ST. LOUIS — Saturday morning, St. Louisans have another chance to weigh in on how the city should spend its budget when the new fiscal year kicks in come July. This, after the city learned this week it could have to pay some $26 million to remote workers following an appeal court’s ruling on the earnings tax.
Alderman Rasheen Aldridge said he doesn't expect a major impact to city services as a result of the ruling.
"The city of St Louis does have over $100 million in our reserves…I don't believe services will be impacted because we still have plenty of funds in our reserves,” he said.
Now residents are weighing in on where they feel the city should focus their investments.
"Things are changing. It's not getting better,” said Steven Witherspoon.
He addressed the budget committee as it works to finalize the budget. "We had stores on each corner. We had Sears and Roebuck. We had stores like that…I see things are deteriorating… Why are we not getting vacant houses torn down and they've been there 20 years?"
He's one of several people who gathered at the Urban League to sound off on what they feel the city should focus on when leaders allocate funds come July.
"I don’t' see anything, enough money in for parks and recreation,” said Gwendolyn Cogshell.
"When we call for defunding the police, we mean it… Right now, getting rid of ShotSpotter, Real Time Crime Center, SWAT and vacant positions would be a good start,” Chris Wilcox added.
"We don’t need more policing. We need something more for people who are being policed… More programs other than basketball for the youth in the summertime… The youth that we need to come to those centers won’t show up,” Tammy Tate said.
Leaders listened to the public feedback as they go line by line. One line includes a $1.3 million salary adjustment to make sure trash is being picked up on time.
"We were having a hard time keeping our refuse department drivers. They get very nice offers to leave our city,” Alderwoman Cara Spencer said. She heads the budget committee and has concerns of her own. "Massive population loss. We’re seeing an enormous amount of people leaving our city, in particular leaving north St. Louis."
These neighbors are hoping that with the right investment, city leaders can turn the tide.
"You got more money than you've ever had in years,” Cogshell said.
You can have your chance to weigh in Saturday at 10 a.m. at the International Institute on Arsenal Street.