St. Cloud to propose half cent sales tax, property tax increase in November referendum

ST. CLOUD ― The city of St. Cloud will be posing two questions to voters in November.

One referendum question is to implement a half cent sales tax to fund improvements and renovations to the Municipal Athletic Complex. The other question is for a slight property tax increase to fund the improvement and development of local parks and recreational facilities.

Sales tax funding would be collected for a period of five years to fund up to $21.1 million worth of improvements to the Municipal Athletic Complex.

Regarding the property tax increase, St. Cloud general obligation bonds would be issued in an amount not to exceed $20 million to provide funds "to improve and develop recreational trails, neighborhood and community parks, improve and enhance park quality, access and safety, activate residents through improvements, amenities, maintenance and operations to existing parks, special use facilities, natural areas and recreational facilities," according to city documents.

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Voting yes on this ballot question means you are voting for a property tax increase. The maximum amount of increased levy as a percentage of market value is 0.0271%.

The amount expected to be raised by the new referendum tax rate in the first year is about $1.5 million, according to the city.

Becca Most is a cities reporter with the St. Cloud Times. Reach her at 320-241-8213 or bmost@stcloudtimes.com. Follow her on Twitter at @becca_most.

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This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: St. Cloud to propose half cent sales tax in November referendum