Property, Rentals, Transactions

The St. Louis County Board has approved a preliminary property tax levy of $126,550,079, an increase of 8.5 percent for 2017. The increased money is needed to fund skyrocketing out-of-home placement costs and other investments in children and family services. At the same time, the County's growing property tax base means most people will see little change in their property taxes compared to two years ago

Staff from the County Assessor's Office will be touring storm damaged areas in and around White Township and Biwabik beginning next week to assist property owners who may be eligible for tax credits or abatements following Monday night's storm

The United Nations Children’s Fund estimates that 13 million children across the globe have lost both parents and as many as eight million children are living in institutional care; Despite the clear need for more permanent homes for these children, the number of international adoptions in the U.S. has decreased by 72 percent since 2004

Landowners, counties and watershed districts are now reviewing the preliminary map of Minnesota public waters requiring protective buffers. Landowners who have buffers identified on their property can work with their local soil and water conservation district or drainage authority to ensure the preliminary map is accurate.

Every year in Minnesota, wildfires cause property losses, injuries and threaten the lives of fire fighters. To raise awareness of this danger, April 17-23 is Wildfire Prevention Week in Minnesota.

The St. Louis County Board has approved its 2016 budget in the amount of $358,733,410. Of most significance to tax payers is the fact that it includes no change in the levy, which will translate into a decrease in the county portion of property tax statements for most residents and business owners.

The St. Louis County Board has voted to hold the maximum property tax levy flat for 2016 at $116.6 million, a 0 percent increase over last year. This is doubly good news for tax payers, because in addition to no increase in the levy, the growth in the economy and tax base means the County-portion of the property tax statement should decrease for the majority of residents

Autumn is here and the St. Louis County Environmental Services Department has an important reminder for property owners with septic systems. If you’re thinking about selling your home over the winter, get your septic system inspected now before the ground freezes

St. Louis County Commissioners are preparing to vote on the maximum property tax levy for 2016, and based on preliminary discussions, the Board reinforced their commitment to holding the levy at the same level as this year: $116.6 million. Commissioners are poised to vote on the zero percent levy increase at their next meeting, on Tuesday, September 22.

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) introduced The Energy Efficient Manufactured Homes Act 0f 2015 (H.R. 3275) this week, which will enable economically vulnerable families live in safe, affordable and energy-efficient homes

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (NYSE: AHT) (“Ashford Trust” or the “Company”) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire two Minneapolis hotels, the 229-room W Minneapolis Hotel - The Foshay, and the 60-room Le Meridien Chambers Minneapolis hotel, for total consideration of $101 million in cash ($349,000 per key). As part of the transaction, the Company will assume approximately $56.0 million of mortgage debt on the W Minneapolis Hotel. The assumed debt matures in May 2023 and carries a fixed rate of 5.46%. Post-closing, both properties will continue to be managed by Starwood Hotels.