A millage is a property tax rate expressed in tenths of a cent per dollar of assessed value.  Millage rates are used to fund essential public services.

Voters approved the current 10-year millage in November 2016. As with most millages, it requires renewal after 10 years. This renewal process allows voters to review the progress and outcomes achieved during this period and determine whether continued funding should support programs that enhance the quality of life for senior citizens in East Baton Rouge Parish.

The EBRCOA has taken the initiative forthe millage renewal to be placed on the June 27, 2026, ballot.

No. Voters in East Baton Rouge Parish previously expressed opposition to the Thrive Initiative, which would have redirected existing millage funds from the Council on Aging to the City-Parish General Fund. This millage renewal is separate and has no connection to the previous THRIVE initiative, and funding under this renewal remains dedicated to the Council on Aging.

Yes, despite losing voter support of this THRIVE initiative, the Mayor has stated that he wants to see the Council on Aging, Library, and Mosquito abatement continue to do great work, and he is in support of their 2026 millage renewals

Residents of St. George voted to become their own city; therefore, just like residents of Baker, Zachary, Central, and Baton Rouge, those who live in St. George will continue (as always) to receive services from the Council on Aging. The millage renewal is a parish-wide renewal that serves seniors across the parish, regardless of income or geographical location.

The current rate is 2.0 mills.

No. This is a renewal, not an increase. Your current property tax rate remains the same. A rate of 2.0 mills is a savings to taxpayers of .25 in mills.

EBRCOA utilizes these funds to provide essential services, including meals, transportation, housing, and wellness programs. Without this funding, many services and programs would be negatively impacted, reduced, or eliminated.

The millage supported:

• 180 units of affordable senior housing
• 132,621 rides in transportation
• 8.4 million meals served:
  • 6.3 million meals delivered to homes
  • 2.1 million congregate (hot) meals served
• Increase from 6 to 21 new Senior Centers across the parish
• 21.9 million Material Aid units, such as incontinence supplies, walkers, dietary supplements, and more
• 130 employees earning livable wages with benefits and retirement options
  • 120 of these positions are direct service roles, including meal delivery, cooking, counseling and case management, senior center coordination, transportation, budget management, respite care, and social work services
  • The agency prioritizes direct service staffing rather than administrative overhead to ensure seniors receive hands-on, personalized support.

Homeowners with a home valued at $250,000 or more pay approximately $22

per year or $1.83 a month. Renters do not pay property taxes, and tax-exempt individuals do not pay this tax.

No. Due to responsible financial management and strategic expansion, the agency anticipates it will maintain all current services and expand programs to underserved areas, even at the 2.0-mill level.

Renewal funds will be used to:

• Expand Meals on Wheels services to provide more meals to seniors who are homebound and unable to leave their homes.
• Build or renovate senior centers in Broadmoor, St. George, Baker, and North Baton Rouge.
• Expand transportation services
• Bring back in-home respite care services to provide Personal Care attendants in homes to help seniors.
• Build additional affordable senior housing that allows residents to age in place, as the population aged 60 and older continues to grow. The Council on Aging remains focused on meeting evolving community needs through sustainable, locally supported funding.

In 2017, the East Baton Rouge Council on Aging signed a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City. This agreement requires regular funding and performance reporting to the City. The Council on Aging, when asked, also provides updates to the City Council on Funding expenditures and performance. Lastly, the State of Louisiana requires annual audits, and the agency has received clean audits. The Council on Aging will continue its open-door policy of auditing and performance accountability to the city, state, and citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish.

More than 25,000 seniors receive services annually from the EBRCOA. Many seniors receive multiple services. Our services are designed to serve all seniors in need, regardless of income or social class.

Learn more about our services on our website or call 225-923-8000.