The Ferguson Observer

In an update on the changing story of Adrian Shropshire's eligibility as a mayoral candidate, the Observer has been told by the Saint Louis County Board of Elections that Shropshire's disqualification was removed. However, public information sources have indicated that Shropshire has fraudulently paid taxes for multiple years and has driven an unregistered vehicle. At this time, we have no response from the Missouri Department of Revenue regarding these concerns.

Shropshire Failed to Register Car or Pay Taxes for Years - Ferguson Observer Mayoral candidate Adrian Shropshire claimed today in a Facebook post that the state rescinded their investigation on delinquent taxes. Shropshire paid a personal property tax bill yesterday after being notified […]

UPDATE: Shropshire has disputed the state’s findings. The Observer also has new information regarding Shropshire’s car registration and tax obligations that will be shared soon. Please watch for a new post.

The Saint Louis County Board of Elections has determined that Mayoral candidate Adrian Shropshire is disqualified for not being in compliance with state law requiring that candidates not be delinquent in paying their taxes. Shropshire had been given 30 days to resolve the delinquency, but an investigation by the State Department of Revenue found that he had failed to correct the delinquency.

Shropshire Disqualified as Mayoral Candidate - Ferguson Observer Eric Fey, the Director of Elections for the Saint Louis County Election Board confirmed today that the Election Board has received notice from the Missouri Department of Revenue that Adrian […]

The City of Ferguson has been requested to provide various financial statements, including funding for the Economic Development Sales Tax Fund (EDST) and the Ferguson Neighborhood Improvement Program (FNIP), a log of Sunshine requests and their completion, and open and closed session minutes of the City Council meetings. This initial review focuses on April 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025 and seeks to determine whether funds have lower balances than reported in the city budget, if departments have overspent, if transfers between funds are improper, if reconciliation procedures are completed, and if Sunshine requests are being responded to as required by law. Documentation has been requested to be submitted to the state no later than Thursday, December 17, 2025.

Should the Missouri State Auditor’s Office find reason to go beyond this initial review to perform a full audit, the city will not be required to pay for the audit. This resolves a longstanding concern in previous considerations for petitioning or requesting a state audit. See the full letter to Mayor Ella Jones below.

Ferguson Under State Auditor's Scrutiny - Ferguson Observer The City of Ferguson has been requested to provide various financial statements, including funding for the Economic Development Sales Tax Fund (EDST) and the Ferguson Neighborhood Improvement Program (FNIP), a […]

It’s back! Did you miss the council meeting Tuesday? Or just want to skim through text instead of watching a long meeting? Check out the summary of Tuesday’s Council meeting here! Learn about the occupancy permit proposed change, as well as the proposal for short term rentals, removing the pit bull ban, and more!

City Council Meeting Summary for 1/14/25 - Ferguson Observer The Ferguson City Council met Tuesday January 14, 2025, in the newly renovated council chambers. Those who have suffered through poor audio on the Zoom livestreams will be happy to […]

The 2024 Ferguson Voter's Guide to Campaign Finance and Ethics is now available. Check out how each candidate has funded their campaign, managed spending, and whether or not they have all followed state campaign finance laws (spoiler alert: one candidate, Blake Ashby, has failed to follow legal requirements in reporting.)

The 2024 Ferguson Voters’ Guide to Campaign Finances and Ethics - Ferguson Observer This past week, the 8 Days Before Election report was due for candidates in the upcoming Council election. This report, along with previous filings, provides great insight into each candidate […]

The City Council Election is drawing closer and the Observer reached out to the candidates to share a letter of personal endorsement from a friend or neighbor. We've gathered those we have received to share with voters. Take a look at the personal insights shared on the candidates (as well as one current council member's personal explanation on why she does not support the return of one candidate to the council).

City Council Personal Endorsements - Ferguson Observer As we’ve done once before in 2022, the Ferguson Observer contacted each of the City Council candidates for the April 2, 2024 election to participate to ask a friend, colleague […]

Holy Week activities at the Ferguson Church of the Nazarene.

The City Council previously amended the ordinance requiring Boards and Commission members to pay taxes to ensure there was a review process for the requirement. But some people appear to remain seated without complying with this ordinance.

To pay, or not to pay taxes in Ferguson? - Ferguson Observer Last year, the city council passed an amendment to the ordinance which already required boards and commission members to pay personal and property taxes but lacked a process to have […]

We asked all of the council candidates to respond to questions from residents. We received responses from the five challengers, but had no response from two current council members while a third responded she was advised not to answer.

Read the questions and responses here.

Q&A with the Council Candidates - Ferguson Observer The Ferguson Municipal Election is scheduled for April 2, 2024 and each of Ferguson’s three wards will hold an election for the selection of one council member for each ward. […]

In case you missed it, recap of last night's city council meeting is available now.

Council Recap - February 13, 2024 - Ferguson Observer Last night’s council meeting was yet another display of dysfunction, from beginning to end. First, the public comment section was an organized effort at attacking councilor Palmer. Speaker after speaker […]

Yesterday was the 50th anniversary of Metro bus driver Bruce Williams. The Ferguson Observer was there for the celebration, and honors his service today.

Ticket to Ride - Ferguson Observer The average job tenure today is a little over four years. Typically, people have at least three careers during their working life. That makes it all the more incredible that […]

Political corruption is nothing new in north county. And a lot of it comes from one place, a political organization founded by a now disbarred lawyer, which has its tentacles in a surprising number of places. If you vote, you need to be aware of this, as it affects our politics at every level. We provide some background, and illuminate the connections to Ferguson, today in The Ferguson Observer.

Corruption Edges Toward Ferguson - Ferguson Observer Earlier this week, the Post-Dispatch reported that the Missouri Ethics Commission fined former county council rep Rochelle Walton and the Walton’s political organization, Unified Democratic Township Organization, for violations of […]