Baton Rouge Mayor Sid Edwards struck a new deal that would take some money from East Baton Rouge libraries to fund employee pay raises, but the library now will lose less money than originally proposed.

A new proposed plan was introduced that would keep dedicated funding for the East Baton Rouge Parish Library system while investing in essential City-Parish services.

At a Tuesday afternoon press conference, city-parish leaders announced a new funding plan—the “Thrive! Baton Rouge” plan—that includes a compromise over Mayor Sid Edwards’ controversial plan to rededicate library system funds.

East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards has released his “Revive EBR” proposal to relocate library funds for other city services like public safety and road improvements.

Mayor-President Sid Edwards addressed changes to his plan to rededicate library funds in a Tuesday afternoon press conference.