JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Mike Parson’s administration is preparing to launch a new feature on the state’s online payroll portal that could shine some light on how cities and counties are spending their tax dollars.
As part of a 2021 law sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tem , R-O’Fallon, the state has added a local government feature to its searchable database of state spending.
The site, called the , allows users to see state employee salaries, vendor payments and contract information, as well as information on how federal COVID-19 pandemic rescue funds are being distributed.
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For now, the local government database is empty as the state rolls out a “soft launch†to check how the site will work.
Chris Moreland, a spokesman for the Office of Administration, which oversees the site said a letter to local governments outlining the program has been drafted and is expected to be sent out by the end of the month.
Under the law, municipalities and counties can voluntarily participate in the database beginning Dec. 31.
But local governments could be required to participate if voters successfully approve a petition calling for officials to post the information.
“The database must include extensive information about a given municipality’s or county’s expenditures and the vendors to whom payments were made,†a summary of the law notes, “The database must be accessible by the public without charge and have multiple ways to search and filter the information.â€
In addition to being available on the state website, a link to the database on a municipal or county website is required.
The legislation also authorizes the state to reimburse local governments for the costs associated with complying with the law.
An earlier analysis of the legislation found that Columbia estimated it would cost $40,000 to collect and supply the information. O’Fallon estimated the cost at $3,000 to $5,000, as well as additional staff work to remove any confidential information from the records.
Wiemann, who is term limited and won’t be returning to the Legislature in 2023, pushed for the law during multiple legislative session, saying it will increase transparency in local government.
But Richard Sheets, executive director of the Missouri Municipal League, which advocates on behalf of cities, said he is doubtful there will be a high participation rate.
While the measure was being negotiated, Sheets said he heard some “grumbling†from city officials. Among the issues are whether a city’s payroll information will be compatible with the state’s format.
“That was our argument from the get-go,†Sheets said Friday.
Although larger cities may be able to get their information to the state, he said some smaller communities may have trouble due to budgetary constraints.
In the end, he predicted the database will be limited.
“I don’t think that many cities will participate,†Sheets said.