![CMBA Asking for Phase In of $244 Million in Fee Increases](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/03/attachment-anders-holm-jensen-urYCLa2G4Lg-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
CMBA Asking for Phase In of $244 Million in Fee Increases
ST. CLOUD (WJON News) -- The city of St. Cloud needs to expand its infrastructure for sewer, water, and stormwater and leaders have been looking to increase fees on large new building projects to pay for it.
The city wants to collect an extra $244 million by raising the fees on Sewer Access, Water Access, and Trunk Area charges with the focus mainly on multi-family housing, and commercial and industrial development projects.
Central Minnesota Builders Association spokesman Steve Gottwalt says they aren't questioning the need for the fee increase and they aren't completely opposed to them, however, it is a dramatic increase that they want to be phased in over a 4 1/2 year period rather than imposed all at once.
The city put out an example of a 209 unit apartment complex. Today that apartment complex would pay about $43,000 for jus the sewer access charges. Under the new proposal, if they imposed it immediately that would go from $43,000 to $650,000.
Gottwalt says that adds an extra cost of $3,000 per apartment unit, which the developers will have to pass along to the renters.
![AM 1240 WJON logo](https://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/11/attachment-wjonam-alexacard-big.jpg?w=100)
The latest proposal from the city would be a 2 1/2-year phase-in for the fee increases.
The St. Cloud City Council has tabled the public hearing on the issue in December, January and February. The public hearing is scheduled to continue during tonight's (Monday) meeting.
READ RELATED ARTICLES
- Gas Prices in Minnesota Fell Again Last Week
- Stearns County Considering Options for New Justice Complex
- Park Amenities Major Theme for Sauk Rapids State of the City
- St. Cloud Slim Chickens Sets Opening Date
- Sauk Rapids-Rice Culinary Team Advances to Nationals
Presidential/Vice Presidential Visits to St. Cloud
More From AM 1240 WJON
![St. Cloud Man Sentenced for 2022 Murder](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/03/attachment-Paul-Coleman.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Huge Muffin Recall From This Minnesota Favorite Bargain Store](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2024/07/attachment-joshua-flores-via-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![I-94 Project Between Monticello and Albertville Starts Soon](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2018/04/Road-Construction.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Buckvold Looking to Lead St. Cloud As Next Mayor](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/04/attachment-thumbnail_20240206-AnneBuckvold-LakeGeorgeStCloud-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Support And Unity: Sherburne County Leaders Condemn Violence In Political Disagreements](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Trump-AssassinationAttempt-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Man’s Body Found After Jumping From Veterans Bridge](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/04/70240401_954648994892156_1160412640535642112_n-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Little Falls Man Hurt After Motorcycle Crash Friday](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/05/Mayo-Ambulance-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![See What Happens When The Sun Goes Down At Sleepover Safari](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-tiger.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Two Hurt in Stearns County Crash Near St. Rosa](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Crash-with-Injuries.jpg?w=980&q=75)