NAACP St. Louis urges city leaders to honor voter-approved MetroLink tax allocations or seek public consent for any changes.
St. Louis, Mo.—The NAACP St. Louis Branch has issued a strong call for transparency and accountability regarding the funds generated by the 2017 voter-approved sales tax increase, originally intended to expand the MetroLink light rail system. With the City of St. Louis now abandoning the MetroLink expansion project, concerns are mounting over the potential misuse of these funds for purposes not authorized by voters.
Under Missouri law, revenue from a voter-approved sales tax designated for a specific purpose—such as the MetroLink expansion—must be deposited into a special trust fund and used exclusively for the intended initiative. The abandonment of the project does not negate this legal obligation. Furthermore, the law mandates that records of fund usage be maintained and made accessible for public inspection, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent as voters intended.
The NAACP has raised alarms over any attempts to repurpose these funds for alternative uses, including other transit projects, without direct voter approval. Such actions, the organization warns, could violate state law and erode public trust. Missouri statutes provide mechanisms for residents to inspect, audit, and challenge any misallocation of these funds, reinforcing the importance of public oversight.
“The 2017 sales tax for MetroLink is protected by Missouri law, and any proposal to reallocate these funds without clear voter input and legal compliance risks violating state statutes,” said Adolphus M. Pruitt II, President of the St. Louis City NAACP. “City leaders must uphold the will of the voters and ensure that these funds are used strictly for their original purpose—or that any changes are made with full public consent.”
The NAACP emphasizes that the integrity of the democratic process is at stake. Diverting funds without voter approval not only undermines the law but also damages public confidence in local government. The organization is urging city leaders to prioritize transparency and accountability, ensuring that all decisions regarding the MetroLink sales tax revenue align with the will of the voters.
As the debate over the future of these funds continues, the NAACP St. Louis Branch remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the rights of voters and ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly and ethically.
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