Property tax reform ballot measure and first balanced budget in 31 years
Summary
Multiple members tied decisions — the Boys & Girls Club delay, the construction contract continuance — to the November vote on eliminating homestead exemptions, which could cut roughly 10% of the city budget. Expect belt-tightening in the FY27 budget.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 17, 2026.
Impact analysis
Potential loss of roughly 10% of city revenue if homestead exemption repeal passes in November.
Residents if the city holds spending until the tax picture is clear.
Residents awaiting promised park and facility improvements, whose projects may be delayed.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Special City Council Meeting - Sep 17, 2026
The city kept its property tax rate at 5.1128 mills for the 14th straight year and adopted a budget that uses zero savings — a first in 31 years. It funds 48 firefighters (mostly grant-paid) but cuts five police positions and trims department budgets 9.6%, with officials warning about the state's Amendment 3 threat to local revenue.
City Council Meeting - Sep 10, 2026
The city kept the tax rate at 5.1128 mills and approved the first hearing of a $231 million budget balanced without reserve funds for the first time in 31 years. That means deep cuts — fewer services, less training, grants and events — to protect the city if state property-tax reform passes.
City Council Meeting - Jul 16, 2026
Multiple members tied decisions — the Boys & Girls Club delay, the construction contract continuance — to the November vote on eliminating homestead exemptions, which could cut roughly 10% of the city budget. Expect belt-tightening in the FY27 budget.
City Council Meeting - Jun 11, 2026
Residents and the mayor addressed the looming property tax reform ballot measure; the city will present its first fully balanced budget in 31 years without using prior-year fund balance.
City Council Meeting - May 14, 2026
Independent auditors gave St. Cloud a completely clean bill of financial health — unmodified opinion, no findings, no material weaknesses — and the report is expected to earn a GFOA transparency award.
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