By KWMU/AP
SAINT LOUIS, MO – St. Louis County Councilwoman Colleen Wasinger says she plans to scrutinize next year's proposed county budget to find ways to save enough money to avoid a tax increase.
St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley has proposed a county budget of $505 million for next year. It includes a property tax increase of 2 cents for each $100 assessed valuation.
Dooley estimates that will raise slightly more than $4 million.
The budget calls for hiring 25 additional police officers, 10 additional staff members at the county jail and 22 new full-time and five new part-time employees at the health department.
The council will hold a public hearing on the budget on Tuesday.
Wasinger did not offer any specifics on how she plans to avoid the tax increase.