By Rich Larson
Rice County property owners should keep an eye on their mailboxes this week as the county begins sending out its annual property tax mailing, which includes two separate documents with very different purposes.
The mailing contains a 2026 property tax statement and a Notice of Valuation and Classification for Taxes Payable in 2027. County officials encourage residents to review both documents carefully.
The property tax statement outlines the taxes payable to all taxing jurisdictions tied to a specific property, including school districts, cities or townships and economic development authorities. It also lists applicable fees. In Rice County, that includes a solid waste service fee for parcels containing a building valued at $5,000 or more.
This year, property owners will notice an increase in the solid waste service fee to $60. The fee, first implemented in 1990 and last raised in 2012, helps offset the cost of state-mandated solid waste programs such as recycling, household hazardous waste disposal, composting and waste reduction. Owners of multiple residential units will see the fee listed as a lump sum based on the number of units owned, while commercial and industrial properties are assessed using a county-approved formula.
The Notice of Valuation document shows the market value and classification of a property for assessment year 2026, which will be used to calculate property taxes payable in 2027. Property owners who agree with their valuation do not need to take action. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Rice County Assessor’s Office at 507-332-6102.
An Open Book meeting will be held Monday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rice County Government Services Building in Faribault, with additional local and county appeal meetings scheduled in April and June.
First-half 2026 property tax payments are due Friday, May 15. Property tax statements can also be accessed online through the county’s Beacon system.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
