St. Louis merger group: Plan would save millions in taxes
Posted Feb 20, 2019 12:37:17 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
ST. LOUIS — The non-profit behind an effort to merge the city of St. Louis with St. Louis County says the consolidation would save the region’s taxpayers nearly $5 billion in the first 10 years, but some local leaders are questioning the numbers.
Better Together released its fiscal analysis Wednesday. It says the merger would save taxpayers $250 million per year by 2026 and more than $1 billion in the 10th year by streamlining government, taking advantage of economies of scale and eliminating duplication.
The consolidation plan revealed in January calls for changing the Missouri Constitution by creating a new class of local government.
Leaders of several of St. Louis County’s 88 municipal governments oppose the plan. Municipal League of Metro St. Louis Executive Director Pat Kelly says the financial analysis fails to offer specific details about the savings.
The Associated Press
