Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Property Taxes & Assessments
5-
This value is what the assessor estimates your property would likely sell for on the open market. State law requires assessors to value property at 100% of market value. Because it is statistically impossible to value at market value, state standards require the assessors to value property between 90% and 105% of market value based upon a sales sample, not just on an individual sale.Property Taxes & Assessments
-
Sales of real estate are used as a guide in determining the assessor’s market values. These sales are analyzed to determine which factors contribute to the value. These factors are then put into a model or formula to apply to all properties. The values are then tested to make sure that the quality of the assessment meets statistical requirements.Property Taxes & Assessments
-
Trends in the real estate market due to local economic conditions, interest rates, and supply / demand influence the value of property. The Assessor’s Office studies the real estate market each year. When properties sell for more each year, the assessor is required to adjust the values accordingly. Estimated market values can also be decreased if the real estate market shows sale prices are going down.Property Taxes & Assessments
-
Not necessarily; many factors go into determining how much property taxes change from year to year. The items include spending habits of local governments, school bonds for either building or operating expenses, changes made by the legislature in the state property tax system, the amount of new construction within the county, and a change in property value or classification. A change in any of these can result in tax increases.Property Taxes & Assessments
-
Property Taxes & Assessments
Minnesota Statute 273.20 states:
Any officer authorized by law to assess property for taxation may, when necessary to the proper performance of duties, enter any dwelling-house, building, or structure, and view the same and the property therein.
Any officer authorized by law to assess property for ad valorem tax purposes shall have reasonable access to land and structures as necessary for the proper performance of their duties. A property owner may refuse to allow an assessor to inspect their property. This refusal by the property owner must be either verbal or expressly stated in a letter to the county assessor. If the assessor is denied access to view a property, the assessor is authorized to estimate the property's estimated market value by making assumptions believed appropriate concerning the property's finish and condition.
Refusal of entry does not mean one cannot attend the board of appeal and equalization. However, Minnesota Statute 274.13 sub.1(8) states:
The board may not make an individual market value adjustment or classification change that would benefit property if the owner or other person having control over the property has refused the assessor access to inspect the property and the interior of any buildings or structures as provided in section 273.20.
Public Health Follow Along Program
4-
The Follow Along Program is a:Public Health Follow Along Program
- Easy way to find out about other services you may want for your child
- Fun way to get ideas about “what to teach” and “at what age” to teach it
- Good way to learn about your child’s health and development
- Simple way to ask questions about how your child is hearing, moving, seeing, playing, talking, learning, growing, and acting
-
A professional, most often a nurse, may visit with you to tell you more about the program and find out more about your child. You will then be asked to sign a permission form.Public Health Follow Along Program
Next, questionnaires are sent to you when your child reaches different ages such as 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, and 36 months old. Each questionnaire asks how your child is growing, playing, talking, moving, and acting. Sheets with fun activities for you to do with your child, or other age appropriate items, are also sent to you.
The results of the questionnaires will be shared with you. If there are any concerns, a nurse or other professional from the program will get in touch with you. Together, you can talk about choices for further evaluation or early help services.
After your child is 36 months old, you will get information about the next step, which is also known as the Early Childhood Screening. -
No, there is no cost to you.Public Health Follow Along Program
-
For the referral of a child, or for more information about the Follow Along Program, contact Natalie Loock, registered nurse at the Freeborn County Public Health Department, by calling 507-377-5100.Public Health Follow Along Program
Sheriff
8-
The Minnesota Uniform Firearm Application, either the Permit to Carry a Pistol or Permit to Purchase/Transfer, is located in the Records section of the Sheriff's Office website. Fill out the form completely and drop it off in person at the Records Department of the Freeborn County Sheriff accompanied by any applicable fee and required documentation.Sheriff
-
You can make a request for a copy of a crash report from the Records Department. Check the Records Fee Schedule for any associated fees.Sheriff
-
The Background Check form is located on the Sheriff's page of this website. Fill it out and return it to the Sheriff's Office along with any applicable fees.Sheriff
-
Contact Dispatch at 507.377.5200, option 5 and provide the pertinent information (who, where, when),Sheriff
-
Contact the Administrative Assistant and provide her with the information regarding your request. Typical requests are related to house moves, street dances, special events etc. Fees associated are $50 per hour, per deputy, 2 hour minimum.Sheriff
-
Select the Sheriff's Office and click on "Commendation/Allegation of Misconduct Form" to obtain the form. Fill out the form and return to the Sheriff's Office.Sheriff
-
Select the Sheriff's Office and click on "Commendation/Allegation of Misconduct Form" to obtain the form. Fill out the form and return to the Sheriff's Office.Sheriff
-
Sheriff
Contact one of our Office Support Specialists at 507.377.5244.
County Attorney
4-
No, the Freeborn County Attorney’s Office is prevented by law from answering legal questions or providing legal advice to private citizens.County Attorney
-
Contact the Freeborn County Law Enforcement - Records Department to obtain a copy.County Attorney
-
Many people incorrectly believe a victim has the power to “press charges” and/or “drop the charges.” All crimes are considered offenses against the State, not solely against the victim. The Freeborn County Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal complaints on behalf of the State of Minnesota. Only the County Attorney or Assistant County Attorney can decide to file or dismiss charges, though the victim’s opinion is important in that decision.County Attorney
-
Third Judicial District Owatonna Office 135 West Main Street, Suite E Owatonna MN 55060 Phone: 507-455-5887 Fax: 507-455-5891 Counties represented: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, WinonaCounty Attorney
Sheriff-Water Patrol
1-
Contact the Freeborn County Sheriff's Office with the pertinent information regarding your request.Sheriff-Water Patrol