The City of St. Louis reported an $18.7 million budget surplus for 2025, announced by Comptroller Donna M.C. Baringer on Wednesday. According to the City of St. Louis’ website, the surplus resulted from general revenues exceeding projections by $3.8 million and expenditures coming in $14.9 million below budget.
Revenue grew 0.8% compared to the previous fiscal year, driven by higher interest earnings and delayed one-time revenues, which offset weaker sales and property tax revenues. Expenditures were lower than budgeted across several departments, even with mid-year pay adjustments, legal expenses, and tornado response costs.
The city’s General Fund reserve now totals $162.9 million, or 26.8% of the upcoming fiscal year’s operating budget, exceeding the 16.7% minimum recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association. Half of the surplus, about $9.36 million, will go to the City’s Capital Fund for infrastructure and capital improvements. The remaining funds will increase the unrestricted portion of the General Fund reserve.
