Rice County property owners have entered the season of assessments, as Notices of Valuation and Classification for the 2025 assessment year have been landing in mailboxes, hinting at what's to come for taxes payable in 2026. If you've been scratching your head over the figures, you're not alone; these documents outline the market value and classification of properties and have been known to occasionally prompt a double-take.
Should you find yourself in disagreement with these numbers—or spot an outright inaccuracy—the first step encourage a discussion with your assessor. In a recent alert published on Rice County's website, property owners were informed of the options available if they wish to contest their property's valuation or classification. Owners are directed to please contact their assessor first at 507-332-6102 to discuss any questions or concerns before heading to the respective meetings.
For those looking for a face-to-face chance to hash it out, an Open Book Meeting in Faribault offers the opportunity for a one-on-one with the assessor. The county hopes that many concerns will be addressed during this session. Nonetheless, should further action be needed, there is a pathway outlined for taking one's appeal to the Local Board and, if necessary, even to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization thereafter.
Mark your calendars, as the list of dates for the 2025 Boards of Appeal & Equalization and alternative meetings has been set. The first sit-down is the Open Book Meeting scheduled for Monday, April 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Rice County Government Services Building in Faribault. This will be followed closely by a flurry of Local Board meetings across various townships on the subsequent days, wrapping up with the County Board of Appeal and Equalization on June 18. If you need to begin to lay out a case, start your journey at your Local Board before any hopes of climbing the County ladder.
These sessions are critical junctions for property owners to ensure their valuation reflects reality, setting the stage for their tax burden in the year to follow. While it may not be necessary for those in agreement with their assessments to attend, everyone is encouraged to read the notice carefully to understand the full breadth of their appeal options. For a detailed look at the timetable, visit the official announcement.
