(KNSI) – The St. Cloud City Council will discuss asking the state for permission to enact a sales tax to help fund an outdoor waterpark at the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA.
According to Monday’s city council agenda, the board will debate asking the Minnesota Legislature for a quarter of a cent sales tax for three years to generate roughly $7 million for the project, the amount needed to start construction.
The city says YMCA representatives have reached out to them for the last couple of years, asking for assistance with the construction of the waterpark. The YMCA has received around $11.8 million in pledges for the project, but it is estimated that an additional $7 million is needed based on the latest construction estimates.
Developers say they envision a facility with multiple water slides, a lazy river and a zero-depth entry pool designed for all ages and abilities. The facility will also include an entertainment area, shaded lounge spaces, concessions and supporting amenities to enhance comfort, extend length of stay and make the park a destination for St. Cloud and the surrounding region.
This proposal would be a St. Cloud-only sales tax and would not include the other five area cities that are included in the already established St. Cloud Area sales and use tax. If the city adopts the resolution, it does not obligate the city to impose a sales tax or proceed with the project.
The council’s conversation is only step one in a six-step process for the idea to become a reality. If they pass the resolution, the next step would be to submit it to the Minnesota House and Senate Tax Committees. The city would then need to get legislative approval, adopt a resolution accepting the new law, conduct a voter referendum, and get the residents’ approval. If that happens, the council could pass an ordinance imposing the tax.
If the stars align, the question could be on the November ballot in St. Cloud. The meeting gets underway at 6:00 p.m. inside city hall.
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