St. Louis County Council

Democrat Kelli Dunaway announced in January that she would not seek a second full term on the St. Louis County Council. She ran to replace Sam Page after he became county executive in 2019 and won a full term in 2020.

The three-year deal will increase starting pay for a police officer to $64,000. It also strengthens protections for officers facing discipline and sets up a new appeals process for minor disciplinary issues.

Melissa Price Smith, Gov. Mike Parson’s nominee for county prosecutor, made the claim during a question-and-answer session with members of the St. Louis County Council during a committee hearing on Tuesday.

Circuit Judge Brian May said he will issue his decision promptly. His ruling will almost certainly be appealed.

As recently as Monday, prosecutors had been arguing for a St. Louis County judge to act immediately to throw Dennis Hancock, a Republican from Fenton, off the county council. He is accused of violating the state’s nepotism prohibition.

Lawyers hired under Proposition C will help the St. Louis County Council draft legislation, offer legal advice and file and defend lawsuits.

Michael Archer’s victory means Republicans will keep three seats on the seven-member St. Louis County Council and could pair with Democrats opposed to County Executive Sam Page to thwart his policies or push through changes he opposes.

The county will pay a consulting firm to create a science-based plan that would recommend ways to protect property and residents from extreme weather caused by climate change.

Lawyers hired under Proposition C would help the St. Louis County Council draft legislation, offer legal advice and file and defend lawsuits.

The results of the November races could strengthen the Democratic majority on the St. Louis County Council. They will also impact the relationship between the council and County Executive Sam Page.