This week, residents of the 6th Ward received a letter from my office inviting them to the Ways & Means committee hearing on Wednesday, February 10th at 6:30pm at City Hall. This meeting is unprecedented as most meetings take place during the day. In an effort to make sure city residents are involved in the process of cutting $45million from the City budget, the public is requested to attend and let their voice be heard. Read below my open letter to the community.Dear Resident:

 As you may be aware, the City of St. Louis, like many other municipalities across the nation, is in the midst of a serious fiscal crisis.  We’ve fallen victim to the dual setbacks of reduced revenue and soaring pension and healthcare expenses.  Our local government must find a way to balance a budget with a projected 45 Million dollar shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year.

Recently, a decision was made to reduce our twice-weekly trash pickup to once per week.  This change in service was made without input from the Board of Aldermen or city residents.

Many of you have contacted my office to express alarm with the unusually large volume of trash, litter and debris in your alleys.  As your Alderman, I have collaborated with your Neighborhood Stabilization Officer and Problem Property Coordinator to provide additional trash bins where possible.

Please know that I recognize the imperative of balancing our City’s budget, but adamantly oppose cutting vital city services. It is imperative that the Board of Aldermen first work to cut any excess waste and inefficiency from the city budget, before eliminating city services residents expect and deserve.

This Wednesday, February 10th at 6:30 p.m., there will be an important legislative hearing of the Board’s Ways & Means Committee.  This meeting was convened at the request of Aldermen who wish to inform citizens of the City’s financial situation and make them aware of any additional budget cuts that will affect additional city services.  Such budget cuts that have been proposed include the discontinuation of city recreation centers, the removal of the city’s crime prevention fund, and the merging of various city departments.

Normally meetings are scheduled during daytime hours, but to accommodate city residents, the meeting has been moved to the evening.  I strongly encourage you to attend.

Tough decisions will have to be made within the upcoming months.  As your Alderman I want the residents of the 6th Ward to be aware and involved in this process. Your voice is important, and I hope you will attend the committee hearing on Wednesday, February 10th at 6:30pm in Room 208 of City Hall.

Your Alderman,

Kacie Starr Triplett