ST. LOUIS – The City of St. Louis is pushing for pay raises for most city employees. This comes just a week after approving a 7% increase for police and firefighters.
According to our reporting partners at the St. Louis Post Dispatch, the mayor’s office says the 3% salary raise for other city employees is aimed at retaining workers and filling vacancies.
The city’s Civil Service Commission approved the plan on Tuesday. Mayor Tishaura Jones is reportedly looking to implement the raises as soon as possible, potentially within the coming weeks. This decision comes just months after city leaders opted not to include across-the-board raises from this year’s budget, citing concerns over lost tax revenue.
As of December 31, the city has refunded nearly $43 million to remote workers who were taxed while working outside St. Louis, a total more than double what budget analysts initially projected. The city is now facing questions about how it will cover the estimated $16 million annual cost of these new raises.
Despite the financial strain, Mayor Jones’ spokesperson, Conner Kerrigan, says the move is about thanking employees and making city jobs more appealing amid ongoing staffing shortages.
Some critics say the timing of this decision is no coincidence as St. Louis voters prepare for an upcoming election. The mayoral primary is set for March 4, with the top two candidates advancing to the general election on April 8. Incumbent Mayor Jones is facing challenges from Alderwoman Cara Spencer, Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler, and Businessman Andrew Jones.
The plan still needs approval from the Board of Aldermen. For now, the financial impact remains unclear, but city leaders insist they do not expect cost overruns despite the ongoing budget concerns.