Page says Proposition U defeat could force budget cuts
St. Louis County Executive Sam Page warned Wednesday that voters’ rejection of Proposition U could force deep budget cuts, including reductions in police staffing, road repairs and park maintenance.
The measure, which would have added a 3.5% use tax on online purchases, received just 35% of the vote Tuesday.
Page said the county has about a year before its share of the Rams settlement funds is exhausted and projects a budget deficit of at least $50 million next year.
He said the County Council could raise property taxes under existing voter authority, redirect remaining Rams settlement funds to county operations or place the use tax proposal back on the November ballot. Page said he would support another vote but urged the county to better educate voters about the potential consequences of service cuts.
Hoskins sued over redistricting referendum
A coalition seeking to overturn Missouri’s 2025 congressional redistricting plan sued Secretary of State Denny Hoskins on Tuesday after he rejected its referendum petition.
People Not Politicians argues Hoskins exceeded his authority by declaring the referendum unconstitutional. Attorney Chuck Hatfield said he expects the Missouri Supreme Court to reverse the decision.
A ruling could affect which congressional map is used in November and, potentially, the validity of the primary elections.
RBC backs broader role on regional growth
The Regional Business Council is taking a more active role in regional issues, including downtown revitalization and discussions about St. Louis rejoining St. Louis County, CEO Karen Branding said.
The business group, which represents leaders of 100 major employers, sees itself as a convener rather than a policymaker, Branding told the St. Louis Business Journal.
She said most RBC members support engaging in conversations about regional governance as the area grapples with population loss and slower economic growth.
Aldermen panel backs delay in SLPS closure vote
A St. Louis Board of Aldermen committee last week approved a resolution urging St. Louis Public Schools to delay its planned vote on school closures, increase transparency and hold additional community meetings.
District leaders cite a $41 million budget deficit and declining enrollment, while parents and city officials argue vacant school buildings could hurt neighborhood property values.
The measure now goes to the full Board of Aldermen.
New Life church awards $41,000 in scholarships
New Life in Christ Church in O’Fallon, Illinois, awarded more than $41,000 in scholarships to 21 Metro East high school graduates during its annual Celebration of Education service.
Since launching the program in 2003, the church has awarded about $440,000 to nearly 230 college-bound students in Illinois and Missouri.
Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, community service, essays and interviews.
Another pause for long-vacant courts building
Efforts to redevelop St. Louis’ long-vacant former Municipal Courts Building appear to have stalled, leaving a proposed hotel project in limbo.
Developer Hasan Adelani said he has spent more than $1 million pursuing the project but has received no clear update from the city.
The Comptroller’s Office said redevelopment remains a priority, though officials are still evaluating options and have not decided whether to reconvene the committee that reviewed proposals for the downtown property.