A report released in mid-April by the county auditor/treasurer’s office shows Xcel Energy, now called Northern States Power Company - MN, remains the top taxpayer in the county with a net tax capacity of $8,077,680. Southern Minnesota Municipal Power, which was second in 2013, was next at $2,743,310. Great River Energy was third at $1,157,596, followed by Minnegasco Property Accounting at $407,910.

 

JPM Capital (United Healthcare Data Center) was fifth with a net tax capacity of $383,250. Total taxes paid by each business depends on each taxing jurisdiction’s tax rate. The county’s rate for 2013 is 54.861%. Each township, city and school has its own tax rate which are multiplied by the tax capacity to determine taxes payable. 

 

Xcel Energy and Southern Minnesota Municipal Power are also the top two taxpayers in the City of Becker, followed by Liberty Paper, Inc. with a tax capacity of $223,608.

 

Riverwood Bank is at the top in the City of Big Lake with a tax capacity of $146,904. Remmele Engineering is second at $122,500 followed by Inland Big Lake, LLC ($109,070), Centracare Health System ($71,994), Great River Energy ($67,958) and Cargill Kitchens ($57,250). 

 

Xcel is also the top taxpayer in Becker Twp. with a net tax capacity of $92,929. Second is RD Offutt Company at $74,752 followed by VONCO II, LLC ($49,968), Great River Energy ($38,820) and Carefree Country Club ($37,008).

 

Minnesota Limited (MLBL, LLC) is the biggest taxpayer in Big Lake Twp. with a net tax capacity of $143,370.  Midwest Lumber is next at $34,516, followed by Minnegasco ($34,486), Burlington Northern (BNSF) at $31,582 and  Northern Sates Power - MN at $28,332. 

 

Top taxpayers in surrounding townships and cities include BNSF in Clear Lake Twp. ($45,672); Sysco Acquisition in Haven Twp. ($211,020); Northern States Power in Orrock Twp. ($40,724); Great River Energy in Palmer Twp. ($66,152); Centra Sota Cooperative in Santiago Twp.

 

($15,554) and Sherburne State Bank in Clear Lake City ($14,802).