FERGUS FALLS -- For the time being, Otter Tail County property taxes will still be due no later than May 15.
This may change, due to coronavirus, by legislators at the state capitol in St. Paul. Any measure would also need approval from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
“Keep in mind that property tax payments coming into Otter Tail County also provide for needed cash flow for townships, school boards and communities throughout the county,” county Auditor-Treasurer Wayne Stein told county board members Tuesday, April 7. “For that reason, I say we should stay the course until we hear otherwise from the state Legislature.”
County board members agreed with Stein.
Most county residents pay half of their overall property taxes in a given year by May 15, and the second half by Oct. 15.
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“Right now, I could see the state Legislature making adjustments for the property taxes that are payable in October,” Stein added.
He also suggests prorated payments for those businesses applying for liquor applications.
As an example, if one business owner makes an application to Otter Tail County and delays the opening of an establishment for three months, in light of COVID-19, that individual should only have to pay 75% of the payment that would be due to Otter Tail County.
County commissioners also agreed with Stein regarding prorated payment for liquor applications.
Otter Tail County makes decisions after conferring with the Association of Minnesota Counties, which includes all 87 counties in the state of Minnesota.
On March 28, Walz signed a $330 million COVID-19 bill to assist Minnesotans, bringing the overall assistance in 2020 to about $550 million.
