ST. LOUIS – For nearly two decades, Cheryl Walker’s family has owned and rented out the middle unit of this row house in The Ville neighborhood.

“My tenant calls and says, ‘Mrs. Walker, it’s bad,” Walker said.

The May 16 tornado damaged but didn’t destroy Cheryl’s property. She said she spoke with her insurance company, filed a claim and planned on using the payout for repairs.

“But I have to let you know, you won’t get all of it. The city is going to take 25%. They told us we have to send it to them. And I said, ‘What?’ That’s not fair. That’s my money,” Walker explained.

Cheryl’s claims adjuster was referencing state statute and a complimentary city ordinance adopted in the 90s. 

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer explained its traditional use in a news conference this week.

“When an insurance company pays out to a property owner, the city holds 25% of that insurance payout in escrow. These laws have been very effective at essentially protecting the community from property owners who walk away from totaled properties, leaving the community to deal with the rubble,” Spencer said.

But when it comes to the way this ordinance would be applied to storm-related insurance claims, Spencer acknowledges that homeowners with property damage could be further victimized by not being able to receive the full amount they’re paid out.

Governor Kehoe’s Office and the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance shared a joint statement with FOX 2 regarding the matter:

“Director Nelson has advised the City of St. Louis to consider waiving the holdback on all owner-occupied residential property and keep it in place for rentals and commercial properties. If the City chooses to do so, DCI will work with insurance companies to ensure that these funds are available to residents working to recover and rebuild.”

While it’s still unclear exactly how the city of St. Louis will handle it, Walker believes there’s a simple answer.

“My city, which takes my taxes on all the properties I’ve owned because I’ve decided to live, work, play, build the city of St. Louis. And you’re the one hurting me,” Walker said. “You’re the one hurting me. Give it to me. It’s mine. You can waive it. It’s a disaster. I’m your constituent. How about that?”