(KNSI) — The St. Cloud City Council will get its first look at the proposed 2026 enterprise funds budget Monday night, and it includes several fee increases.
The budget was initially released by Mayor Jake Anderson on November 3rd, but it contained only budget figures without detailed explanations. Tonight, the council will hear from Anderson about what he proposed and why.
It includes nine fee-based services that are not covered by property taxes. They are made up of water, sewer, storm water runoff, the hydroelectric dam, street lights, parking, garbage/recycling service, the Municipal Athletic Complex, and River’s Edge Convention Center.
According to the city council agenda, there are no significant operational changes or services, but it does include fee increases.
The monthly water service fee could go up by $.50, from $8.50 to $9.00. The cost for water usage will also go up. For the first 400 cubic feet, the cost increases by $1.00 to a total of $4.00 per 100 cubic feet. For the next 400 cubic feet, the cost will increase by $0.25 to a total of $4.25 per 100 cubic feet. Anything used above that will cost $0.25 more, or $4.75 per 100 cubic feet.
Hourly parking on city lots will increase by $0.50 to $1.50 per hour. However, the city administration is requesting that parking be free on nights and weekends. Parking permits for lots and ramps will go up by 10%.
Starting next year, the monthly trash cart service is proposed to go up by $1.00, 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.
Property taxpayers are also looking at a possible 4.5% increase next year. This is 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.
A public hearing and vote by the city council on the enterprise budget will take place in December.
The meeting is set for 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
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