McLeod County Board OKs reducing property tax penalties
During a special meeting last Tuesday, April 28, the McLeod County Board decided to reduce the penalty for late property tax payments.
The decision came after commissioners met to hear feedback and discuss the property tax penalties during the current pandemic.
The board learned at its previous meeting it doesn’t have the authority to change the May 15 first half property tax due date, but it can make changes to the penalties charged for late payments.
The due date can only be changed by state lawmakers. The legislature reportedly isn’t planning on changing the date at this time.
Commissioners also learned they do not need to consult with the taxing authorities like cities, school districts and townships. Commissioners wanted to hold the meeting to give the chance for the taxing authorities to provide the county board with concerns before making a decision.
County Auditor-Treasurer Connie Kurtzweg told the board over 14 percent of the first half property taxes have been collected, totaling nearly $4.5 million. The majority of payments come in after May 1.
(For the complete story, see the May 6 print edition of The Chronicle.)