NEWS RELEASE

St. Louis County Board Considers Tax Reduction

Today, Tuesday, September 7, 2004, the St. Louis County Board was presented a draft budget for 2005 that included a recommended decrease in the local property tax levy, with a tax of $85,190,000 compared to 2004's $85,340,393. The County Board will finalize their decision on September 14, 2004.

"That the County Board can consider a decrease in the local levy despite the lingering effect of past budget cuts is a testament to the hard work that has gone into the 2005 budget by Commissioners and Administration," said Bill Kron, Chair of the county’s Finance and Budget Committee.

St. Louis County’s services, such as roads and bridges construction and maintenance, Sheriff’s protection and 9-1-1 services, Solid Waste, Courts, Probation, and County Attorney services, Nursing Home, and Public Health and Human Services are provided by its 2296 employees, 200 fewer than in 2002. The total county budget for 2005 is projected to be about $270 million.

County Administrator Dana Frey noted that changes in state funding have helped offset increased costs and helped make a levy reduction possible. "Beginning next year, the state has made an increased commitment to help fund mandated county services. We trust that any ongoing state budget problems will not result in a significant retreat from this important reform."

"St. Louis County residents can be confident they are receiving the best possible services in the most economical fashion," said Steve Raukar, Chair of the County Board. "Despite a few bright spots, the regional economy has yet to really recover from the latest recession. Given that, and the financial difficulties faced by many cities within the county, it is an opportune time to be able to hold the line on taxes."