On November 5, 2024 Stearns County residents approved a sales tax increase for Stearns County with 62.25% of the votes.

What does this mean and what will the funds be used for? Many conversations have taken place in the community around this vote with many residents stressing the importance of a “Yes” vote.

Background: The proposal was first made public in July 2024 based on a 2019 needs assessment completed on the current facilities related to law enforcement in Stearns County including the jail and a new justice center. It was determined a need for updated facilities exists as the county has outgrown their current facilities. Further, a benefit of the new facility is expected improved operating costs with the building expected to allow for future growth. The center will include a new jail, law enforcement center, attorney’s office, courtrooms and correction facility.

The Vote: The proposal was to approve a sales tax increase in the county by 0.375%, bringing the total sales tax rate to around 8% in St. Cloud starting in April 2025 (similar rates for all of Stearns County). The tax will be in place for 30 years or when the project is paid in full.

The new justice center was going to happen either way. The November 2024 vote was to determine how it was going to be paid for. The proposal for the increased sales tax was the first option, but if the vote failed there was a backup plan. This plan was to increase county real estate taxes.

Impacts (Bad): Purchase in Stearns County will increase, which will directly impact students and their families. This, when costs are already high for families and students. As a student and non homeowner in Stearns County, this is a direct hit to your cash. Keep in mind though, that many items do not have sales tax and while an increase was approved, it is expected to have a minimal impact on each family in Stearns County.

Impacts (Positive): By using a sales tax to fund the costs, the costs will be spread among anyone that makes a purchase in Stearns County. This means that not only residents in Stearns County help pay for the new facilities but anyone visiting and making purchases in Stearns County will also help pay for the costs of the new facility.

The Stearns County Government Website indicates “Since non-residents account for nearly 55% of county sales tax spending, a yes vote effectively splits construction costs between residents and non-residents.” 

This is big as many of the services at the justice center and jail are for people outside the county.

Relevance to Students: To share how the yes vote will affect students in Sartell and their families. However, more importantly to make students aware of the need to review and understand voting implications, especially for those that will get the chance to vote in the next elections or in special elections on similar items. While many students don’t own real estate personally, several of their parents do so understanding the impacts of a Yes or No vote is key. One take away is to make sure to research questions being voted on and understand all the impacts.

Project Updates: As for what the new justice center and jail will look like, plans are currently being made with the hope to have the design approved by the end of 2024 with construction to start in late 2025. To find out more about the project and to remain up to date on plans, follow the Justice Center Project | Stearns County, MN – Official Website