public accessibility and communication, as well as $60,000 to continue infrastructure improvements recommended in Plan Baton Rouge and Plan Baton Rouge II. The DDD is also setting goals to improve downtown safety.
Out of next year’s budget, $341,330 will go toward the salaries of the district’s five full-time employees and $42,000 will be spent on the lease of offices at 247 Florida St. The money from the general fund will also have to be approved by the Metro Council. The council’s budget hearings are scheduled for next Tuesday and the following Monday, Nov. 24. The council is set to vote on the final budget at a special meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9. —Kelly Connelly
