St. Louis County considering property tax levy hike, but your portion could be lower

The St. Louis County Board has given initial approval for the 2024 maximum property tax levy in the amount of $168,153,374.

This is a 2.93% increase in the levy compared to last year. But continued growth in the property tax base will help offset this increase for many property owners. 

St. Louis County’s property tax base grew by an estimated 11% in the last year, including $237 million in new construction, mostly in the residential sector. This growth will help reduce the impact of the increased levy.

Homes that had little or no increase in valuation will likely see no increase, or even a reduction in property taxes.

A home valued at $400,000 will see an approximately $200 decrease in the county portion of its property taxes compared to a home valued at that amount last year. 

Meanwhile, commercial properties experienced less valuation growth overall this year, and will likely see minimal impact on their county property taxes.

The vote Tuesday was part of the Board’s Committee of the Whole meeting and was unanimous.

The final vote on the preliminary levy is set for September 26, at the Alborn Town Hall.

Minnesota counties are required by law to set their maximum property tax levy by the end of September.

As the Board and staff work to finalize the 2024 budget over the next few months, the levy amount may be reduced, but it cannot increase.

Commissioners are expected to vote on the final budget for 2024 on December 19.

Two meetings have been set to collect public input on the levy and budget.

They will be on Monday, November 20, at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Virginia, and the following Monday, November 27, at the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth. Both meetings will start at 7 p.m. The November 27 meeting will also be livestreamed on the county’s Facebook page. People do not need a Facebook account to view the meeting.

Citizens also may provide input at any County Board meeting, or by contacting commissioners directly. Contact information can be found at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/countyboard. To learn more about the proposed levy and the current budget for St. Louis County, visit www.stlouiscountymn.gov/budget or email budget@stlouiscountymn.gov