Marina
St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery is pushing back against a newly approved ordinance that redefines his official responsibilities and tightens financial oversight of his office.
Known as Board Bill 33, the measure was recently passed by the Board of Aldermen and signed by Mayor Cara Spencer, prompting Montgomery to file for a temporary restraining order in court to block it from taking effect. A key hearing is scheduled this week at the Carnahan Courthouse.
What Board Bill 33 Changes
The ordinance introduces new rules aimed at strengthening oversight of the sheriff’s office:
- Monthly spending reports must be provided to the Public Safety and Budget Committees.
- Written requisitions for all necessary expenses must be submitted to the city comptroller.
- The sheriff’s office is explicitly responsible for transporting detainees from jail to hospitals for medical or psychiatric care.
- Confirmation of traditional roles such as protecting the 22nd Judicial Circuit, serving summons and legal processes, and issuing concealed carry permits.
Supporters of the measure argue it brings clarity and accountability, while opponents say it restricts the independence of the sheriff’s office.
Legal Backdrop and Challenges
The ordinance battle comes as Sheriff Montgomery is already facing significant legal pressure. He is under a federal indictment and is the subject of a quo warranto petition by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, seeking to remove him from office.
Allegations include financial mismanagement, misuse of deputies for personal errands, and questionable decision-making practices.
Montgomery insists the new ordinance is an overreach, claiming only the state has authority to prescribe the sheriff’s core duties. He argues that the law could compromise court operations and weaken the independence of his elected office.
Why the Oversight Is Being Imposed
City leaders say the changes are necessary for several reasons:
- Court Security: Ensuring deputies consistently provide security and transport for detainees.
- Transparency: Requiring spending reports and financial documentation to protect taxpayers.
- Operational Efficiency: Reducing ambiguity over the sheriff’s responsibilities and ensuring compliance with established public safety standards.
According to proponents, the ordinance is not meant to strip power but to ensure the sheriff’s office is functioning with accountability.
At a Glance: The Dispute
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Ordinance | Board Bill 33 redefining sheriff’s duties and oversight |
| Approved By | Board of Aldermen and Mayor Cara Spencer |
| New Requirements | Monthly reports, written expense approvals, detainee transport duty |
| Sheriff’s Response | Filed lawsuit seeking TRO and injunction |
| Related Cases | Federal indictment and Attorney General petition for removal |
| Next Step | Court hearing at Carnahan Courthouse |
What’s at Stake for St. Louis
The conflict has far-reaching implications:
- Courts and Judicial Safety: Clearer duties could strengthen courtroom security and ensure detainee medical needs are met.
- Taxpayer Oversight: Monthly financial reporting is designed to safeguard city resources and reduce misuse of funds.
- Separation of Powers: The lawsuit raises the question of how much control a city can legally exert over an independently elected law enforcement official.
- Public Confidence: The case may influence public trust in how local government and law enforcement cooperate.
Timeline of Events
- Summer 2025: Debate over Board Bill 33 intensifies in committee.
- August 2025: Federal indictment of Sheriff Montgomery announced.
- September 2025: Board Bill 33 passed and signed by the mayor.
- Immediately after: Sheriff files for restraining order against implementation.
- This Week: Court hearing scheduled to determine whether the ordinance will be blocked.
The clash between Sheriff Alfred Montgomery and City Hall is more than a legal dispute—it is a test of how far local government authority extends over an elected law enforcement office.
While city leaders say Board Bill 33 ensures accountability and transparency, Montgomery argues it undermines the independence and safety of the courts. With a court decision looming, the outcome will shape the balance of power and oversight in St. Louis for years to come.