County assessor reports 5% countywide assessed value increase; notices to mail March 12–13

Jake Patey, Stearns County Assessor, told the board on March 11 that valuations for 2025 were completed in February and that notices of valuation and classification were planned for mailing March 12–13. "Valuations were completed in February," Patey said, and the office plans combined mailings with tax statements as a cost-saving measure.

Patey and Assistant Assessor Randy Lauer said overall taxable market value in the county rose about 5% from the prior year and that new construction accounted for roughly $198,000,000 (about 22% of assessed-market-value change). The assessors reported roughly 2,560 new residential parcels added in the last 12 months and said the office processed about 1,925 electronic certificates of real estate value (eCRVs) in the prior year.

Sales studies produced mixed results by property class: qualified residential and seasonal-recreational sales produced ratios around 90–92 percent, apartments and commercial segments showed smaller changes and few industrial sales limited statistical analysis. The assessors said agricultural land remains variable by soil and location with an average tillable value near $7,300 per acre; sales counts for large agricultural parcels have declined in recent years, which affects confidence levels in ag time trends.

Patey told commissioners the assessor’s office will field questions after notices arrive and encouraged taxpayers to call staff to review line items if they are concerned about tax impacts; he also reminded the board that value changes and tax changes are distinct budgetary processes handled by taxing jurisdictions.

Commissioners thanked assessment staff for outreach and noted the difficulty taxpayers face when values rise; the assessors said they will continue regular field inspections and quintile work to validate values.