St. Louis budget committee to finalize FY 26 budget amendments with public input

The Budget and Public Employees Committee of the St. Louis City Council convened on May 31, 2025, to discuss the fiscal year 2026 budget and gather public input. The meeting began with a warm welcome to attendees, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in the budgeting process.

A key focus of the meeting was the upcoming opportunity for public testimony, scheduled for June 5, 2025, at 9 AM in the Kennedy Room at City Hall. This session will allow residents to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the budget before the committee makes any amendments. The committee acknowledged that one previously scheduled public input session had to be canceled due to a tornado, making this the final chance for public feedback.

In addition to budget discussions, the committee addressed ongoing community needs following the recent tornado. Several locations in St. Louis have been designated as support hubs for residents requiring assistance with food, supplies, and other resources. The committee highlighted the collaborative efforts of local organizations to provide necessary aid during this challenging time.

The committee also discussed recent legislative actions, including the passage of Board Bill 24 concerning property taxes and plans for an impacted tenants fund. These initiatives aim to address community concerns and provide financial support to those affected by the tornado.

Looking ahead, the committee will meet again on June 5 to hear from the sheriff's department and finalize budget amendments. The budget must be completed by July 1 to ensure it is in effect for the new fiscal year. The committee expressed its commitment to working diligently to incorporate public feedback and make necessary adjustments to the budget before it is presented to the Board of Aldermen.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, reflecting the committee's ongoing dedication to transparency and community involvement in the budgeting process.