Why St. Cloud’s mayor is proposing a 3.75% property tax hike

The city of St. Cloud is considering a 3.75% property tax increase, proposed by Mayor Jake Anderson, aimed at retaining essential city staff like police officers and firefighters due to rising personnel costs. If approved, this hike would combine with an existing fire department funding increase, totaling a 6.44% raise in property taxes. Residents have expressed concern over the cost increases and are demanding accountability for how the funds will be spent.