(KNSI) – St. Cloud proposes a minor change to its proposed 2023 enterprise funds budget.
The $51,835,000 fund covers nine departments that are paid for by user fees. This includes utilities such as water, wastewater, hydroelectric, stormwater runoff, street lighting, parking, garbage service, the Municipal Athletic Complex and the River’s Edge Convention Center.
The only change will be adding a water trunk area charge for new construction. Mayor Dave Kleis says the city had avoided having the fee until now. “We didn’t do this in the past because it wasn’t necessary. But now it’s necessary because, if we don’t, your water and sewer in the future are you’re going to see increases well over 20 percent.”
Kleis says the fee makes those putting extra strain on the systems buy into it, which helps maintain the water utility. “But where is most of that growth in the system? In those new areas that will be developed and that’s part of the need. So doing nothing and just allowing it will raise the rates for everyone, including the folks in the new construction.”
All other area cities charge the fee. The mayor says St. Cloud’s fees will be the lowest in the region. The public will have a chance to give its two cents before it gets final approval at a hearing on December 19th.
To see the breakdown, click here.
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