Resolution 59 asks Missouri auditor for performance audit of Saint Louis; committee holds measure while sponsors clarify cost and scope

Alderman Pamela Boyd introduced Resolution 59 to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen’s Legislation & Rules Committee on July 21, urging Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick to "promptly commence a performance audit of the City of Saint Louis consistent with the intent expressed by the citizens who supported the petition effort." The clerk read the resolution text to the committee.

Tamika Steigers, who testified on behalf of petitioners, said the citizen-led petition — started in 2023 and circulated citywide — seeks a performance audit because "there's a lack of transparency from many of our departments," and residents want to know how large inflows such as Rams settlement money and nearly $500 million in COVID funds have been spent since 2021. "We collected enough signatures ... and submitted it," Steigers said, describing the group’s effort and the ongoing verification of some contested signatures.

Committee members probed logistics and costs. Steigers told the committee the petition estimates an initial audit cost of about $2,000,000, though she said the full amount could be lower because some departments (the building division, she said) are already under audit. Committee members, including Alderman Narayan, raised practical budget questions because the city recently completed its budget cycle. Vice Chair Devote also flagged a potential technical problem: he said the resolution language as drafted does not explicitly acknowledge that the city would pay for any state-led audit and warned the petition could be rejected on that omission. "I don't see that language," Vice Chair Devote said while reviewing the resolution language on the floor.

Petitioners explained the petition process and said the state auditor would typically work with petitioners and stakeholders to prioritize initial targets, though the auditor has discretion over scope. Petitioners also said they are pursuing judicial review of some rejected petition signatures and provided examples they say demonstrate errors in the verification process.

After discussion about scope, cost and the petition mechanics, Alderman Boyd asked for time to work with petitioners to revise the resolution. The committee agreed to hold Resolution 59 in committee for further research and amendment so sponsors can add clarifying finance language and any other needed changes before the measure goes to the full board.