BATON ROUGE - On Thursday, BREC Superintendent Corey Wilson announced he plans to step down from his role with BREC.

"I've decided to not seek a third extension or renewal of my contract," Wilson said.

News Two tried to speak with Wilson after the BREC Commissioners meeting on Thursday, but the interview request was declined. Moving forward, BREC will need to look for a new superintendent. Wilson said he announced his resignation early, to help with the hiring process.

"My focus on my remaining time with the agency will be completing the 2023 audit as well as the 2024 audits, bringing the agency into compliance with state law," Wilson said.

The WBRZ Investigative Unit first looked into delays with BREC audits last year when the park system completed the 2021 audit years behind schedule.

"From this commissioner's standpoint, the superintendent has not properly managed our finance department so that it can be ready for timely audits," Dwayne Rogers, BREC commissioner and treasurer, told WBRZ in November of 2024. "I would have concerns about entrusting additional dollars to them and I'm the treasurer."

Rogers raised concerns in November about BREC finances especially when the 2021 audit revealed $70,000 was stolen by former employees. This happened in November before voters approved a tax renewal for BREC.

The state legislative session looms ever closer. One pre-filed bill would get rid of BREC commissioners and replace the board with mayors from the parish's five cities. Another bill proposed would move BREC under the city-parish instead of being independent. While the superintendent did not speak on the pre-filed bills, he championed the knockdown of similar legislation in 2021.

"Memories of the community during discussions of the relocation of the zoo and showing out to help defeat Senate Bill 205 will have a lasting impression on me," Wilson said.

The bill Wilson referenced proposed moving Zachary, Central and St. George out of BREC and establishing their own districts and commissions.

Wilson believes the passing of the two BREC taxes shows Baton Rouge's desire to support community parks.

"My proudest moment, last November, when the community resoundingly voted in favor of both of our tax renewals, indicating their approval of the work we've done and the stewardship of their tax dollars," Wilson said.

WBRZ received a statement from BREC Chief Operating Officer Andrea Roberts which echoed Wilson's sentiments, saying the voters reaffirmed their commitment with the renewal of the millages and the bills could jeopardize the funding citizens endorsed.

WBRZ also reached out to the bills' author State Representative Dixon McMakin to ask whether Wilson's step down changed the bills. McMakin said it did not and he said it is even more of a reason to change the structure of the park system and move it under the city-parish.

Wilson said his contract is set to expire on January 31, 2026.