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County explains 'maximum tax' mailer and preliminary levy figures; officials say final levy likely lower
Summary
Woodbury County budget staff explained the new required "maximum tax" mailer to residents, showed a draft maximum levy of about 2.79387 and emphasized that the mailed figure is an upper limit—not the final adopted rate—while the board expects to try to hold the levy steady.
Budget Director Ryan Erickson and Auditor/Recorder Michelle Scaff explained why residents will receive a "maximum tax" mailer in March and what the numbers represent.
Ryan Erickson said the draft maximum levy that will appear in the county mailer is about 2.79387. "That's the max levy that will be out in the mail," he said, adding that the mailer assumes certain valuation changes (for example, a 10% assessed-value increase) and that the state sets rollback factors that affect taxable value.
Michelle Scaff, the county auditor/recorder, told residents the mailed maximum is a legal requirement under recent state rules and that it is not an indication the board intends to adopt that top number: "It's never been to max. It's never gonna be close to the max," she said, and urged residents to attend public hearings if they have concerns.
Officials said the county ordinarily aims to keep the levy stable year to year and will use reserves and careful budgeting to avoid sudden tax hikes. They also reminded residents the second property-tax installment is due March 31 and penalties start April 1.
Board members encouraged residents with questions about their assessments to contact the county assessor or county offices for personalized explanations.
