(KNSI) — St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis presented the preliminary 2023 budget to the City Council Monday night with an increase in spending of just over 4% – the majority of which will go toward public safety.
St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis proposes increasing the city’s budget to $82,216,300, an increase of 4.04%, or $3,196,200 more than 2022. The most significant budget increase is 6.11% for public safety for more cops and other upgrades.
“Six new police officers will be budgeted in this this budget. That will take our strength to 122.”
The increase will also cover the salary of another firefighter and the cost of new equipment such as a third pole camera and more security cameras.
He also proposed increasing downtown housing from 300 to 1000 units. He stated the way to get downtown to grow and drive business demand is to entice people to live there.
Kleis says the city’s tax rate will remain flat, and they will capture the city’s tax growth through increases in property values.
St. Cloud will hold a public hearing on the budget during the September 12th city council meeting.
___
KNSI News Director Jennifer Lewerenz contributed to this story.
___
Copyright 2022 Leighton Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!