City services in smaller cities (Richmond Heights, Maplewood: condo, subdivision, maintenance)

[momgag]

I have a question about the smaller cities in St Louis county, such as Normandy, Vinita Park, Hanley Hills, etc. What services are provided by the cities and which by the county, eg, water, library, etc? (I ask because I learned the hard way when I moved to a small city at the edge of Fort Worth TX and found I had no library and no public transportation, but what I do have is high water rates and a terrible police department.)

[wustu87]

From my experience in mid-county, I know smaller cities like Brentwood , Richmond Heights and Maplewood provide: a library, a community/recreation center, parks (with many activities where residents get discounts), garbage/recycling service, police/fire service, city newsletters, citywide events. You still must pay sewer (MSD) and water yourself (except for some condo complexes where it may be paid in your monthly fees). Your street maintenance depends on whether it is a private street or not and your particular subdivision. Most residents love our police service, but many speeders driving through our cities do not think so kindly of them (especially Rock Hill!) You definitely learn not to speed and to come to complete stops at stop signs!

[aragx6]

You'll find it depends entirely on the particular municipality -- from what I've seen, it varies a great deal.