The St. Cloud City Council on Thursday approved its $191.9 million 2023-24 budget. The $191.9 million budget is $146.8 million less than the current year budget, and holds the millage rate at 5.1128, where it has been since 2013-14.
One mill is equal to $1 in property tax levied per $1,000 of a property’s assessed value. Ad valorem taxes pay for such city services as public safety, law enforcement, parks and facilities, utilities, roads and planning.
Much of the reduction in the total budget is due to the transfer of water and sewer funds to Toho Water Authority, and the completion of several capital projects. The budget includes a 1 % cost of living allowance and 3 % salary adjustment for City employees. It also includes a step pay plan for members of the Police union. Six new positions are being added, including two police officers, a victim advocate, two sanitation drivers, and a sanitation customer service clerk.
The city says that property taxes fund roughly one-third of the City budget with tax revenues expected to increase as property values rise. Current gross taxable values are 21.8 percent above the previous year; this includes an increase from new construction of $354.1 million in taxable value.
Citywide capital projects total $17.7 million, and include Public Safety improvements such as building a new 4-bay Fire Station 32 to accommodate up to 13 personnel daily. The existing Station 32 building will be remodeled to serve as the Department’s Logistics headquarters. Other capital projects include the architectural design study for a new Public Safety Communications Center and Emergency Operations Center, street paving and improvements to City parks.
Source: City of St. Cloud Communications Office
Photo Source: City of St. Cloud FAcebook
