The East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council is responsible for setting the policy of the City-Parish, including establishing local sales taxes, setting the salaries of police officers, approving whether a piece of property is ultimately rezoned, determining whether or not liquor can be sold on Sundays and more. One of the biggest responsibilities of the Metro Council is approving how the City allocates the money. Each fall, the Mayor-President submits the City-Parish's budget for Council review. In the event there's a surplus of revenue, the Council also decides how the funds should be spent.
When it comes to passing new legislation, it is Metro Council members who get the ball rolling. Many of the items that members introduce come first from constituents, so it is important to get to know your Council Member and what he or she stands for.