St. George officials have approved a $352.8 million budget for the fiscal year 2020, representing a 27% increase over last year’s budget. The budget was approved by the City Council during a public meeting Thursday evening. Before approval, the council held a public hearing, during which no one from the audience offered comment.
The increase from last year’s $270.8 million budget is due primarily to an increase in public works projects, such as runway repairs at St. George Regional Airport, a revamp of City Hall and a new wastewater treatment plant.
The increase, however, has not come about as a result of hefty tax rate increases. The city’s general fund, which is funded primarily by tax collection and fees, only went up about 5%, standing at $77.5 million.