Rice County Tax Levy Summary 

Today, we are reviewing Rice County’s taxes. The county approved a levy increase of 9.96% this past year for several reasons. Rice County’s CFO Paula O’Connell stated that one of the largest increases was building the new Public Safety Center, including the county jail and space for the Sheriff’s Office. Voters were given a choice in November to decide how to pay for the project, NOT if the project would go forward. County voters selected property taxes to pay for the project instead of a sales tax, leading to a significant increase in property taxes. 

Among other items fueling the increase are a 19% increase in property insurance covering the county’s buildings and vehicles. Additionally, while several of the construction projects from this past year received state or federal grants for the project, the cost of road repairs has risen significantly. Among the county projects from the past year include:

• A roundabout at Hwy. 19 and County Road 2 just west of Lonsdale  
• 1.7 miles of Cagger Trail/County Road 50 from Faribault to Cannon City Boulevard/County Road 20  

5 miles of County Road 46/Hazelwood Avenue from Hwy. 19 to the Scott County line.

The tax levy for Rice County Housing and Redevelopment Authority did not increase in 2024.

Previous Stories:

• Ribbon Cutting Held for New Public Safety Center 10/17/2024
• Rice County Sales Tax Referendum Explained (2024 Election Guide)
• Election Explainer: The Referendums podcast (10/21/2024)