The City of Brentwood is facing a dilemma after receiving $7 million in tax money from St. Louis County, instead of the $1.2 million it was supposed to receive. This mistake has left Brentwood unsure of what to do with the extra funds. After realizing the error, the city promptly returned $5.7 million to the county, but is now left with a remaining $1.2 million and uncertainty over who it belongs to.
St. Louis County Councilman Mark Harder has expressed concern over the mishandling of the tax money, calling it a bad situation that needs to be resolved promptly. The issue arose due to a miscalculation in the distribution of the countywide 1% sales tax in 2022, prompting both the county and the city of Brentwood to work towards resolving the overpayment.
County officials have assured that they are working closely with the city of Brentwood to rectify the remaining overpayment. Both parties are ready and willing to resolve the issue and ensure the funds are allocated to the appropriate recipient, whether it be the city of Brentwood or St. Louis County. The urgency lies in ensuring that bills for essential services are paid, and that the tax money is allocated where it is supposed to go.