Sales Tax for St. Cloud YMCA Aquatics Center Dies at Capitol

(KNSI) – A proposed sales tax to help fund an outdoor aquatics center at the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA failed to make it out of the Minnesota Legislature.

In January, the St. Cloud City Council approved the YMCA’s request to ask permission from state lawmakers to put a three-year, quarter-cent sales tax before city voters. Officials say it would have generated $7 million for the project. The YMCA has secured around $12 million in pledges for the outdoor aquatics center, but told the council they needed more funding to move forward.

The proposed sales tax would have applied only to St. Cloud and would not have included the other five area cities that are part of the already-established St. Cloud Area sales and use tax.

Developers envision a facility with multiple water slides, a lazy river, and a zero-depth-entry pool designed for all ages and abilities. The facility would also include an entertainment area, shaded lounge spaces, concessions, and supporting amenities to enhance comfort and make the park a destination for St. Cloud and the surrounding region.

The request was included with other local sales taxes in a Senate bill, but House and Senate negotiators could not come to an agreement on including any local sales taxes in the final bill

St. Cloud YMCA Executive Director Greg Gack told KNSI News through email. “While this outcome is disappointing, it is important to note that the project itself continues to have strong support both locally and regionally. Despite this setback, we remain encouraged by the momentum and community support behind the outdoor water park initiative.”

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