St. Louis Metro approves $209 million budget

St. Louis Metro has approved a $209 million operating budget for fiscal year 2007, as part of a $590 million three-year capital plan.

However, Metro President Larry Salci said the agency will have a $28 million deficit in FY 2008 unless revenues are increased by either a quarter-cent or half-cent sales tax increase.

Funds in the new budget are provided for the operation of the eight-mile Cross County MetroLink light-rail extension, scheduled to open this fall.

The capital plan also provides funding for vehicle procurement, various rail projects and the improvement of infrastructure and rolling stock.