Local tax levies on the rise
New numbers from the state today show that property taxes are poised to rise next year throughout Minnesota.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue released its list of preliminary maximum property tax levies. It shows a 4.6 percent increase for cities from 2014, a 3 percent increase for counties, a 2.2 percent increase for townships and 5.7 percent increase for school districts.
Local governments set those preliminary levies in September, in advance of the truth-in taxation hearings that allow citizens to weigh in. The 2015 estimates for specific properties have been showing up this month in mail boxes. Final levies must be set Dec. 26. Local leaders can reduce the preliminary number but not exceed it.
State officials will release an overall picture of property taxes in February.
Here’s the department’s summary of the preliminary levies:
Cities - The 2015 preliminary property tax levies for cities will total approximately $2.047 billion compared with $1.957 billion in 2014, a 4.6% increase.
Counties - The 2015 preliminary property tax levies for counties will total approximately $2.819 billion compared with $2.737 billion in 2014, a 3.0% increase.
Townships - The 2015 preliminary property tax levies for townships will total approximately $239 million compared with $234 million in 2014, a 2.2% increase.
Schools - The 2015 preliminary property tax levies for schools will total approximately $2.490 billion compared with $2.356 billion in 2014, a 5.7% increase. School levies were set to increase by $90 million. Voters approved $44 million in new and renewed referenda, for a total increase of $134 million in 2015.
Special Taxing Districts - The 2015 preliminary property tax levies for special taxing districts will total approximately $335 million compared with $325 million in 2014, a 3.0% increase.
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