Kleis: “My job is to deliver the State of the City information – to improve it is the task of all of us” (JFK in 1962). Dave Kleis took to the stage and to the television cameras on Tuesday to deliver his 6th annual assessment of the strength and stability of the City of St. Cloud. The mayor addressed some the challenges facing the city along with the many successes due to the dedication of city staff and numerous community partnerships. Read on for highlights...


 

HIGHLIGHTS:
   Tax base five years ago was growing 12.7% annually – it decreased aggregate 10% last three years
   $7.8 million gap in budgeted local government aid and money actually received
   City spending down from $113,000,000 annually four years ago to $102,000,000 2011
   St. Cloud grew from 11th largest city in Minnesota ten years ago to 8th largest 2010 – arguably the 2nd largest metropolitan area in the State
   50 fewer city employees now than just three years ago
   There are 757 miles of streets in the city, 42 miles of alleys, 15,889 public signs
   36% of all St. Cloud garbage is recycled
   $5,000,000 in interest and cost savings on St. Cloud Civic Center expansion because started last year instead of this year
   Geothermal at the Ice Rink saves $4,000,000 annually (this editor is a bit skeptical, would like to see the line items!)
   4,000 events annually at the Whitney Senior Center – not counting the park – more than ten events each day
   Five police officers will be added to the payroll sometime soon


NEXT:
   Airplanes (Jets) will return to the airport – featuring full commercial service to Chicago – no later than December 31, 2011
   Aquatics Center will be constructed soon – we voted for it!
   Civic Center will be completed by later this year
   Focus on the Mississippi River environment and recreation – soon
 

The meeting was co-sponsored by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and was open to the public.