Sartell Council Green Lights Preliminary Budget, Water Treatment Plant Expansion

(KNSI) – The Sartell City Council approved a project at Monday’s meeting to expand its north water treatment plant to include a second 2,000-pound chlorine tank.

The building has been modified as much as possible, given its current size. It started with six 150-pound cylinders, and then it was reconfigured to house a single 2,000-pound tank. The city now wants the facility to be on par with the south water treatment plant as the north side continues to grow.

The new tanks will use liquid rather than gas. The building is located next to Oak Ridge Elementary and Sartell High School, so the safety improvement from the conversion was a driving factor in the decision. A request for bids will be put out, and the work should begin in early 2024. It is estimated to cost $245,000.

The council also approved the city’s 2024 preliminary budget. The total tax levy will rise 9.6% to just over $10.1 million, but the tax rate will remain flat. The city is capturing the growth, meaning a homeowner will only see a tax increase if their property values have gone up in the last year.

Sartell’s tax rate is at 41%. According to a graph presented by city staff at the meeting, it is roughly in line with Sauk Rapids and lower than St. Cloud, Waite Park, and other area cities. The vote on the final levy will occur on December 11th.

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