Bellefontaine Neighbors city staff walk out, demand reforms
City employees of Bellefontaine Neighbors walked out Friday, leaving a message of support for Mayor Dinah Tatman and calling for urgent reforms on the doors of city hall.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - City employees of Bellefontaine Neighbors walked out Friday, leaving a message of support for Mayor Dinah Tatman and calling for urgent reforms on the doors of city hall.
City staff have voiced frustration with the Board of Aldermen, claiming a lack of progress on raises and essential resources.
Although the Board of Aldermen meeting was cancelled due to a lack of sufficient board members present, citizens still showed up with plenty to say.
Board President James Thomas apologized to the residents and city employees. He also addressed the walkout, assuring employees that the board is committed to being “good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
"The board of aldermen would like to apologize to the staff and the city and to inform them that the board's job is to legislate," he said.
Alderwoman Alicia Smith (Ward 4) is questioning the accuracy of financial reports, requesting a state and federal audit.
"Usually, you'll go through a budget page by page, line by line. We have never done that. We did begin to have conversations with our previous treasurer, but we never finished the entire budget," Smith said.
City employees argue the board is aware of raises not being given to employees and resource shortages.
"You're hurting the city. You're hurting the citizens, and you need to do what you were elected to do," resident Barbara West said.
The walkout also highlighted concerns over a drop in public safety personnel. Police staffing, which once included 32 officers, now has only 16 patrolling a city of 11,000 residents, which many say compromises public safety. In an emotional moment, one employee remarked, "Why is the meeting about salt when we lack the staff to spread it?"
Tension filled the council chambers at city hall as residents and city employees voiced their anger for working two years without raises and a stalled budget.
"If you don't want to pass the budget, resign because you are hurting us. Resign," Public Safety Chairman Bryant Nelson said.
Thomas announced they will address the issue in a closed meeting set for Oct. 30.
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