Habit #7 Use Available Resources

Why?

The health and vitality of any subdivision is supported by three key groups: trustees, residents, and St. Louis County government. While a lot of emphasis is placed on the association trustees as the leadership of the subdivision, the truth is their effective leadership requires the active participation of the other two groups. It is important for all three to be aware of what is going on around their neighborhood, to share information, and to ask questions and seek answers to the issues affecting the neighborhood.

St. Louis County government is an integral piece to the health of the neighborhood in a variety of ways. Every County Councilmember has a full-time aid to assist residents. A variety of inspectors are responsible for enforcing County Ordinances on zoning, building code, re-occupancy permits, and property maintenance, to name a few. Area Engineers for the Highway Department help coordinate road projects, including maintenance of subdivision streets and sidewalks. Neighborhood Policing Officers act as a link between residents and patrol officers on issues of neighborhood safety. And planning liaisons are assigned to areas of the county to assist trustees with the business of running a subdivision and linking residents with other county services. Each of these staff interacts with residents and trustees in various ways, and efforts are coordinated through an interdepartmental neighborhood services committee.

Trustees are often the vital link between the residents of the subdivision and the services offered by St. Louis County government. When residents don‘t know where to turn, they often turn to their trustees with questions. When trustees don‘t know the answer, or need assistance that is beyond their means, or the issue is one for County enforcement, they turn to a County representative. This three-way partnership is key, as it is impossible for any one person to know everything that is going on in their subdivision, and no one person will have all the answers. Knowing where to turn, what resources are available, can make all the difference in whether an issue is successfully resolved.

Key Points

St. Louis County Resources There are a variety of ways trustees and residents can find out about St. Louis County services, and which is the right personnel to address a particular issue.

 The first and most direct source is the St. Louis County website www.stlouiscountymo.gov where information on St. Louis County officials, department, staff, services and programs are available 24/7.

 The St. Louis County Customer Service Line (314) 615-5000 or 311 allows residents to call during business hours and speak with a live representative who will answer their questions or direct them to the appropriate staff.