Local Sales Tax 

On November 2, 2021 Saint Peter voters approved a sales and use tax of one-half of one percent (0.5%) to finance the construction of a new fire station in the City.  The local sales tax was implemented July 1, 2022.


Local sales taxes apply to the same items and services as the general state sales tax.  Local use taxes on purchases of goods and services made outside of the City that are used in the City are subject to local use tax.

For more information visit the state's website at www.revenue.state.mn.us



Fire Station Location Study
FIRE STATION RENDERING Opens in new window

New Fire Station Exterior Renderings


FIRE STATION FLOOR PLAN Opens in new window

New Fire Station Floor Plan

Local Sales Tax  Frequently Asked Questions:

•  How much is the local sales tax? 

Local Sales Tax effective July 1, 2022 is .5%. The current sales tax in Saint Peter is 7.875%.  

•   What can the money be used for?

All money generated by the sales tax, can only be used for repayment of the debt on the new Fire Station. 

•    Will sales tax cover all of the debt or will I have to pay more in property tax also?

Current data indicates sales tax proceeds should cover the entire debt and there should be no use of property tax dollars. 

•    What will the new Fire Station cost and how long will I need to pay sales tax?

The project budget as of early 2022, based on a needs study, is $9.4 million with approximately $358,000 in annual debt service.  Currently the bond with the USDA is set for 40 years.  If the sales tax is collected at a higher rate that $358,000 annual debt service then the debt will be paid off sooner than 40 years and the Sales Tax will be stopped.

•    Why is the City building a new fire station?

The current building, which was built in the late 1920’s, has a square footage of 8,100.  Modern fire trucks won’t fit in the building and there is no space for needed equipment, Firefighter training, and decontamination facilities that are needed to address firefighter health and safety needs.  The proposed building is approximately 27,000 square feet. 

•    Where is the new fire station being constructed?

The new location - at the northwest corner of Sunrise Drive/Broadway Avenue - encompasses approximately 4.5 acres.

•    What’s the timeline for the project?

Bidding will occur in February/March 2022 and construction is expected to be completed in 2023.

•    What will happen to the current Fire Hall built in 1929?

The tentative plan is to sell it. It would likely be available for sale in later 2022.