Back taxes could cost MN counties millions

MN Revenue Department graph

Polk County (MN) could be on the hook for $695,712 as part of a property tax challenge by Enbridge Energy.  The courts have ruled that Minnesota overvalued the oil pipeline company’s tax assessments from 2012-2016.  A total of 13 northern Minnesota counties are impacted by the ruling – a dollar figure that could exceed $27 million.

Matt Hilgart of the Association of Minnesota Counties says it’s a tough financial pill to swallow.

There is some talk about a “state pays” option to cover the entire cost of the tax settlement.  Hilgart says there’s still time to include that language in the budget being crafted during the special session.

Hilgart says it’s important to build trust in the assessment process because there are many utility companies operating in Minnesota.