Bi-State Appropriation Bill Up for Perfection at St. Louis Council

CMT Urges Members to Weigh in with the St. Louis County Council on Importance of Transit Investment

St. Louis County Bill 174 introduced by St. Louis County Council Chair Shalonda Webb is up for perfection at the August 27 County Council meeting.   Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) is urging its members and stakeholders to weigh in with the St. Louis County Council as they move Bill 174.   More specifically, CMT is asking members of the St. Louis County Council to support the $197.1 million budget appropriation that comes from three sales tax initiatives in St. Louis County, including the 1973 ½ cent sales tax, Prop M ¼ cent sales tax and the Prop A ½ cent sales tax. However, we are asking CMT members to urge the St. Louis County Council to reconsider the recommended funding split . This is imperative as this could be very problematic for transit in the future.

Historically, the percentage allocation of the 1973 1/2 cent sales tax for public transit vs. roads is close to a 50:50 split. This is with the exception of  last year  when only 32 percent of this sales tax was allocated for transit because there was unprecedented federal COVID funding available to cover the difference.

COVID funding is no longer available, yet the current appropriation request to the St. Louis County Council would keep the 1973 ½ cent sales tax allocation at 32 percent for public transit for FY2025. The reduction in funding from the 1973 tax increases the amount from Prop. A funding to 100 percent for operating expenses, which historically the remainder of Prop. A funding not used for operating has been set aside in a capital account for future transit expansion. If this year’s funding splits passes, 100 percent of the Prop. A funding will go to operations with zero set aside for future transit expansion. While this may not negatively impact transit in FY2025, the policy shift will definitely impact the future of transit in St. Louis County.

In short, the 1973 ½ cent sales tax must revert back to closer to a 50:50 split between public transit and roads.

As the regional transit advocacy organization representing more than 22,000 constituents –  including riders, major employers, academic institutions, labor, operators and community organizations – CMT is, and will continue to be, committed to advocating for a safe, secure, high-quality transit system for current and future riders.

CMT members know transit is a critical component of the transportation system, and an updated  appropriation is needed to ensure the transit agency can continue to move forward on safety and security, service levels, ridership and cost management in the years to come.

Please reach out the St. Louis County Council member listed below on this critical issue.