JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – When St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura Jones visits Jefferson City today, she will discuss the city’s priorities.
Mayor Jones has a list of multiple issues to take up when she meets Tuesday with state lawmakers. That list covers issues ranging from public safety to a levee. One key issue that Mayor Jones will be talking about is retaining local control of the city police department.
The city has had local control since 2012 but for many years before that, the state oversaw the city police force. Republican Senator Nick Schroer from St. Charles has filed a bill that would create a board of police commissioners. That board would include the St. Louis mayor and four citizens appointed by the governor.
At a recent hearing, city police chief Robert Tracy testified against the bill. Others, including the head of the St. Louis Police Officers Association, spoke in favor of it.
Mayor Jones will also talk with lawmakers about preserving the city’s earnings tax. That tax constitutes nearly a third of the city’s general revenue. City officials say it helps to maintain critical services, including police and fire, street maintenance and upgrades, parks, the courts, and the circuit attorney’s office.
We’re told the mayor will also discuss state funding to support the construction of the public safety answering point with childcare services for 911 operators and the reconstruction of an important Mississippi River levee. It’s understood that investments in violence prevention and reduction will be on the table as well.
FOX 2 will update these stories with more information as it becomes available.
