KANSAS CITY - Commissioner Don Brown is touted in Governor Mike Kehoe's press release as a "lifelong St. Louis resident and experienced automotive executive, currently serving as the Dealer Operator of Don Brown Chevrolet." Don Brown Chevrolet is also the fleet provider for St. Louis City, most notably the City's Police Department, to the tune of millions of dollars.
According to public records on the St. Louis City website, the City spent $1,640,011.04 at Don Brown Chevrolet in FY 2025 with $1,325,482.78 of that being expensed by the Metropolitan Police Department. In FY 2024, the city spent $1,626,726.03 with $1,511,283.99 being expensed by the Police Department.
In a statement to KMOX, Commissioner Don Brown says “I am dedicated to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the brave men and women who serve the City of St. Louis. I accepted this appointment with a deep sense of responsibility and an understanding of the trust placed in this role."
Brown acknowledges the agreement is "part of a routine procurement process that has been transparent and consistent over the years." According to Brown, the police department’s agreement with the dealership has been in place for several decades.
Brown adds the company serves "numerous other police departments across the region, as well as various nonprofit and charitable organizations." He says he remains committed to "maintaining the integrity of the Board in my nonvoting role and ensuring all decisions are made in the best interest of the department and the community we serve.”
Don Brown Chevrolet is also the only Chevrolet dealership in the City borders.
Still, with millions of dollars being exchanged between the police department Brown is now tasked with overseeing and the dealership he owns, St. Louis City Budget Chair Alderman Rasheen Aldridge thinks Brown's appointment could create an improper relationship.
"Just to keep him safe and the city safe, I think it's best that he shouldn't be on the board," Aldridge tells KMOX.
Alderman Aldridge praised the dealership numerous times during our conversation.
"I want to first say I think Don Brown has been a great partner for the City of St. Louis," however when it comes to Brown sitting on the Board that governs the police department, "yeah, I do think there is a little bit of a conflict of interest."
Brown is the only non voting member on the board, but this provides little relief for Aldridge.
"Ultimately it will be up to [the other commissioners] how they vote. Aldridge say, adding "I do think he still has some sway of an opinion or some type of sway of power with [Brown] still being on this board."