Budget and Public Employees Committee Town Hall May 20, 2025

The City of St. Louis Budget and Public Employees Committee held a town hall meeting on May 20, 2025, to discuss the FY27 budget. Budget Director Paul Payne presented a detailed overview of the $1.41 billion annual operating plan, highlighting a 4.9% increase in the general fund to $637.1 million, with allocations for employee pay raises, emergency housing, neighborhood stabilization, public safety, and capital projects. Key procurement-related items included funding for derelict building demolition, emergency housing programs, and public safety infrastructure such as the fire department headquarters. The committee noted a net reduction of 22 general fund positions and 82 positions overall. Public comments overwhelmingly focused on opposition to the police department's budget, which exceeds $200 million and includes a 7% pay raise and $500 million allocated for expected lawsuits. Speakers urged reallocating funds toward social services, right to counsel programs, violence prevention, and tornado recovery efforts, particularly in North City. Committee members acknowledged ongoing lawsuits related to the police budget and emphasized the need for transparency and public input, with further hearings planned before amendments. No votes on budget amendments occurred during this meeting, but a motion to adjourn was passed unanimously.