The St. Charles County Council convened on July 29, 2024, beginning with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting's primary focus was a public hearing regarding housing needs for the 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) action plan.

Arne Dinov, the county public advocate, addressed the council, emphasizing the importance of the CDBG program and the need for the city of O'Fallon to join the consolidated plan that includes all other municipalities in the county. Dinov criticized the administration for failing to reach out to O'Fallon, which he argued is essential for maximizing taxpayer savings and ensuring that funds are effectively utilized to assist residents in need.

Dinov provided detailed financial insights into O'Fallon's community development budget, highlighting significant salary increases for its employees and suggesting that the city could save over $230,000 in salaries and benefits by consolidating efforts with the county. He urged the council to take action and contact O'Fallon’s administration to facilitate this collaboration, stressing the need for these funds to be redirected towards improving homes and neighborhoods in St. Charles County.

The council encouraged public participation, inviting citizens to submit written or verbal comments on the matter, with a deadline set for August 7, 2024. The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to address housing needs and optimize the use of public funds in the community.