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Missouri Supreme Court upholds Prop B on St. Louis County ballots

ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Supreme Court has issued a ruling to allow Proposition B on St. Louis County ballots this spring. The decision upholds an April 2025 ballot measure that, if approved by voters, would grant the St. Louis County Council the authority to remove department heads with a 'super majority' vote, or approval from five of the county council's seven members. Legal battles around Prop B have pitted the council against County Executive Sam Page and various county department directors. Critics have argued the ballot language is misleading, inefficient and unfair. On Wednesday, the Missouri Supreme Court disagreed with a challenge from County Counselor Dana Redwing, issuing a ruling that allows Proposition B to remain on the April ballot and for votes to be counted. Developer picked to demolish Millennium Hotel, revamp site County council members say Proposition B is necessary to hold the county's executive branch accountable and ensure 'that no one branch of government holds unchecked power,' according to a news release from Council Chairwoman Rita Heard Days. She also pointed out that many municipal boards have similar authority to remove department heads. Executive Sam Page shared a statement in a previous FOX 2 story acknowledging that, while the measure will proceed, he feels the language is confusing and his administration is exploring legal options moving forward. According to a St. Louis County sample ballot, Proposition B currently reads: 'Shall Section 2.190.3 be added to and Sections 4.020 and 5.020 of the Charter of St. Louis County be amended to restore checks and balances, oversight, and accountability of the executive branch by authorizing removal of the St. Louis County Counselor or any Department Director by five of the seven Councilmembers as set forth in Exhibit A of Ordinance No. 29,241, on file with the St. Louis County Administrative Director and the St. Louis County Board of Election Commissioners? The cost of legal counsel authorized if this amendment passes has no fiscal impact on taxes.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.