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Lewiston-Altura school board member tells Winona County board 2,600 ag parcels were miscoded, causing some tax bills to double
Summary
A Lewiston-Altura School Board member told the Winona County Board that a property-tax software or configuration error led to 2,600 agricultural parcels in his school district being calculated without the 70% agricultural exemption, producing increases in tax bills up to 104 percent; county staff said the problem is being addressed.
David Baer, a Lewiston farmer and member of the Lewiston-Altura School Board, told the Winona County Board during public comment that an error in property-tax calculations affected about 2,600 agricultural parcels in the Lewiston-Altura School District.
Baer said the district’s recent bond referendum changes were not applied correctly to ag parcel assessments and that many property owners received tax bills showing increases of up to 104 percent. He said the school district finance committee had a call with county staff (Chelsea Bridal referenced) about the problem and that staff explained a fix; Baer asked the county to put measures in place to prevent a recurrence, especially ahead of future referenda or levies.
County staff acknowledged the problem and told the board they would review what happened and follow up with affected property owners. Commissioners thanked Baer for his service on the school board and acknowledged the county’s role in resolving the issue.
Baer offered to meet with officials from Lewiston residents who had questions, and the board indicated staff will provide follow-up information and outreach to affected property owners.
