Property owners across Stearns and Benton counties will soon find a different kind of envelope in the mailbox. Minnesota’s proposed property tax notices, known as Truth in Taxation statements, go out in November. They show an estimate of what you may owe in 2027 and list the public meetings where you can speak up before local budgets are final.
What the notice is, and what it is not
- It is an estimate, not a bill. The notice is based on the preliminary levies that counties, cities, townships and school districts set in September. You do not pay anything from it.
- Preliminary levies are a ceiling. Local boards can lower their levy before final adoption in December, but they cannot raise it above the preliminary amount.
- It lists the meetings. Each taxing authority that is required to hold a Truth in Taxation meeting must hold it between Nov. 25 and Dec. 29, according to the Minnesota Department of Revenue. The dates and places for your county, city and school district are printed on your notice.
Stearns County’s 2027 numbers
On Sept. 29, the Stearns County Board unanimously approved a preliminary 2027 levy of $108,947,156, a 6.81% increase over 2026, within a proposed total budget of $216,247,298. Commissioners said they plan to keep looking for savings before the final vote.
- Truth in Taxation meeting: Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m.
- Final budget and levy vote: Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Benton County and other taxing districts
Benton County, your city or township and your school district each set their own levies, so the meeting dates on your notice may differ from the county’s. Benton County residents can find board agendas and budget materials on the Benton County website.
What to do when your notice arrives
- Check the property details. Make sure the classification and homestead status are correct. Questions about value or classification go to your county assessor’s office.
- Compare the columns. The notice breaks out the share for the county, city or township, school district and other districts, so you can see which part is changing.
- Go to a meeting or send a comment. The meetings are open to the public and exist to take questions and comments on proposed budgets.
- Look into refunds. Homeowners and renters may qualify for a state property tax refund. Details are on the Minnesota Department of Revenue refund page.
Sources: Minnesota Department of Revenue (Truth in Taxation); Stearns County Board minutes and Resolution 26-49 (Sept. 29, 2026); KNSI and St. Cloud LIVE reporting. Checked Oct. 26, 2026.
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