Alderman DeBote champions amendments to St. Louis Board Bill 33

Alderman DeBote took center stage during the Public Safety Committee meeting on July 10, 2025, as he introduced significant amendments to Board Bill 33, aimed at refining the responsibilities of the sheriff's office.

The first amendment, which received unanimous support, removes the phrase "collect and" from the legislation, clarifying the duties that the sheriff shall not undertake. This change was prompted by discussions with Sheriff Montgomery, who emphasized the need for clear delineation of responsibilities.

Following this, Alderman DeBote presented a second amendment, developed in collaboration with the mayor's office and the comptroller. This amendment replaces the original section regarding the sheriff's contract procedures. Instead of requiring the sheriff to approach the committee for contract approvals, the new language mandates that the sheriff's office provide the comptroller with a written explanation justifying the necessity of expenses related to its duties. This adjustment aligns with state statutes that require the city to cover necessary expenses for the sheriff's office.

The committee's swift adoption of these amendments reflects a proactive approach to ensuring clarity and accountability within the sheriff's office operations. As the city moves forward, these changes are expected to enhance oversight and streamline processes related to public safety expenditures.