by Dennis Dalman
For the third consecutive year, the Sartell City Council approved at a public hearing Dec. 11 an annual flat-tax budget for the year 2024.
“Flat tax” does not necessarily mean no increase in taxes, however. That all depends on a resident’s or business’s property valuation and how much that has increased.
The total tax levy for 2024 was set at $10,103,000, and the total general-fund budget is $10,462,790.
The general fund is $7.15 million.
The lion’s share of the budget, as it is every year, falls under the rubric of Public Safety, which includes the police and fire departments. Almost 56 percent of the general-fund budget is for public safety; 16.8 percent is for Public Works, 15.6 percent is for General Government; and 12 percent is for Culture and Recreation.
Once again, Sartell’s tax levy is the lowest of the cities in the greater St. Cloud area, Mayor Ryan Fitzthum noted. He added, however, that he gets some emails stating taxes are driving some people out of Sartell.
Two men, both Sartell residents, spoke up at the public hearing about the 2024 budget. One criticized the council for spending money on programs pushed by the United Nations. The other speaker said he and others are being taxed without representation and asked the budget be more limited, that Sartell shouldn’t try to “keep up with the Joneses.” He said he knows people who cannot handle the tax burden and that he is against socialism.
The council voted 4-0 to pass the levy and budget.
Residents can get a break-down of the budget on the Sartell City website via a new feature called the “City’s Budget Book.”
“ClearGov’s digital budget book is a great tool for financial transparency and transforming complex data into a narrative of fiscal responsibility,” said Sartell Financial Director Rob Voshell in a news release about the new feature. “In an era of transparency, it empowers citizens with accessible insights, fostering an informed and engaged community. Understanding the budget isn’t just about numbers; it’s about actively shaping the future of our communities.”
To see the “Budget Book,” visit the Sartell City Website, then click on its front after scrolling down to a box called “Projects and Performance.”
