By Kevin Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – As a group of St. Louisans studies ways to make its city government more efficient, Missouri Congressman William Lacy Clay is asking the group to consider the idea of St. Louis city rejoining St. Louis County.
The City of St. Louis split from St. Louis County in 1876, but the city retained many of the same functions performed in each Missouri county.
Clay says reentry back into the county might end duplicated services that would improve the quality of life and save money.
"Certainly sharing the responsibilities of the health department; sharing the responsibilities of roads and bridges the court systems and jail systems would save tax dollars," Clay said Saturday.
The so-called Stakeholders Assembly is considering amendments to the St. Louis city charter. The group hopes to put a package of recommendations before city voters in November.