Services

SERVING THE PEOPLE!

Progresive and competent local government services have insured a strong and growing local economy where residents, business and industry do more than co-exist. They work together toward building an even better Baker.

The City of Baker offers the following services that insure the health, safety and welfare of its citizens, while improving and enhancing the quality of life:

Governing Body - The 25th largest city in Louisiana, Baker enjoys strong and responsive local government that provides effective leadership, insuring that public needs are met. Elected every four years, local officials consist of the Mayor, five Councilmen elected in single member districts, and a Chief of Police. The City Court Judge is elected every six years.

Police Department - The thirty-one member local police department is led by a Chief of Police, aided by an Assistant Chief. The department includes traffic, detective, narcotics and juvenile divisions that give us one of the lowest crime rates in the state. The department has been most recently recognized for its innovative Bicycle Patrol that aids in local neighborhood patrols, increasing security, and bringing about a marked decrease in neighborhood vandalism and crime. The department boasts one of the most progressive DARE departments in the nation.

Baker City Court - Led by an elected Judge, the City Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and some felonies. The Court system includes a civil court, and in addition offers local services including issuing of passports and mariage licenses. The Judge officiates over civil marriage services.

Baker Fire Department - The City of Baker enjoys a Class 3 rating, important to local businesses and residents, insuring lower fire insurance rates. The well equipped Fire Department has fourteen regular full time employees as well as a large trained volunteer group. Employees work on the parish wide arson team and offer community service programs such as lectures, demonstrations and tours.

Family Counseling - The Family Counseling Service associated with the Baker City Court has been a valuable tool in dealing with family issues of local disturbance, abuse, violence and even substance abuse. The service also provides counseling services for city employees who find themselves or their families in times of crisis.

Registrar of Voters - The Baton Rouge Parish Registrar of Voters office has a branch office in Baker for the convenience of local residents. Citizens of Baker may register and absentee vote in Baker.

Driver's License Bureau - The State of Louisiana also operates a branch office of the Motor Vehicle Department where residents may obtain driver's licenses and perform certain activities relating to automobile registration.

Public Utilities - The City of Baker owns and operates a local utilities company providing water, natural gas, and sewer collection services. Water rates in Baker are a standard flat rate for most customers, and are among the lowest in the state. Senior Citizens in Baker enjoy a further discount on water rates. Natural gas rates are very competitive. The City of Baker Utilities Commission oversees these services and works diligently to provide the best services at the lowest rates. Natural gas is purchased on the futures market, insuring lower gas costs which result in savings for the local resident.

Public Works - The City of Baker Public Works department maintains the local rights-of-way, drainage and roadways. The department includes a beautification department that maintains public grounds and gardens that have generated a small amount of local and regional fame. In fact, the city of Baker's beautification efforts along the railroad tracks in the heart of the city resulted in national recognition by President Bush by being designated as one of his Thousand Points of Light!

Finance Department - Local occupational licenses, Alcoholic Beverage Control liquor licenses and home occupational permits are issued through the City of Baker Finance Department, which also oversees the general financial administration of the City, including investments, payroll, accounts payable, and the general accounting services of the Baker Utility System and the municipally owned cemetery, Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

Hillcrest Memorial Gardens - The municipally owned cemetery, Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, includes cemetery lots for in-ground burial, as well as mausoleum crypts and niches for above ground interment. Pre-need arrangements can be made through Hillcrest and pre-need purchases may be financed.

Municipal Auditorium - The Baker Municipal Center includes a large, well equipped Municipal Auditorium available for public rental at a very competitive cost. The auditorium, which includes a stage, small civic rooms, and restroom and kitchen facilities, will reasonably seat approximately 1,000 people in auditorium seating style, or about 700 in banquet style seating.

City Park and Walking Course - The City of Baker owns and maintains a limestone walking path with exercise stations. The path is a little less than a half-mile in distance, and is widely used by local health-conscious residents. The park is annually used for the Baker Buffalo Festival and Rodeo, and may be reserved for family picnics and gatherings.

Council on Aging - The Baker Senior Center, operated by the East Baton Rouge Parish Council on Aging is owned and maintained by the City of Baker. Local Senior Citizens may enjoy planned activities and excursions and daily nutritionally, correct, hot lunches. Other services such as health screenings and tax assistance are regularly available.

Public Health Unit - A branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Health Unit is open to serve Baker residents biweekly at a convenient and central location in City Hall.

The Heritage Museum & Cultural Center - Owned by the City of Baker, the Heritage Museum was established in 1974 in a restored local residence. The Museum collects, preserves, documents, and exhibits information and artifacts relating to the history and heritage of Baker, and offers programming and activities to support its exhibits. The Museum is governed by the City of Baker which provides an annual budget. An advisory commission of 22 people is appointed by the Mayor and City Council.

Recreational Activities - The City of Baker Recreation Commission, consisting of five members appointed by the Mayor and Council, offers grants and assistance to local nonprofit recreational teams and organizations. The Baton Rouge Recreation and Parks Commission (BREC) also provides recreational facilities and programming in the City of Baker.