Top 10 things to know about newly incorporated Central

• Advocate staff report
• Published: Jun 14, 2009

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CENTRAL — Central, which incorporated in 2005, took control of its public services last year from East Baton Rouge Parish and continues to grow into its role as an independent city.

Located in the northeast part of East Baton Rouge Parish, Central is experiencing steady growth in population.

Here are 10 key facts about the city:

Population

The city has a population approaching 30,000, making it the 12th largest in Louisiana.

Location

The boundaries of the city are the Comite River to the west, the Amite River to the east, the intersection of the two rivers to the south and La. 64 to the north.

City services

The city contracts with CH2M Hill OMI, a Denver-based company, to run its city services. Since 2008, the company has provided all city services other than public safety operations. The city’s service line is (225) 262-5000.

Officials

The mayor is Shelton “Mac” Watts, and the police chief is Doug Browning. Both were elected in 2006 in the city’s first election. City Council members are Louis Dejohn Jr., Joan Lansing, Aaron Moak, Lucky Ross and Ralph Washington.

Chamber of Commerce

The City of Central Chamber of Commerce, which has more than 250 members, is led by President Bob Breaux. The private organization’s Web site is http://www.cityofcentralchamber.com.