St. Louis Sheriff’s Office Faces $812K Budget Overrun Amid Audit Findings

The St. Louis Sheriff’s Office has reported a budget overrun of $812,666 for the fiscal year 2025, as revealed in a recent audit conducted by St. Louis City Comptroller Donna Baringer. The audit highlights significant financial mismanagement, including excessive spending on salaries, uniforms, and other operational expenses.

One of the primary contributors to the budget overage is linked to the restructuring of the sheriff’s office under Sheriff Alfred Montgomery. The audit indicates that $491,524 was paid to dismissed employees for accrued leave balances. Additional expenditures included $28,000 for uniforms and badges, $56,191 for a new vehicle, and $11,700 on golf carts.

The findings have raised concerns regarding the office’s financial practices. The audit identified a substantial overage of $747,525 in salaries for regular employees, accompanied by excessive spending on overtime, FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act), and office supplies.

Concerns Over Financial Management

According to a report by St. Louis Public Radio, the audit uncovered critical issues such as inadequate controls over expenditures, improper accounting procedures, and complications in payroll management. Additionally, the report noted a lack of segregation of duties in cash handling, which poses significant risks to the financial integrity of the sheriff’s office.

These financial issues are not entirely new and can be traced back to the administration of former Sheriff Vernon Betts. Many of the practices that led to the current budgetary concerns continued during Montgomery’s term, which began in January 2025. Despite facing federal criminal charges and being incarcerated, Montgomery had previously requested an audit from state Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick but later withdrew this request due to concerns regarding costs.

While the sheriff’s office has not provided immediate comments, it has acknowledged the comptroller’s findings. Plans to implement the recommended changes are expected by the next fiscal year in July 2026, according to KSDK.

Calls for Accountability and Transparency

Comptroller Baringer underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in public service. She stated, “The Sheriff’s Office audit reinforces the importance of transparency and accountability in every department that manages public funds.” This commitment to responsible management of city funds is critical, especially in light of the audit’s findings.

In response to the audit, the Missouri Attorney General is leveraging the findings to initiate a quo warranto petition aimed at removing Montgomery from office. The audit’s revelations about resource misuse and financial mismanagement serve as a key component of this legal effort.

Retired Judge David Mason, representing Montgomery in his ongoing legal battle with the Missouri Attorney General, attributed some of the financial strain to a significant amount of compensatory time that was previously approved by former Sheriff Betts.

As the St. Louis Sheriff’s Office confronts these challenges, the ongoing commitment to rectify financial practices will be crucial in restoring public trust and ensuring effective governance moving forward.