City Council Votes on 2026 Budget Monday Night

(KNSI) — The St. Cloud City Council will vote on next year’s property tax increase and give residents a chance to chime in on increases to the city’s enterprise funds budget before making a final decision during its meeting on Monday night.

The proposed budget for next year is $100.8 million, a 13.4% increase over this year. To help pay for it, property taxes would go up by 4.49%.

After presenting the numbers earlier this fall, Mayor Jake Anderson told KNSI News that if the city takes no action, it faces escalating repair costs and would need to cut up to 30 staff positions across departments. The city would also implement hiring freezes and reduce service levels, leading to slower response times for code enforcement and possibly police calls. Money is also needed to cover inflation, staff increases and benefits. A public hearing will be held before the council makes its decision.

After the vote, the council will hold a public hearing on the city’s $67.5 million enterprise funds budget for 2026. The budget covers nine fee-based services not funded by property taxes, which 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.

The most significant changes come in the city’s water utility, driven by upcoming infrastructure projects and declining reserves. The average person will see a $3 monthly increase for a home that uses about 6,000 gallons of water. Residents will see their monthly water service charge increase by 50 cents, from $8.50 to $9.00. Usage rates are also climbing, with the first 400 cubic feet increasing by $1, the next 400 cubic feet increasing by $0.25 to $4.25, and usage above that rising 25 cents to $4.75 per 100 cubic feet.

Trash collection will see incremental increases over the next two years. The cost of a cart is increasing by $1 per month. Compost permits are seeing more substantial adjustments, going from $30 to $40, and up to $80 for non-residents. Special pickups will cost $5 more per cubic yard, increasing from $20 to $25, and mattress pickup fees will rise $5 per set.

In a move designed to make parking easier and encourage downtown visits, the city is proposing to make nearly 3,000 parking spaces free during off-peak hours. Starting January 1st, the ramps and surface lots will be free after 5:00 p.m., and then on weekends. To offset revenue losses, on-street meter parking will increase by 50 cents to $1.50 per hour, and parking permits will rise by 10%.

The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. at St. Cloud City Hall.

___