St. Cloud School Board To Vote on 24% Tax Hike

ST. CLOUD -- Property owners in the St. Cloud Area school district will be paying more on the school portion of their property taxes next year, if the school board approves a planned tax hike.

The board is expected to increase their collections by 24% -- or $4.3 million more than this year. The proposal would raise taxes on the average home by about $75 in 2011.  Most of the increase will be used to help pay the cost of health benefits for retired employees.

The school board approved the preliminary levy 5-2 back in September.  Board members Les Green and Jerry VonKorff opposed the increase at that time.

The school board will decide the issue at tonight's (Thursday) board meeting.  There is a time for public comment.  The board meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. at St. Cloud City Hall.