Saint Louis budget proposal increases to $200M with limited new funds for police

The Budget and Public Employees Committee of the St. Louis City Council convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The overall budget proposal stands at approximately $200 million, reflecting an increase from nearly $183 million last year. This rise is attributed to new internal service fund charges, which have complicated the budgetary landscape.

David Daniels, the fiscal manager for St. Louis Place, presented a detailed overview of the budget. He clarified that while the budget appears to have increased significantly, the real increase is just over $1 million when adjusted for these internal charges. Daniels highlighted that the city is required to match revenue according to House Bill 495, which has created challenges due to discrepancies between calendar and fiscal years.

A significant portion of the budget is allocated to internal services, including $5.6 million for the city councilor's office and $5.4 million for facilities management. Daniels noted that the legal services required by the police department have increased dramatically over the past 13 years, necessitating a larger budget allocation.

Concerns were raised regarding potential raises for public employees, particularly within the police department. Daniels indicated that there are no substantial funds available for raises, emphasizing that the budget reflects flat revenues and does not include new initiatives. He reassured committee members that while there is a perception of increased funding due to state control, the reality is that the budget remains constrained.

The discussion also touched on the police academy, which is set to receive $400,000 for improvements, although more funding is needed to address ongoing issues. Daniels reiterated that the budget is a zero-sum game, meaning that any new funding for one area would require cuts in another.

As the meeting progressed, committee members were encouraged to ask questions regarding the budget, particularly about overtime expenses, which have historically exceeded allocated amounts. The committee is expected to continue reviewing the budget details in the coming weeks, with a focus on balancing the needs of various departments against the available funding.