Baton Rouge mayor-president ‘disappointed’ in Louisiana Supreme Court OKing St. George incorporation

Trinity Velazquez
·2 min read

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — A Louisiana Supreme Court decision released on Friday, April 26, will allow the city of St. George to incorporate. East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston-Broome said she is disappointed that the court overturned the lower court’s ruling.

They found that legal error led to lower courts denying the incorporation, and the lower court’s judgment was reversed. The city’s incorporators and electors won the judgment requested.

“I also believe that today’s Supreme Court ruling speaks to the strength of our judicial system. And of course, as Louisianians, as Americans, we place our trust in this system and its ability to provide appellate redress,” Broome said.

The area has been working to become a city since 2018. Residents of the community agreed and voted on the incorporation. Broome did not approve the change. In 2019, she filed a lawsuit against the incorporation of the city.

Louisiana Supreme Court: St. George can incorporate into new city, taxes can support services

Justices challenged that a city-parish council member could contest the incorporation without living in St. George.

“It is my understanding that the only recourse at this time would be to ask for a rehearing in the matter. Being that I am not a plaintiff any longer in this, it would certainly be up to the plaintiff and the attorneys,” Broome said.

The justices also said the record doesn’t support the lower court’s supposition that the city can’t support necessary services.

“But as the mayor president, I do have a responsibility to thoroughly examine the financial implications of this historic decision and safeguard the vitality of our over 200-year-old city. When potential tax increases or threats to basic services that affect our citizens’ quality of life are at stake, it’s crucial that we proceed with careful consideration moving forward. The bottom line is that we are all members of this parish comprising over 450,000 citizens,” Broome said.

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The case has been heard and appealed before ultimately reaching the Supreme Court. Arguments were heard in January.

“My goal from the very beginning, and it will always be my goal, is to advocate for a united Baton Rouge. I am committed to serving the residents of St. George, just as I serve those of Baker, Central and Zachary and in the days ahead, I will proceed to have conversations to determine the best course of action in compliance with the court’s final decision,” Broome said.

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