The budget simulator tool is an online tool launched by St. Louis County last month, and allows community members to decide how to increase revenue and decrease spending to balance the county’s budget based on their own personal values.

Access the budget simulator tool at stlcounty.abalancingact.com/st-louis-county.

To increase revenue, there are options to increase the annual property tax and sales taxes, add an online sales tax and increase the price of licenses and permits, rents and concessions and charges for service. Using the Rams settlement money is also an option.

To decrease spending, community members can choose how much money is put into each department: Economic Development and Infrastructure, Health and Well-Being, Public Safety, Recreation and Culture, General Government, and One-Time Projects in 2023.

According to the county’s website, this simulation is limited to the county’s general funds – these are the main operating funds of St. Louis County Government and they support more than 94% of the county’s employees and most of its functions. Additionally, the spending amounts included reflect estimated 2023 expenditures as of March 31, and are lower than the amounts appropriated by the County Council. The county’s 2023 budget has a more than $43 million deficit.