The St. Cloud City Council conducted the first of two public hearings on Thursday night to review the proposed $273.5 million budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The proposed budget maintains the millage rate at 5.1128, a figure that has remained unchanged since the 2013-14 fiscal year.
For context, one mill equates to $1 in property tax per $1,000 of a property’s assessed value. Property taxes contribute to approximately one-third of the city’s $80.8 million General Fund, which supports critical services such as the police and fire departments, government operations, parks and recreation, and transportation.
Despite overall budget growth, the General Fund departmental operating budget is set to decrease by one percent from the current fiscal year, thanks to cost-saving measures implemented across several city departments.
Key highlights from the proposed budget include:
- The addition of new staff, including police officers, sanitation workers, and stormwater employees.
- Funding for the construction of two new fire stations and stormwater system improvements.
- Initiating phase one of a new public safety complex, which will house a communications center and emergency operations center.
- Transportation infrastructure improvements, including the widening of Canoe Creek Road, the Creek Woods Drive extension, and a pedestrian project on Michigan Avenue.
- A two percent cost-of-living allowance for city employees, alongside a three percent pay adjustment.
The budget reflects St. Cloud’s commitment to enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure, and maintaining city services, all while adhering to responsible fiscal management.
The final public hearing to approve the millage rate and the 2024-25 budget will take place on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. Citizens are encouraged to attend and provide input.
