Page threatens senior tax freeze program over St. Louis County budget

CLAYTON, Mo. -- The popular senior property tax freeze program in St. Louis County may face a setback due to a budget standoff between County Executive Sam Page and the County Council.

This dispute centers around the timing of the county council's approval of the new budget. County Executive Sam Page says the council needs to act by Tuesday to ensure the application process for the tax freeze program continues uninterrupted.

The program, which launched its application process in October, has seen thousands of applications. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Page sent a letter to council members last Thursday, warning them of potential consequences. He states that if the budget isn’t approved in time, a critical contract with a staffing agency handling applications could lapse. Without the contract, Page says the county would only be able to accept online applications for several months while they secure and train a new staffing provider.

But council members aren’t backing down. County Council Chair Shalonda Webb accuses Page of using scare tactics and adding unnecessary drama. She tells the Post-Dispatch that Page needs to "stop using the council as a punching bag" and quit alarming residents to push his agenda.

Typically, the council votes on the budget just before Christmas, but this year they are scheduled to meet on December 30, citing the need for more time to review changes requested by Page's office.

How this situation unfolds remains to be seen. Stay tuned for updates.