Washington University Isn't Paying Its Fair Share, U. City Says

ST. LOUIS, MO — University City is considering asking Washington University to foot more of the bill for the city services it uses, officials said Monday night. Missouri law grants Wash U. exemptions from state and local taxes, including property taxes that would otherwise flow into the coffers of municipal governments, and city officials have long cited those exemptions as a significant reason for budget shortfalls.

As the single largest landowner in University City, the city estimates it could be losing around $2 million every year from Washington University's tax exemptions, which officials say cripples their ability to provide necessary services like EMS and road repair.

(Subscribe to Patch for daily newsletters and the chance to win $100.)

"University City residents are underwriting the higher education of Washington University students," said councilmember Tim Cusick at Monday's council meeting.

University City Mayor Terry Crow seemed to agree, adding that he doesn't believe the University is paying its "fair share."

"I think, for me, a lot of this is just about fair share," he said. "And that is just asking our neighbor to pay their fair share, whether it's police, whether it's fire, whether it's parking."

He blamed Washington University students for taking up parking spaces that could otherwise be used by U. City residents.

"When you charge as much as you do for parking in your buildings, do you not think your students are going to want to park on our streets for free?" he asked. "And when they park on our streets for free, those of us who pay taxes have no place to park."

He also asked Washington University to consider contributing money to a recently established — and controversial — Tax Increment Financing District to improve conditions in the city's Third Ward.

"Washington University and University City have worked together on many projects and we look forward to continuing conversations about issues of mutual benefit," a Washington University spokesperson said in a prepared statement.

The city will conduct a study session to further consider how best to address the issue, officials said.

Photo by J. Ryne Danielson/Patch