St. Louis County’s budget deficit has ballooned to $80 million, and county executive Sam Page is pitching a mix of tax increases and NFL settlement dollars to plug the hole. But the numbers don’t add up—especially when you account for his massive 2026 budget, which more than doubles the current deficit. The proposed tax hikes fall short of covering the long-term shortfall, and the settlement funds are a one-time fix that can’t sustain the county’s financial needs. This episode breaks down the math, the politics, and what it all means for the county’s future.

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“Just the Facts!”

Topic Sources:

https://www.stlpr.org/show/st-louis-on-the-air/2025-11-17/st-louis-county-council-chairwoman-days-sees-dire-budgetary-trajectory

https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/revenue/collector-of-revenue/collector-of-revenue-faqs/delinquent-property-tax-information/

https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/st-louis-county-executive-proposes-59m-from-rams-settlement-for-budget-shortfall/

https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/administration/fiscal-transparency/budgets/2025-recommended-budget1/