St. James council reviews preliminary 2025 budget; levy preliminarily proposed at $1.5 million

The St. James City Council received a presentation Sept. 3 on the preliminary 2025 budget, which the Chair described as “just over $18 million.” The council does not take final action on the preliminary budget at the initial presentation.

The Chair said the budget breakdown shows roughly 30% general fund, more than half in utility funds, small shares for capital and special revenue, and nominal amounts for the airport, pool and ambulance. The general fund was described as about $5.3 million. The Chair noted federal and state aid of about $2.4 million in the revenue mix and several other revenue lines including taxes, licenses and transfers from other funds.

For 2025 the council was presented with a proposed tax levy of $1.5 million — a preliminary increase described as about 6.19% over the prior year. The Chair reminded members that once the preliminary levy is set it cannot be increased and that the council will hold the Truth‑in‑Taxation hearing on Dec. 3 and vote on the final levy and budget on Dec. 17.

The Chair said the proposed budget includes capital expenditures (about $461,500) for city facility repairs including roofs for the library, police station and street department, and vehicle replacements for police and street departments. The presentation also noted a small new housing demolition program proposed at $15,000 to start.

Council members asked clarifying questions about revenue lines such as rent, interest and donations; the Chair explained the city rents parking and city buildings and receives donations to the general fund for departments such as fire and police. No formal vote or changes were made at the meeting; staff will return with the preliminary levy resolution at the next council meeting.