Government, Politics & Issues

St. Louis County voters give county council its own attorney

St. Louis Public Radio | By Rachel Lippmann

Published November 5, 2024 at 10:52 PM CST

County resident Jean Loemcar addresses members of the St. Louis County Council on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, at the Lawrence K. Roos County Government Building. During the meeting, Loemcar spoke in favor of a bill that would freeze property taxes for seniors, but would reduce future funding for schools. — County resident Jean Loemcar addresses the St. Louis County Council in August 2023 at the Lawrence K. Roos County Government Building in Clayton. Lawyers hired under Proposition C will help the St. Louis County Council draft legislation, offer legal advice and file and defend lawsuits.

St. Louis County voters have approved a charter amendment that allows the St. Louis County Council to hire its own attorneys.

Proposition C passed 62% to 38% on Tuesday. Lawyers hired under Proposition C would give legal advice, help draft legislation and represent council members in lawsuits. They would also be able to take legal action on behalf of the council.

In 2019, voters split the county counselor’s office into three divisions for the executive, legislative and judicial branches. But those attorneys still report to County Counselor Dana Redwing, who was appointed by County Executive Sam Page, an arrangement that backers felt did not provide enough independence.

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen has its own attorney with powers similar to those envisioned by Proposition C.

Also on Tuesday, voters approved a measure to change the way vacancies are filled on the St. Louis County Port Authority Board of Commissioners.

And voters agreed to move the start date of the terms for council member, county executive, prosecutor and assessor from the second Tuesday in January to the first Tuesday.