Lawmakers Toss Talk Of City-County Merger To Locals

ST. LOUIS, MO — Lawmakers in Jefferson City are again discussing reunifying St. Louis City and St. Louis County, according to a joint resolution filed Wednesday. The St. Louis County Council voted in December to oppose a statewide vote on the long-standing issue, hoping to preempt any decision by the state government to put the matter to a vote. The new resolution is intended to leave the decision to city and county residents and would block the General Assembly from weighing in on the issue. The resolution does not explicitly endorse or oppose a city-county merger.

The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Bellefontaine Neighbors Democratic Sen. Gina Walsh in the Senate and Ballwin Republican Rep. Shamed Dogan in the House.

“It’s clear this is a local decision that should be kept at the local level in the hands of the people of St. Louis City and St. Louis County,” Dogan said. “With 57 of the 89 municipalities in St. Louis County already adopting resolutions opposing a statewide vote, it’s obvious the people believe this is a decision they should make.”

Both lawmakers noted that the last time a propose merger was brought to a statewide vote, it was overwhelmingly rejected.

“The citizens of St. Louis City and St. Louis County must have the right to determine their own destiny,” said Sen. Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors. “This bipartisan resolution will protect these citizens from government overreach and protect all Missouri taxpayers from costly political games.”

Both the House and Senate versions are currently in committee. A vote hasn't yet been scheduled.

St. Louis City and County officially divorced in 1876, the result of a tax dispute with the county, which was then much smaller than today. Over the years, as the county grew its population (and tax base), the city eventually came to regret the decision. Attempts to reunify the two polities have faced opposition from the county since at least the 1920s.

Critics say the split and the fragmented nature of county government can hinder complex projects, like the recently cancelled Deer Creek Trail Project. In that case, a plan to extend a walking trail across multiple jurisdictions was stymied by the demands of one local government, frustrating city officials and residents alike.

Photo by J. Ryne Danielson/Patch