Jasinski: An easy way to learn more about your local property taxes

An easy way to learn more about your local property taxes

By: Senator John Jasinski

In 1988, the Minnesota Legislature approved a new law called “Truth in Taxation”, which aims to improve transparency and accountability in Minnesota’s property tax system. The law requires city and county governments to adopt a proposed levy every September for the forthcoming year, send out notices to residents about how their property taxes will be affected, and then hold a public meeting where these budget and tax issues can be discussed and debated in an open forum, with input from the public.

While it seems obvious that the public should be involved in the process, it wasn’t always the case. Prior to the Truth in Taxation law, taxpayers would receive a valuation in the spring but no information about how that valuation would impact their property taxes. Taxpayers could attend county commission meetings and city council meetings, but few participated in the process. The aim of the Truth in Taxation law was to improve public participation, enhance transparency and accountability, and strengthen the relationship between local governments and residents.

Truth in Taxation meetings are generally held in December. The meeting for Rice County was held on December 1, but here is a list of other notable upcoming meetings. I would strongly encourage you to attend. As a former mayor, I can tell you that the input of the community can have a large influence.

Truth in taxation upcoming meetings:

Goodhue County

  • December 8, 6:00 p.m.
  • Goodhue County Government Center, 509 West 5th St, Red Wing

Rice County

  • December 1, 6:00 p.m.
  • Rice County Government Services Building, 320 Third St NW, Faribault

Steele County

  • December 13, 6:00 p.m.
  • Steele County Administration Board Room, 630 Florence Ave, Owatonna

Waseca County

  • December 20, 6:30 p.m.
  • Waseca County Commissioner Board Room, 300 North State St., Waseca

City of Kenyon

  • December 6, 6:30 p.m.
  • Kenyon City Hall, 709 Second Street, Kenyon

City of Faribault

  • December 13, 6:00 p.m.
  • Faribault City Hall, 208 1st Ave NW, Faribault

City of Owatonna

  • December 6, 6:-00 p.m. 
  • Owatonna City Hall, 540 West Hills Circle, Owatonna

City of Waseca

  • December 6, 7:00 p.m.
  • Waseca City Hall, 508 South State St, Waseca

Community and Emergency Alerts

As the winter season approaches with full force, it is important to stay in the loop on emergency notifications. One way to do this is by signing up to receive alerts about snow and other emergencies. These alerts can keep you and your family safe.

Contact me

If you have any questions about any issues we are working on at the legislature, feel free to contact me any time at sen.john.jasinski@senate.mn or 651-296-0284. It is a privilege to serve you!

John