Show-Me State Times

Mayor Tishaura O. Jones has fulfilled her promise to end the City's hiring freeze on non-essential employees. This decision follows the adjournment of the Missouri General Assembly on Friday, May 17, which did not harm the City's ability to collect an earnings tax.

"I'm happy to lift the hiring freeze on non-essential employees today," said Mayor Jones. "The City of St. Louis is safer and healthier without the harmful interference of members of our state legislature who do not represent our City or its best interests. Our essential services and workers remain funded by our earnings tax."

In an effort to bolster the city's workforce, a new hiring website was launched last week by the City of St. Louis. The site, powered by innovative software, aims to streamline the application process and expedite hiring.

"We are thrilled to implement Taleo within our department," Sonya Gray, Director of Personnel, stated in a press release. "This system marks a significant advancement in our hiring practices, allowing us to better serve the City of St. Louis and its residents. The Talent Acquisition team has done an exceptional job, and their dedication is evident in the success of this launch."

Earlier this year, Mayor Jones had announced a hiring freeze on non-essential employees as a measure to safeguard the City from escalating legislative threats to crucial City funding. Mayor Jones and administration members actively opposed legislation such as HB 1516 that threatened to defund essential city services by reducing or eliminating the City's one percent earnings tax.

On April 6, 2021, 79% of City residents voted in favor of continuing the assessment of the earnings tax which funds vital services like SLMPD, fire departments, prosecution offices, refuse management and street maintenance among others.

The city continues its vigilance over ongoing earnings tax litigation and stands ready to implement any court-declared decision.