Baton Rouge · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Baton Rouge public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Legislative aide compensation and community liaison debate
A routine $15,000 contract extension became a debate over whether the city needs a $63,000 community liaison while council aides earn less, with nearly every member defending their staff.
Litigation settlements and claims
Settlements were introduced in three matters: $25,450.28 in the Monica Hollins lawsuit against the city and a police officer, $35,000 for a pre-litigation claim by Justin Thornton from an auto accident involving a Baton Rouge police officer, and $21,207.65 to Patty Merrick for a sewer back-up. All are set for a September 9 hearing.
Sales tax refunds to Walgreen and Cardinal Health
The parish wrongly collected about $567,000 in sales tax from two companies — $291,398.69 from Walgreen Louisiana on prescription drug purchases and $275,672.77 from Cardinal Health on exempt resale sales. Both refunds were introduced for a September 9 hearing.