3 questions for voters in the St. Cloud, MN will see them on the ballot next week

SF. CLOUD – On Tuesday, the voters of St. Cloud will be asked to make decisions about a new fire station and moving city elections to odd-numbered years and — for those who live in Stearns County — how to fund a new county jail.

Here’s a look at the three referendum questions that are on the ballots in the St. Cloud this year.

Ballot question: “Stearns County will be authorized to levy a sales tax and use tax of three-eighths of one percent to finance up to $325 million, plus associated bond costs, for the construction of a justice center consisting of from law enforcement, judicial center and prison? The sales tax will be used exclusively to fund construction costs, upgrades and financing for the justice center and will remain in effect for 30 years or until the project is paid off, whichever comes first. These services and facilities are mandated by the State of Minnesota to be provided by the counties.”

Stearns County officials plan to build a new $325 million justice center complex that includes a 270-bed jail, a judicial center with courtrooms and a law enforcement center that houses the Sheriff’s Office . Over the summer, Stearns County Board members voted move those facilities downtown and in a new location with more space. That site has not yet been determined.

The question before voters is how to fund that center.

County Administrator Mike Williams said a common misconception he’s heard at recent town halls is that residents think a yes vote gives the county permission to build the facility, and if they vote no, the county won’t spend the money to build it. build. .

“People (think) are voting for the project – and they’re not. They’re voting on how we’re going to fund it,” Williams said.

If voters approve the ballot question, the county will levy a sales tax to fund the project. If they vote it down, the county can pay for the project with property taxes instead.