Charter Changes coming to the November ballot
Let's talk about the charter! What it is, why it’s important, and what you need to know about the amendments that will be on the November ballot. To start we need to know what the charter is, this also lends to why it’s important.
St. Louis is a charter city, meaning there is a singular “document” establishing the City, outlining structure of the government, and authorizing certain powers to elected officials and departments. Think of it as similar to the constitution: it's the basis of rule and power in the city of St. Louis. Today, the charter in its current form was adopted in 1914; albeit having numerous amendments since its adoption over the last 110 years.
This was really the last time that the charter was comprehensively examined and updated. In 2022 legislation was introduced to the Board of Alderman by then Alderwoman Annie Rice to establish a charter commission every 10 years to comprehensively review and update the charter. This legislation became effective early in 2023 and by the end of the year the Charter Commission had been convened and their work was underway. Review, recommendation, and submission to the voters; this was the basic timeline intended by the sponsor Ald. Rice. This was to limit the interference of the City’s elected officials in the process, making it citizen led and submitted directly to the Election Board and to the residents of St. Louis. However, there was a substantial legal question on this process. In an attempt to limit litigation it was determined the recommendations would need to go to the Board of Aldermen to go through the legislative process before being submitted to the voters.
Once it was determined this would be the process moving forward it became open season on the charter so to speak, with a number of Alderperson introducing amendments not recommended by the commission. Of all the introduced amendments only 4 made it to the Mayor Jones’ desk for her approval or disapproval (veto). Those 4 amendments are as follows:
Board Bill 61 (Committee Substitute As Amended) | Sponsor Ald. Michael Browning
This charter amendment would give additional authority to the Streets Department which would become the Department of Transportation. Mayor Jones returned this bill without a signature, meaning it moves forward and will be on the November ballot.
Recommendation: Vote YES
Board Bill 30 ( Floor Substitute) | Sponsor Ald. Rasheen Aldridge
This charter amendment would give additional authority to the Board of Aldermen over the City budget process. Currently, by charter the Board can only remove or reduce items in the budget. With this additional authority the Board would be able to increase or decrease any line item within the budget, with final approval resting with the Mayor. This amendment was returned without a signature.
Recommendation: Vote YES
Board Bill 72 (As Amended) | Sponsor Ald. Daniela Velazquez
This charter amendment came to the Board as a recommendation from Legal Service of Eastern Missouri as a proposed tool against negligent property owners. This legislation would remove the $500 fine limit currently in the charter and allow for higher fines on violations. It is the intent of the Board to use this authority to target non-owner occupied properties that are negatively impacting the surrounding community. This amendment was returned without a signature.
Recommendation: Vote YES
Board Bill 76 (Floor Substitute) | Sponsor Ald. Shane Cohn
This charter amendment was a recommendation from the commission to update outdated language throughout the charter. As it was voted on by the Board it would have also changed the name of the Board of Aldermen to the “City Counsel”. During perfection a provision relating to procurement was removed after debate of a violation of the Board’s single subject rule. This bill was vetoed by the Mayor, and will not be on November’s ballot. Unless, the Board calls a special meeting to attempt to override the Mayor’s veto.
Recommendation: Vote NO*
(* If the Board does end up passing this amendment over the Mayor’s veto)
These amendments are important moving forward in the Board’s attempt to turn the City around. Looking forward to seeing the outcome of the November election not only nationally but locally as well. Each of these amendments needs to have at least 60% approval to pass and become effective, join us in making sure these pass!
