St. Cloud’s 2026 Budget Proposal Includes Higher Fees for Water, Trash, and Parking

(KNSI) – St. Cloud residents could pay more for water, garbage pick up and downtown parking in its proposed 2026 enterprise funds budget.

The $67.5 million budget includes no significant operational changes or shifts in services, but does include fee increases.

St. Cloud residents’ monthly water bill will go up by $.50, from $8.50 to $9.00, just for having service. The cost of the water you actually use will also increase. For the first 400 cubic feet, the rate goes up $1.00. For the next 400 cubic feet, it increases $0.25 to $4.25. Anything you use above that will cost 25 cents more, bringing the price to $4.75 per 100 cubic feet.

Hourly parking on surface lots will increase by $0.50 to $1.50 per hour. However, there’s good news, parking will be free on nights and weekends in those lots. Parking permits for both lots and ramps will go up by 10%.

Monthly trash cart service will cost $1.00 more in 2026, followed by another $1.00 increase in 2027. Compost permits are also going up. Residents will pay $10 more, going from $30 to $40, while non-residents will see their fee double from $40 to $80. Special pickups will cost $5 more per cubic yard, increasing from $20 to $25, and mattress pickup fees will go up $5 per set.

The city is also looking to add an energy services manager who will work on both wastewater treatment and hydroelectric operations, with the position split between those two departments.

Mayor Jake Anderson will present the numbers at the council’s next meeting on November 17th. The enterprise budget includes nine fee-based services that are not covered by property taxes. They are made up of water, sewer, stormwater runoff, the hydroelectric dam, street lights, parking, garbage/recycling service, the Municipal Athletic Complex and River’s Edge Convention Center.

St. Cloud is also facing a proposed 4.5% property tax increase for 2026, driven by a new budget philosophy and the need to address long-term funding gaps, a backlog of infrastructure needs, and rising costs. This marks the first property tax rate increase in about 20 years. The increase is separate from a voter-approved referendum for a new fire station that is also increasing property taxes for residents.

The budget will be finalized in December.

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