Farmers voice concerns over 48% property tax hike during local council meeting

The Becker County Truth in Taxation Meeting held on December 12, 2024, focused on significant concerns regarding property tax evaluations, particularly for farmland. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and included an invitation for attendees to discuss their property tax evaluations with the county assessor, Lee.

A key discussion point arose when a member of the council requested Lee to clarify the reasons behind the substantial increase in property taxes, especially for farmland, which reportedly rose by 48%. This sharp increase has raised concerns among local farmers, many of whom were unable to attend the meeting but had expressed their worries about the sudden hike in taxes.

The council member emphasized the need for a clear explanation of the changes and the state policies that contributed to the tax increases. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by farmers in understanding the tax assessment process and the impact of state regulations on local property taxes.

The meeting underscored the importance of transparency in property tax evaluations and the need for ongoing communication between county officials and residents, particularly those in the agricultural sector. As the meeting concluded, it was clear that further discussions and clarifications would be necessary to address the concerns raised by the community regarding property tax assessments.