County Government 101 - How Our Services are Funded
How We Raise County Money
Approximately half of our budget dollars come from property taxes. We receive another 40% from federal and state aid programs. The rest comes from such items as fees, fines, licenses and forfeitures.
Stearns County does not have complete freedom to make its spending decisions. Federal and State mandates pre-determine a number of our expenses.
Mandates are the services that we are legally required to provide. If mandates pass without the appropriate funding to support them, the County must pay the costs associated with performing the services.
The Budget Process
Each year, County departments prepare budgets that they submit to the County Administrator for discussion and approval.
The budgets include both discretionary and non-discretionary (mandated) spending. Departments also list projected revenues from user fees, fines, and other charges in their budgets. Grants and/or state aid may also affect the budget items.
When complete, these individual budgets are combined and presented as part of the overall County Budget for the year.
View a video from Commissioner Lenzmeier explaining the budget process.
Truth In Taxation
Truth In Taxation is a yearly process. It gives property owners the chance to review proposed property taxes, which make up some of the funds the County uses to budget each year. It also allows residents to react to local budget decisions before they are finalized.
Each November, the Auditor/Treasurer’s Office mails a notice of proposed property tax to all property owners in Stearns County. This notice also reports the date, time and location of the upcoming Truth In Taxation hearing.
At this public hearing, the Board and other County representatives explain the budget process and the factors that influence County property taxes. They also address concerns about the County budget and tax levy for the following year.
Note: If citizens have questions or concerns about the classification, value or appraisal of their specific property, they should contact the Assessor’s Office. Each spring, Stearns County holds a Local Board of Equalization meeting to review these property valuations.