On April 8, 2025, voters in St. Louis County will decide on Proposition B, a charter amendment that proposes to grant the County Council the authority to remove the County Counselor or any Department Director with a two-thirds majority vote.
Ballot Language
"Shall Section 2.190.3 be added to and Sections 4.020 and 5.020 of the Charter of St. Louis County be amended to restore checks and balances, oversight, and accountability of the executive branch by authorizing removal of the St. Louis County Counselor or any Department Director by five of the seven Councilmembers as set forth in Exhibit A of Ordinance No. 29,241, on file with the St. Louis County Administrative Director and the St. Louis County Board of Election Commissioners? The cost of legal counsel authorized if this amendment passes has no fiscal impact on taxes."
Source: St. Louis County Board of Elections
Associated Ordinance: Ordinance 29,241 and Appendix A
Current Appointment and Removal Process
Under the existing governance structure, the County Executive holds the authority to appoint and remove department heads without requiring approval from the County Council.
Implications of Passage
If approved, Proposition B would allow the County Council to remove the County Counselor or any Department Director with a supermajority vote (five out of seven council members).
Proponents argue that this change would introduce necessary checks and balances, ensuring that department leaders are accountable to both the executive and legislative branches. Councilwoman Shalonda Webb emphasized the need for accountability, stating, "What we need here in St. Louis County is to make sure that people are held accountable. No power grab. It's just accountability."
Opponents, including County Executive Sam Page, warn that such a shift could lead to instability within county operations. Page expressed concerns that Proposition B could create chaos by subjecting department directors to the directives of multiple supervisors, potentially disrupting the continuity and effectiveness of county services.
Source: KSDK
Consistency with Separation of Powers
The principle of separation of powers is foundational in American governance, delineating distinct responsibilities and authorities among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to prevent the concentration of power. Proposition B proposes to grant the legislative branch (County Council) a direct role in the removal of executive officials, a function traditionally reserved for the executive branch.
Supporters contend that this measure would enhance the system of checks and balances by providing the legislative body with tools to hold executive officials accountable. However, critics argue that it blurs the lines between branches, potentially undermining the autonomy of the executive branch and leading to politicized decision-making in administrative matters.
County Ordinances passed relating to Proposition B
Funding for Proposition B Ballot Measure
In preparation for the April 8, 2025, ballot, the St. Louis County Council approved the allocation of $520,000 to fund the election costs associated with Proposition B. This funding is sourced from the interest accrued on the county's share of the Rams settlement funds.
Restrictions on County Employees Discussing Proposition B
At the same meeting where the St. Louis County Council authorized payment for the ballot measure, they also implemented an ordinance prohibiting county employees from discussing Proposition B during work hours or while utilizing county resources, without authorization by the council.
Typically, government employees are already prohibited from engaging in activities that advocate for or against such measures while on duty or using government resources is generally prohibited. However, they are normally allowed to provide impartial information about ballot measures as part of their official duties. Clearly the council was concerned about what those employees may say on this one.
It's worth noting that these restrictions do not apply to elected officials, who retain the right to express their opinions on political matters, provided they do not use public resources for campaigning.
Legal Challenges
Proposition B has faced legal scrutiny concerning its ballot language. In February 2025, a circuit court judge ordered its removal from the ballot, deeming the language misleading. However, this decision was overturned by an appellate court, reinstating the proposition for the April ballot. The appellate court suggested that challenges to the measure's language could be addressed post-election if necessary. Source: KSDK
Stakeholder Perspectives
Business organizations have also weighed in. Greater St. Louis, Inc., representing the regional business community, opposes Proposition B. Interim CEO Dustin Allison expressed concerns that the measure could politicize county government operations, making it challenging to attract qualified professionals to key positions. Allison stated, "We need the best and most qualified people to manage St. Louis County government, and it will become much harder to recruit them if Proposition B passes." Source: Greater STL Inc.
St. Louis County Website - Prop-B Webpage
Conclusion
As the April 8, 2025, election approaches, St. Louis County voters are tasked with considering Proposition B's potential to reshape the county's governance structure. The decision hinges on balancing the desire for increased legislative oversight with concerns about maintaining effective and stable executive operations.
Further Information
For a additional info on the debates surrounding Proposition B, you may find the following news segment informative: