The plot has yet again thickened around the St. Louis county executive’s salary increase. Following the council’s approval of the $55,000 annual increase on Feb. 17, County Executive Sam Page vetoed the bill on Feb. 25. 

It should be noted that Page was absent from the County Council’s weekly meeting the previous day.

According to a press release from the County, Page vetoed the bill, along with a bill that would have raised the county assessor’s salary from $95,000 to $150,000, because they are “in violation of the county charter and are invalid.” The county charter states that any council-approved salary change for these two elected offices must be made at least 10 months prior to the general election. The council approved the assessor raise on Feb. 10 and the county executive raise on Feb. 17. This year’s election will be held on Nov. 3.

Both Page and County Assessor Jake Zimmerman will not seek reelection for their current roles, though Zimmerman has announced his candidacy for the county executive seat. State Sen. Brian Williams (D-University City) and District 3 Councilman Dennis Hancock (R-Fenton) have also entered the county executive contest.

This is a developing story. Information will be disseminated as soon as it is received.