Come on Now! City Halls That Look Like A Palace?

Has anyone been to the city halls in Maryland Heights, Bridgeton, , or seen the Berkeley one that is being built? They are rambling estates.

I have to tell you that I really like all that St. Peters has to offer and in defense of our fine city; most of St. Peters' government building construction was done pre-recession.  However, how do all of these cities justify the money that must be spent on these governmental palaces? 

Am I callous, cynical, unreasonable or what when I say that it bothers me a bit to see our government officials agree to build these governmental palaces.  What does it really do for "we the people?" Does a bigger, badder building for oualderpersons make sure that better laws/ordinances get enacted?

I am really looking for a little help here. I mean, the recreational services like pools, parks, work-out gyms and the like are undoubtedly benefits to the residents of these cities; but, again, do the ACTUAL city halls need to be Romanesque?