St. Cloud Gears Up for Approval: Greenlighting a Nearly $87.8 Million Budget

(KNSI) – St. Cloud is set to approve a nearly $87.8 million budget on Monday night.

It’s an almost 7% increase over 2023’s spending. The 2024 tax levy of $39.4 million is an increase of 12.24% or about $4.3 million over this year’s levy. City officials say that equates to $426 in spending per resident. According to the mayor’s office, that’s lower than the state average of $547.

The funds will mainly go toward staff raises following a recent compensation study. St. Cloud is also hiring another community service officer and deputy fire chief.

Officials say the tax rate will remain unchanged despite increasing spending next year. Mayor Dave Kleis says the city is “capturing the growth” in the tax base, meaning your property taxes should only increase if your property valuation goes up. Officials estimate the tax base will grow by about 10% next year.

Public safety is 51% of the budget. The city’s spending also includes a 30% increase for the park and recreation department. The money comes from last year’s voter-approved referendum to invest $20 million into neighborhood parks and trails over the next three years. Officials estimate the tax will cost an average homeowner $58 a year in property taxes over the next 20 years.

About 45% of the city’s funds come from property taxes, about 18% from local government aid approved by the Legislature, and the rest from other sources.

The city council and the public have been combing through the mayor’s proposals since it was first released in August. No residents spoke during the public hearing in September on the proposals.

The meeting gets underway at 6:00 p.m.

See the budget breakdown here.

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