Saint Louis County proposes online sales tax for 2026 ballot
SAINT LOUIS COUNTY, MO. – St. Louis County Executive Sam Page sent his proposed 2026 budget to the County Council. He is asking the County Council to place a proposed online sales tax on the April 2026 ballot. The tax is already paid at local retail businesses.
“If this online sales tax is approved by voters, it could produce $45-$75 million each year, creating much-needed revenue so Saint Louis County can continue to competitively pay our police officers, better invest in our roads, and improve our parks and recreation system,” said Page.
The total appropriation request, just over a million dollars, is an 8.4% decrease from the 2025 budget. Even with the decreased budget, the County faces a $60 million deficit.
The County Executive also proposes using part of the NFL settlement to shore up the 2026 budget while pursuing the online sales tax measure.
In addition to the revenue for Saint Louis County, the online sales tax could produce another $20-$40 million for municipalities while ensuring a level playing field for local businesses.
“This proposed budget coupled with the online sales tax measure aim at making sure we can keep delivering the services our residents deserve,” said Page.
The County Executive’s full budget proposal can be found on the County’s website.
