The initiative, if passed by Missouri voters, would combine under one metro city the police departments, court systems, roadways, regional planning and zoning, and economic development arms of the city, county and the 88 county municipalities. County municipalities would become new political subdivisions, called “municipal districts,” with power over some services, such as parks and trash collection, but with otherwise severely restricted authority.

On Friday, Better Together sent a letter to the secretary of state’s office withdrawing its petition from consideration, but resubmitted it late Monday. The new amendment included dozens of changes, many of just one word or two. Attorney Chris Pieper said the additions were an effort to prevent debate and lawsuits after the amendment’s passage, but didn’t change the substance of the proposal.

“They’re trying to get it right,” Pieper said of Better Together. “These are changes intended to prevent arguments 20 years from now.”