Market values for residential properties in many parts of Sherburne County began to see a slight increase 2014.

 

That means some local jurisdictions will be cutting their tax rates in 2015, even if they are expecting a higher tax levy.

 

In the November report to the county board, Sherburne County Auditor/Treasurer Diane Arnold included a list of proposed tax rates for all the cities and townships in the county.

 

Those numbers were based on preliminary levies set by each jurisdiction in September. With their individual Truth In Taxation hearings set for early December, those numbers may change slightly as cities and townships work to reduce their levy by the end of the year.

 

Of the 10 townships and seven cities in the county, only four jurisdictions are proposing a tax rate increase.

 

Clear Lake City had the highest tax rate in 2014 at 84.672% and is proposing the biggest hike in any city, to 94.676%.

 

East St. Cloud is increasing its tax rate from 45.284% to 47.724%.

 

Big Lake Twp. is proposing a half-percent increase, from 15.591% to 16.047%.

 

Clear Lake Twp. is expecting a slight increase, from 21.616% to 21.799%.

 

All other cities and townships are proposing cuts in their tax rates in 2015.

 

Zimmerman will see the biggest cut, from 50.855% to 45.373%.

 

Princeton will cut its rate from 78.762% to 74.553%.

 

Orrock Twp. is expecting a decrease from 18.790% to 15.262%, making it the lowest tax rate in the county.

 

The City of Big Lake is proposing a cut from 60.048% to 57.733%.

 

The remaining jurisdictions are proposing cuts of less than two percent. They include: Baldwin Twp. (22.861% to 21.162%); Becker Twp. (20.909% to 19.498%); Blue Hill Twp. (17.768% to 16.418%);  Haven Twp. (17.044% to 15.909%); Livonia Twp. (30.072% to 29.478%); Palmer Twp. (18.697% to 17.261%); Santiago Twp. (25.084% to 23.502%); City of Becker (34.367% to 34.228% and Elk River (48.544% to 47.315%).

 

Total taxes paid will also depend on the county’s proposed tax rate of 54.861%, the Regional Rail Authority tax rate of 2.374%, fire district tax rates and the following school district tax rates:

 

Dist. 51 Foley (59.323%); Dist. 477 Princeton  (30.683%); Dist. 726 Becker (24.173%); Dist. 727 Big Lake (46.352%); Dist. 728 Elk River (51.286%); Dist. 742 St. Cloud (20.031); Dist 882 Monticello (28.269%).

 

The five cities with the highest combined (proposed) tax rates for 2015 (city, county, school, fire, etc.) are Clear Lake 173.292%, Princeton 166.551%, Elk River 155.249%, Big Lake 154.338% and Zimmerman 150.376%.