Baton Rouge, Louisiana Development News
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Metropolitan Council
Published: Jul 22, 2026
Council Approves Significant Funding for HIV/AIDS Programs Amidst Fiscal and Programmatic Discussions
The Metropolitan Council approved multiple sub-recipient contracts totaling millions of dollars under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, encompassing Ending the HIV Epidemic and HIV AIDS Part A programs. These funds will be distributed to various organizations including Volunteers of America, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, No AIDS Task Force (Crescent Care), HIV AIDS Alliance for Region 2 Inc., Family Services of Greater Baton Rouge, and Capital City Family Health Inc. The grant periods are from March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027. During the discussion, a constituent voiced concerns about the necessity of these funds given federal programs and suggested reallocating focus to mental illness and drug addiction. Council members clarified that the Ryan White funding is federal, requires no local match, and cannot be used for other purposes, emphasizing its importance in managing the HIV/AIDS epidemic and its associated costs. The council also addressed delays in contract execution due to language negotiations with the parish attorney and the state funder, assuring that no funding would be lost and services would be reimbursed.
Council Validates Historic School Use, Enabling Property Development and Renovation
The council approved the acknowledgment of historical school use and the lease of property at 802 Mayflower Street, historically known as South Boulevard School, now Harvest Common School. This action addresses the absence of recorded conveyance documents from the early 1900s, which prevents the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board from showing clear title and the charter school, Harvest Common School, from securing financing for renovations. The council's acknowledgment will validate the property's use as a school, allowing the charter school, which partners with Southern University and focuses on agricultural education, to proceed with development and serve students. The property is owned by East Baton Rouge Parish and the school board has approved a long-term lease with Harvest Common School.
EMS Expands Access to Life-Saving CPR Devices; Council Approves Revenue System Audit and Workforce Development Funding
The Metropolitan Council authorized multiple cooperative endeavor agreements (CEAs) for the Department of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to lend Lucas automated CPR devices to various fire protection districts and municipalities, including Central Fire Protection District 4, City of Baker, East Baton Rouge Fire Protection District 3 (Brownsfield), District 7 (Cheneyville), District 6, District 5, District 8 (Pride), and the City of Zachary. The purpose of these agreements is to improve public health and provide access to life-saving equipment throughout the parish. The council also approved an agreement with Eisner Advisory Group LLP for a process assessment evaluation of revenue collection, processing, and recording for the Baton Rouge City Court and City Constable's Office, not to exceed $61,500. Finally, the Mayor President was authorized to accept an amendment for $50,000 in funding from Louisiana Works discretionary funds for the Ride to Work 2.0 Peddling Towards Progress project, bringing the total to $1,539,479.
Council Approves Public Safety Technology Upgrades and School Resource Officer Agreement
The Metropolitan Council discussed and approved several items related to public safety technology and services. This included authorizing the Mayor President to enter into an operating services agreement with Axon Enterprises for a 10-year public safety technology system lease, not to exceed $31,169,176.74. Additionally, a professional services agreement with MP Design Grant for architectural and mechanical engineering services at the public safety complex was authorized, not to exceed $70,000. The council also authorized the Mayor President to enter into an operating services contract with CoLogic Software Inc. for integrated criminal justice information system data exchange, with an estimated annual cost not to exceed $48,480 for four years, totaling $193,920. Lastly, a cooperative endeavor agreement was authorized with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System for the full-time assignment of a school resource officer to McKinley High School for the 2026-2027 school year.
Council Authorizes Legal Counsel to Explore Antitrust Lawsuit on Contingency Basis
The Metropolitan Council authorized the Mayor President to execute a contract with Fishman Haygood LLP on a contingency basis to explore filing an antitrust class action suit. The firm's involvement was clarified to be exclusive, with Petit, Armand, Duncoman, Woodley, and Cromwell LLP erroneously included. The contract is strictly contingency-based, meaning no taxpayer money will be paid unless there is a favorable outcome, and potential attorneys' fees could be awarded. The urgency stemmed from a prescription deadline (statute of limitations) before the next council meeting. The Parish Attorney's office approved the contract's form and legality. Concerns about the legal process, the definition of 'prescription,' and the selection of outside counsel were addressed.
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