CLAYTON   •   The final piece in the bid to unite two segments of the regional economic development picture came together Tuesday night when the St. Louis County Council signed off on a measure to combine the county's economic arm with that of St. Louis City.
The St. Louis Board of Alderman last Friday approved the alliance of the St. Louis County Economic Council and the St. Louis Development Corp.
Tuesday's vote was 5-2, with Republican council members Greg Quinn and Colleen Wasinger dissenting.
"This is a solution in search of a problem," said Quinn, contending there is little evidence of competition between the county and city when it comes to attracting new businesses to the area. Â Â
County Executive Charlie Dooley and Councilman Michael O'Mara, both Democrats, dismissed critics who expressed concern the partnership is the first step toward a total city-county merger.
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“There cannot be a city-county merger without a vote,†Dooley pointed out. “It's the only way it can happen.â€
O'Mara promised opponents the council will provide annual oversight over the ten-year term of the joint venture.
Dooley said after the meeting that regional economic development won't be complete until St. Charles County joins forces with St. Louis City and County.
"At some point down the road this will have to be addressed," the county executive said. Â Â
Operating as the St. Louis Economic Partnership, the new agency will begin operations July 1.
St. Louis County Economic Council Chairman Denny Coleman will serve in a similar capacity with the new agency; his city counterpart, Rodney Crim, will hold the post of president.
The city will continue independent oversight of selected real estate development operations while key projects in unincorporated areas of St. Louis County will fall under county jurisdiction.
Hazelwood, Chesterfield and Clayton — communities that support independent economic authorities — are not part of the agreement.
A total of 10 city economic development employees will re-locate from the city to the combined agency's headquarters in Clayton.