JEFFERSON CITY, MO. (KMOX) -  The Governor’s plan to help St. Louis County keep some two dozen parks in operation is running into resistance in Jefferson City.

“I don’t know where the Governor is going to get extra money for a line item that we currently don’t have in our budget,” said State Senator Jim Lembke.

Lembke, from St. Louis County, says Governor Nixon spoke out of turn when he said he would discuss state help with County Executive Charlie Dooley.

“We can’t start making new promises for responsibilities that are not the responsibility of the state,” Lembke added.  “You have to find efficiencies elsewhere and make cuts in other places in the budget so you can fund your parks.”

Concerning Gov. Nixon, Lembke added, “He can’t unilaterally go around the appropriations process and promise funds that he does not have the ability to appropriate.”

Nixon and Dooley are said to be discussing a state-county joint management agreement.

Lembke says the state is anticipating a $500 million shortfall.

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