Sauk Rapids Approves 2025 Budget, Updates Fee Schedule

(KNSI) – Sauk Rapids passed its 2025 budget Monday night, approving a 7.3% increase in spending for its general fund.

The new budget is just shy of $9 million, compared to under $6.25 million only five years ago. Finance Director Jack Kahlhamer told the council that inflation related to the COVID-19 pandemic has begun to come down, but the 2025 budget is still being influenced by almost $450,000 in spending for building, equipment, and street capital improvements, along with two new hires. One of those is in the police department, while the other is in parks.

Prior to passing the budget, the council held a public Truth in Taxation hearing. No one spoke, either for or against. Sauk Rapids’ new levy amounts to roughly $464 per person, which is still pretty favorable when compared with other cities in the area.

A separate public hearing was held for changes to the fee schedule. While most of those will be on the rise, staff brought down the rental cost for “The Lookout” Building at Riverside Terrace. It is the smaller space that sits next to the splash pad. The hope is to improve rental rates with the decision. If lower fees don’t work, then staff says it will have to change its marketing. The building is meant to host office meetings and birthday parties.

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