‘Funky math and litigation’: Police union blasts St. Louis city lawsuit over SLMPD state control

The city of St. Louis filed a lawsuit Thursday to block a state law returning control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) to a state-appointed board.

The police department operated under a state board from the Civil War era until a 2012 ballot initiative handed control to the city. Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe signed legislation March 2025 reestablishing state governance over the police force. The law requires St. Louis to direct specific percentages of its general revenue to fund the department.

City officials claim the new Board of Police Commissioners is demanding an unconstitutional budget. The city’s petition argues the law forces taxpayers to write a “blank check” for a department local leaders don’t control. 

Mayor Cara Spencer said the city had to take action “to prevent a financial crisis.”

“This is a measure we do not take lightly. Regrettably, we are at an impasse in terms of what the law requires the City to provide, so we must ask the courts to intervene and provide that necessary clarity,” Spencer said. “While difficult, this is an essential step to prevent a financial crisis and bring legal certainty back to our City’s governance.”

The St. Louis Police Officers Association (SLPOA) strongly opposes the city’s lawsuit. SLPOA’s Joe Steiger said past political interference eroded morale and reduced staffing.

“It is difficult for the men and women of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to see their livelihoods reduced to numbers, ‘funky math’ and litigation,” Steiger said.

Steiger said officers are tired of the ongoing political disputes over their funding.

“The St. Louis Police Officers’ Association is disappointed Mayor Spencer has pursued court action rather than collaborative solutions, a move that doesn’t prioritize safety,” Steiger said. “State oversight has improved stability and retention.”

The state board adopted a $250 million budget estimate for fiscal year 2027 in February. Board President Chris Saracino said the request is essential to operate an effective department.

“Let me be clear: the Board stands by its $250 million budget request, which represents 18 percent of the City’s general revenue,” Saracino said in a statement. “We have fulfilled our responsibilities under Missouri law by identifying the resources necessary to operate a professional, effective and accountable police department.”

Saracino said the request reflects the real operational needs of the department, including staffing, facilities and infrastructure. 

“The reality is we are down several hundred officers compared to just a few years ago, and more than 200 officers are currently eligible for retirement,” Saracino said. “These are not future challenges, they are immediate.”

He acknowledged budget decisions impact the entire city but argued public safety is a foundational service that strengthens neighborhoods and supports economic growth. Despite the legal escalation, Saracino said the board will keep the door open for negotiations. 

“We remain ready and willing at all times to continue productive, solution-focused dialogue with the Mayor and her team as these important conversations move forward,” Saracino said.

City officials argue the $250 million figure leaves out mandatory retirement costs. They estimate the true cost to the city will reach $277.8 million. The law explicitly excludes pension and retirement costs from the minimum funding calculation, which leaves the city to cover those bills separately.

The city also complains the board believes the law entitles the department to allocation of $333.98 million based on the 24% revenue requirement for 2027.

No hearings have been announced yet in the case.