by Dennis Dalman
The Sartell city budget for the coming year is remarkable for its “flat tax” rate, which means many, if not most, residents will not see a property-tax increase unless their market value increases.
The city council approved the preliminary budget at its Sept. 13 meeting, and the council will hold a public hearing on the budget and levy at its Dec. 13 meeting. Residents will get their preliminary tax notices in the mail in November.
Council member Tim Elness praised the city’s department heads and staff for keeping expenses (and taxes) as low as possible.
The general budget is $6,248,000, an increase of about $644,000 (11.48 percent) from this year’s budget. The preliminary levy for 2022 is an estimated $7,880,000, an increase of about 6.6 percent from this year.
The city’s net tax capacity is expected to increase 6.58 percent for 2022. That net tax capacity increased 7.6 percent last year and 4.34 percent in 2021.
The major areas of the budget are public safety (55 percent), general government (17 percent), public works (16 percent) and culture and recreation (12 percent).
The city’s general fund levy is increasing to pay for additional employee positions and for wage increases in all departments. Also increasing are the police and fire department expenditure funds to enhance safety and to prepare for future capital expenditures.