The St. Louis County Council has approved its 2026 budget, cutting $48 million from County Executive Sam Page’s original proposal—without reducing services or eliminating jobs. The vote wasn’t unanimous, however, as the budget passed 6-1. In this episode, Ben breaks down how the budget came together, what was cut, and why one council member voted no.

Plus, County Executive Sam Page announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, and the Webster Groves City Council delayed its decision on whether to place a proposed sales tax increase—potentially raising the rate to nearly 10%—on April’s ballot until January.

LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL!

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“Just the Facts!”

Topic Sources:

https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/st-louis-county-council-passes-2026-budget-backlash-from-county-executive-remains/63-a9c6219d-6ee7-4bab-ad87-1bc365c9981b

https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2025-12-16/page-warns-of-unintended-consequences-as-st-louis-county-adopts-2026-budget-with-48m-in-cuts

https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/st-louis-county-council-proposes-budget-cuts-chipping-away-at-81-million-dollar-deficit/63-11577ff5-7148-4c99-8a78-e0f5b754b47f

https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-government/county-council/

https://stlouisco.civicweb.net/Portal/VotingRecords.aspx?memberId=31&meetingTypeId=10&attendance=1

https://stlouisco.civicweb.net/Portal/VotingRecords.aspx?memberId=31&meetingTypeId=10&voting=1

On this episode, Ben talks about St. Louis County’s budget issue that is heating up and the work the council is doing to pull the county back from the bankruptcy cliff, fiscal topics coming up in the City of St. Louis and its failed Green Line project, and more tax increases being proposed in Webster Groves to cover the city’s massive budget deficit.

LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL!

Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow

Following the show on X @benbroghammer

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms

“Just the Facts!”

Topic Sources:

https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/st-louis-county-new-logo-launch-opportunity-central-marketing-campaign/63-6feb82e5-b278-4e6a-8783-71ce4cde36ae

https://www.stlpr.org/news-briefs/2025-12-12/st-louis-aldermen-pass-earnings-tax-vote-election-bills

https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/budget/documents/upload/Earnings-Tax-Presentation-to-Budget-Committee-11-19-25.pdf

https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/webster-groves-eyes-two-new-sales-tax-increases/

https://webstergrovesmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13565/FY26-ADOPTED-BUDGET?bidId=

https://www.stlpr.org/economy-business/2025-09-24/st-louis-cancels-north-south-metrolink-expansion-project

https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/96m-transit-tax-sparks-showdown-at-st-louis-city-hall/63-a2ec467e-f768-4bae-9627-44c8183a7657

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.

LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL!

Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow

Following the show on X @benbroghammer

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms

“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/