FAQ List

Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions. If a participant knows in advance that a session will be missed, they should contact Addison Carlsrud.

Moorhead residents 18 and over are able to participate. Class size is limited to 30 applicants. 

The program was created to promote a deeper understanding of what local government does and how it works. Participants will learn more about the functions of city government and ongoing programs and services.

The building of a new Community Center and Regional Library in Moorhead. The Moorhead City Council approved a fall 2022 general election ballot question asking citizens to consider a city sales tax to fund the project.

Moorhead residents have asked for more community center space and places to gather. Further, the current regional library is more than 60 years old and has a long list of repairs and needs to meet the standards of modern libraries. Moorhead city leaders asked the Minnesota Legislature to allow Moorhead to put a local option sales tax referendum in front of voters in November 2022 and the Legislature approved. The City Council then voted to place the sales tax question on the ballot.

Now that the City Council has approved bringing the local option sales tax to the public, the Task Force is seeking more citizen involvement and input between now and the election on November 8, 2022. Public input sessions were held in April to gather input and ideas from residents. Ideas can also be shared here.

A citizen-led Task Force appointed by Mayor Shelly Carlson considered a number of factors in site selection including overall location, access to public transit, connections to other amenities, parking, and other factors. After working through that process, the Task Force recommended a to-be-determined downtown location.

Citizen input is key to making the community center and regional library a reality. Citizens can attend public input sessions and also share their ideas at cityofmoorhead.com/library.

As the citizens of Moorhead provide input on amenities and features they would like to see in a new Community Center and Regional Library, associated staffing and operational costs must be considered. A new community center and regional public library will have annual operating costs that will be part of the City’s budget. As with other community amenities such as Moorhead’s golf courses, skating rinks, swimming pools, and recreation programs, there will likely be some combination of fee revenue and City-funded expenses. Efficiencies in operation (energy, technology, maintenance) are intended to offset expenses.

The need to replace the 60-year-old public library is evident, as is the need for more community gathering spaces.  That doesn’t mean an athletic center or aquatic center isn’t also needed in Moorhead, but that would be a different project.

With thoughtful planning, the new Community Center and Regional Library will blend in with other spaces to create opportunities for connection and collaboration with nearby amenities. It is hoped that this project will become a “cultural anchor” for the downtown.

At this time, the science museum is not anticipated to be part of the new Community Center and Regional Library, but the possibility exists that it could still be part of a greater Moorhead downtown.

There are no specific plans for the existing library building/site at this time. A plan will be determined after the November 2022 sales tax vote and potential construction of the new community center/library.

Sign up to receive Job Posting Notices.  You can select the categories of job postings that you would like to receive emails about including law enforcement, fire service, clerical, skilled/trades, seasonal employment opportunities and more!

It can take up to a month to make a decision on a position.  Due to the volume of applications received for seasonal positions, we are not able to notify candidates not selected.  Seasonal applications will remain on file for that season and that position and Supervisors may contact you if a position does come open in the future.

The Homestead Classification of a residential property is a benefit that applies to a property owner who:

1. Owns their residential property.
2. Occupies their residential property as their primary residence.
3. Is a Minnesota resident.

By meeting those criteria, the Homestead Classification qualifies the property for:

1. A classification rate of 1.00% on up to $500,000 in taxable market value (this rate is 1.25% for non-homestead residences).
2. A market value exclusion, which may reduce the property's taxable market value (Homestead Exclusion).
3. Other programs such as the disabled veteran's market value exclusion, senior citizens' property tax deferral, and property tax refunds.

Based on the current 2022 property tax rates, the Homestead Exclusion can be worth up to $423 in savings annually. That maximum savings is reached by a property whose estimated market value is $76,000. Once value reaches $76,000, the exclusion is gradually reduced until being phased out at a value of $413,800.

The Homestead Exclusion can also be applied to a property even if the owner is not occupying the property, but a qualifying relative is (Relative Homestead). Qualifying relatives of the owner or spouse of the owner include:

• Parents
• Grandparents
• Siblings
• Children
• Grandchildren
• Aunts & Uncles
• Nieces & Nephews

Relative Homesteads do qualify for the Homestead Exclusion and reduced classification rate, but do not qualify for the property tax refund, disabled veteran’s market value exclusion, or senior citizen’s property tax deferral programs.

Again, additional savings can still be recognized for those homestead properties valued over $418,300 via the reduced classification rate of 1% as opposed to the non-homestead rate of 1.25%, the property tax refund (Property Tax Refund | Minnesota Department of Revenue (state.mn.us) disabled veteran’s market value exclusion, and senior citizen’s property tax deferral programs.

For more frequently asked questions and further information, please visit www.MoorheadProperty.org and click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

The homestead classification applies to properties occupied as primary residences by their owners. Classification as a homestead may qualify the property for a reduced classification rate, reduced taxable market value (Homestead Exclusion), property tax refund, and/or special program eligibility.

The Homestead Exclusion reduces the taxable market value of a residential property, and is calculated as follows:

1. The exclusion from the total value is calculated first as 40% of the total value up to $76,000, equaling a maximum exclusion of $30,400 if the value of a property is $76,000 ($76,000 x 40% = $30,400).
2. The exclusion is then reduced as the value of the property increases, by 9% of whatever the market value over $76,000 is.
3. The exclusion therefore decreases as the value increases over $76,000, until it eventually is reduced to $0 at a value of $413,800 and beyond.

For example, if a homestead property is estimated at $200,000 in value, the exclusion would be calculated as such:

1. First $76,000 in value = $30,400 maximum exclusion
2. Value over $76,000 = $124,000 x 9% = $11,160 reduction to the maximum exclusion
3. $30,400 - $11,160 = $19,240 Homestead Exclusion
4. Estimated Market Value of $200,000 - $19,240 Homestead Exclusion = $180,760 Taxable Value

Now, let's look at a home with a higher value of $300,000:

1. First $76,000 in value = $30,400 maximum exclusion
2. Value over $76,000 = $224,000 x 9% = $20,160 reduction to the maximum exclusion
3. $30,400 - $20,160 = $10,240 Homestead Exclusion
4. Estimated Market Value of $300,000 - $10,240 Homestead Exclusion = $289,760 Taxable Value

Notice the sizeable difference in the exclusion when the value of a property is $200,000 or $300,000.

Finally, we examine a property with a value of $500,000:

1. First $76,000 in value = $30,400 maximum exclusion
2. Value over $76,000 = $424,000 x 9% = $38,160 reduction to the maximum exclusion
3. $30,400 - $38,160 = -$7,760
4. Since the exclusion would be calculated as less than $0, no exclusion is applied to a property valued at $500,000.

This calculation is set up by the Minnesota Department of Revenue and is the same for every Residential Homestead Property throughout the State. Once a property reaches $76,000 in market value, as value goes up the exclusion goes down. For more frequently asked questions and further information, please visit www.moorheadproperty.org and click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

For more frequently asked questions and further information, please visit www.MoorheadProperty.org and click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

In Minnesota, values for every property are estimated on January 2nd every year. That value is what is used to determine a property owner's fair share of the property tax burden the following year. Think of the entire tax base (all properties paying property taxes in a taxing district) as a pie. The value and classification of one property is a part of the entire pie within a taxing district (in our case, the City of Moorhead, Clay County, Moorhead Public Schools, Moorhead Economic Development Authority, and the Buffalo Watershed District are the taxing districts). The tax levy (or budget) for each of these taxing districts is then dispersed amongst its tax base according to each property's piece of the pie.

So, to put this in perspective, a 5% increase or decrease in value does not necessarily mean a 5% increase or decrease in taxes. Each taxing district budgets for what they need to operate and provide services each year. That dollar amount is then dispersed according to value. It's possible that a property's value could increase and the property tax bill decrease or vice versa.

To put it another way: If every property's value were to be reduced by 50%, but each taxing district's budget remained the same; the amount of tax each property owner would pay would remain relatively the same. If every property's value doubled, but each taxing district's budget remained the same; the amount of tax each property owner would pay would remain relatively the same as well.

For more frequently asked questions and further information, please visit www.MoorheadProperty.org and click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

There are a couple of reasons a property's value may increase or decrease from one year to the next.

In order to create uniformity across jurisdictional lines, the State of Minnesota requires assessed values to be set at 100% of market value (the most likely selling price in an open market transaction) across the board. Based on that requirement, the State allows a range of sale ratios (assessed value divided by sale price) between 90% and 105% in order to achieve compliance every year. Each year a sales study is conducted within the city of Moorhead by the Department of Revenue to determine compliance, and the City Assessor's office is given the opportunity to adjust values to meet that compliance.

Values may also increase due to data corrections or improvements made to a property based on the contributory value those improvements add. For example: building a deck, installing new siding and windows, finishing the basement, and remodeling the interior of a home are a few of the many improvements that can be made that add value to a property.

The Assessor's Office conducts an in-depth sales analysis of Moorhead properties every year to determine value trends in various segments of the market in either direction, and then applies increases or decreases to values as necessary to meet compliance with the state requirements.

In an increasing market, assessed values will likely increase to maintain compliance with the Minnesota Department of Revenue as a 100% market value state.

The State of Minnesota is a 100% Market Value state, meaning assessed values are required to be estimated as close to 100% of full market value as possible.

Every year, the Minnesota Department of Revenue conducts a sales study to ensure every jurisdiction (township, city, and county) maintains compliance with this requirement. The overall Estimated Market Values for each class of property (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Apartments, and Agricultural) should be within 90% to 105% of actual sale prices. Otherwise, the Department of Revenue may order the assessor to adjust property values across the board in a jurisdiction. This standard is held so no property owner pays more or less than their fair share of the property tax burden in their township, city, school district, county, and state.

In the grand scheme, whether all properties are assessed 10% below or 10% above their full market value, the resulting property taxes payable for each property would change very little. The City, County, Schools, EDA, and Watershed District all levy the dollar amounts necessary for operation each year. Those dollar amounts are then dispersed amongst the taxable value throughout each taxing district.

In theory, assessed values could be estimated at half of their full market value across the board and it would change taxes payable for each property very little. Taxing districts set their budgets independently of any value assumptions. In this scenario, the budgeted amounts for each taxing district would not change, so in order to collect these funds, the tax rate would double to achieve the levied dollar amount.

For more frequently asked questions and further information, please visit www.MoorheadProperty.org and click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

Typically, the estimated market value of a residential property can increase (or decrease) for two reasons:

1. New construction, remodeling, or the changing physical condition of a property.
2. Change in market conditions ("I haven't done anything to my house").

Although there are times and reasons why a property can decrease in value, real estate in the Fargo/Moorhead area generally appreciates in value over time. This is the case even if "nothing has changed" with the physical structure.

The City of Moorhead Assessor's Office conducts many sales studies every year to identify neighborhoods, types of homes, styles of homes, ages of homes, etc., which have appreciated or depreciated in value that year. This statistical analysis is based on a study of every arms-length¹ residential sale within city limits every year and sometimes over the course of multiple years.

Segments of the market, either by location or physical characteristics, are then studied to determine market conditions within the larger market. The Minnesota Department of Revenue dictates that properties be assessed between 90% and 105% of selling prices in a jurisdiction, and as a result, values are adjusted annually to reflect the changing market conditions. This can mean an increase or decrease in value of a property, even when nothing has changed with the physical structures.

¹An arms-length sale is defined as a transaction between a typically motivated knowledgeable buyer and seller under no undue duress, between unrelated parties, each acting prudently, using typical financing (cash-equivalent), in a competitive and open market.

For more frequently asked questions and further information, please visit www.MoorheadProperty.org and click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

Estimated Market Values (assessed values) are a direct result of actual sales that occur in Moorhead. The Minnesota Department of Revenue (DOR), in order to create uniformity in taxation across the State, requires that assessed values be estimated at 100% of market value based on sales in Moorhead every year. Within that requirement, the DOR allows for the median sales ratio (assessed value divided by sale price of an individual property) to fall between 90% and 105%. If the level of assessment in the City is not set within that range, the DOR will make the adjustments necessary to push a jurisdiction's (Moorhead's) values into that range.

So, value increases will continue as long as sale prices in Moorhead increase in order for Moorhead's level of assessment to remain in compliance on an annual basis. As sale prices level off, values will level off. If sale prices were to decline, values would decline as well. The goal of the assessor is to estimate market value for every property annually as accurately and fairly as possible, all based on the current sales activity of properties in Moorhead. This way, no property owner will pay more or less than their fair share of the property tax burden.

For more frequently asked questions and further information, please visit www.MoorheadProperty.org and click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

In Minnesota, property values are estimated annually as of January 2nd. Due to the large amount of sales activity for residential properties in Moorhead and the highly automated assessment systems, it is likely for residential property values to change every year. With large amounts of sales, segments of the market can be adequately adjusted annually to reflect the most current sales activity.

These values are estimated as of January 2nd every year and reported on the Valuation Notice insert included with the annual property tax statement mailed to property owners around April 1st.

For more frequently asked questions and further information, please visit www.MoorheadProperty.org and click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

Each property in Moorhead is unique. Neighboring properties often share a similar location and many of the same physical characteristics. Quite often, however, there are minor differences between two properties that appear to be identical on the surface.

It is possible through sales studies to identify a segment of the housing market whose value needs to be adjusted.

For example, let's say there are two very similar neighboring homes. One has a fully finished basement, while the other has only half of its basement finished. In studying residential sales, a trend is identified showing basement finish is being undervalued. The value of basement finish could be adjusted to help estimated market values throughout the city mirror the recent sales in this segment. In this case, one home (with the finished basement) will realize a larger increase in value than its neighbor (with the half-finished basement).

There are other more obvious reasons values of neighboring properties could change at different rates as well. Construction, renovation, and destruction to one property and not the other will cause a unique change in value. Differences in style, age, size, quality, condition, amenities, and location are some of the many characteristics that are studied every year, with values being adjusted accordingly throughout the city.

For more frequently asked questions and further information, please visit www.MoorheadProperty.org and click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

In general, there are two reasons why an assessor would come to your house and request an inspection. By statute in Minnesota the Assessor's Office is required to view every property at least once every five years. The Assessor's Office will typically view approximately 20% of the properties every year to achieve this requirement (referred to as "mass appraisal"). Additionally, if a property owner applies for a building permit to remodel, build or demolish a structure, the assessor will typically follow up with an inspection toward the end of the year or beginning of the following year in order to determine the value added or subtracted due to the project.

If the property owner is not home at the time the assessor visits to request an inspection, a sticky note is left on the front door notifying the property owner that an assessor was there to inspect the property. It gives instructions on whom to call to schedule an appointment.

If the property owner chooses not to call and schedule an appointment, reasonable assumptions are made by the assessor as to the quality and condition of the structures. These assumptions are typically based on the quality and condition of the exterior, what is typical for the neighborhood, what is typical for the style and age of home, past building permits, past inspection records and sales data if there was a recent sale of the subject property.

A property owner may also refuse to allow interior access to the assessor upon the request of an inspection. Upon the refusal of access by a property owner, the assessor would again make reasonable assumptions to estimate the quality and condition of the property. A verbal or written refusal of access would also eliminate the ability of the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization to grant any reduction in value upon appeal by the property owner until that access is allowed.

In either situation, no penalty is applied where the value would be treated any differently than that of a home that was inspected. The only downfall is the potential for some inaccuracies in either direction due to the assumptions made by the assessor.

For more frequently asked questions and further information, please visit www.MoorheadProperty.org and click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

Not necessarily. Each sale that occurs in Moorhead becomes part of an annual sales study which is used to set values each year. One residential sale alone will not be the only indicator of Moorhead's housing market, especially if there are other comparable sales of similar properties.

That one sale will surely be used in conjunction with other comparable properties to set values for a segment of the market. A house that sells for 10% more than its assessed value does not necessarily mean its value will automatically increase 10% the next year. In the same regard, a house that sells for 10% less than its assessed value does not necessarily mean its value will automatically decrease 10% the next year. If a house and many other comparable homes are consistently selling for more or less than the assessed values, it's likely that those types of homes' values will trend in the direction of the sale prices.

For more frequently asked questions and further information, please visit www.MoorheadProperty.org and click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

There are multiple opportunities to appeal if a property owner does not agree with the assessed value.

Each April, Clay County mails out property tax statements to property owners for taxes payable that year. In that same envelope is a green sheet titled "Valuation Notice". This notifies the property owner of the current estimated market value which will be used to calculate taxes payable the following year.

At that time, if a property owner does not agree with the current estimated market value, they should:

1. Contact the assessor's office in order to:
   1. Verify information about the property, such as dimensions, age, and condition of its structures.
   2. Schedule an inspection to verify the physical characteristics of the property.
   3. Provide supporting documentation, such as a recent appraisal or recent sales of comparable properties.
   4. Be provided supporting documentation from the assessor in the form of comparable sales or other market analysis.
      1. Most issues and concerns can be resolved at this level, especially if the property owner has done their research prior to contacting the assessor.
2. If the property owner and assessor are unable to agree on the property valuation, the next step for the property owner is to formally appeal, either in writing or in person, to the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization (LBAE).
   1. The LBAE typically meets the 3rd week of April at Moorhead City Hall to hear and make decisions on any formal appeals of value or classification of property.
   2. The LBAE is typically made up of Council Members, Realtors, Appraisers, Lenders, or other citizens with real estate expertise.
3. If the property owner wishes to appeal further, they can appeal to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization (CBAE).
   1. The CBAE meets in June at the Clay County Courthouse to hear and make decisions on any formal appeals of value or classification of property.
   2. The CBAE is typically made up of the current Clay County Commissioners.
   3. A property owner must first formally appeal to the LBAE in April to gain the right to appeal further to the CBAE.

For more frequently asked questions and further information, please visit www.MoorheadProperty.org and click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

1. January 2
   1. This is the assessment date on which property values are estimated every year. This mainly comes into play for new construction which is in progress from one year to the next. Value of the partial construction as of January 2nd will be estimated and used to calculate taxes payable the following year.
2. Late March/Early April
   1. Clay County Auditor's Office mails out Property Tax Statements to property owners. The Property Tax Statement also includes the current Valuation Notice which is used to calculate taxes payable the following year.
3. Mid-April
   1. Formal appeals must be submitted in writing to the City Assessor’s Office located at City Hall in Moorhead, or in person to the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization (LBAE). The LBAE meets at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead on the date and time listed on the Valuation Notice. The LBAE meets to hear and make decisions on formal appeals of the current valuation or classification of property.
4. May 15
   1. The first half of property taxes are due for most real estate.
5. May 29
   1. Deadline for owners of manufactured homes assessed as personal property (typically located in manufactured home parks) to establish and apply for a Homestead Exclusion.
6. Mid-June
   1. The County Board of Appeal and Equalization (CBAE) meets to hear and make decisions on formal appeals of valuation or classification. The CBAE meets at the Clay County Courthouse on the date and time listed on the Valuation Notice. In order to appeal to the CBAE, the property owner must have first formally appealed to the LBAE in April.
7. July 1
   1. Taxable real property can become exempt for this year’s assessment (taxes payable the following year) if acquired by certain government, church, or educational entities by this date.
   2. Real property that was exempt loses its exemption due to sale or other reasons prior to July 1 and becomes taxable for this year’s assessment (taxes payable the following year).
8. July 15
   1. Property tax statements must be mailed to owners of manufactured homes assessed as personal property.
9. August 15
   1. Due date for filing for Property Tax Refund
      • Property Tax Refund | Minnesota Department of Revenue (state.mn.us)
10. August 31
    1. The first half of property taxes for manufactured homes assessed as personal property are due.
11. October 1
    1. Deadline to apply for Blind/Disabled Homestead for this year’s assessment (taxes payable the following year).
12. October 15
    1. The second half of property taxes are due for most real estate.
13. November 1
    1. Deadline for senior citizens to file for property tax deferment for taxes payable the following year.
14. November 15
    1. The second half of property taxes for manufactured homes assessed as personal property are due.
    2. The second half of property taxes are due for class 2a (Agricultural), and 2b (Rural Vacant Land).
15. Late November
    1. Truth in Taxation notices are mailed to property owners. This notice calculates an estimate for property taxes due the following year.
16. December 31
    1. Owners of real property must occupy their home by this date in order to qualify for the Homestead Exclusion for this year’s assessment (taxes payable the following year).
    2. Deadline to file a homestead application for this year’s assessment (taxes payable the following year).
    3. Deadline for disabled veterans with qualifying homesteads to apply for the Disabled Veterans Homestead Exclusion for this year’s assessment (taxes payable the following year).

For more frequently asked questions and further information, please visit www.MoorheadProperty.org and click on the links on the left-hand side of the page.

The most up-to-date information is posted to cityofmoorhead.com. Use the FLOOD INFO button on the homepage. Please sign up to receive emergency and non-emergency information directly:

• Sign up for eNotification – Service Alerts is the category that will be used for flood messages
• Sign up for Cass Clay Alerts

Email flood@cityofmoorhead.com or call 218.299.5300 during regular business hours (8 am-4:30 pm).

Employment decisions can take two-three months to fill a position due to several regulated steps required, interview procedures, background checks and pre-employment practices. We appreciate candidate’s patience in the employment process and appreciate your interest in employment with us. Notifications of non-selection for permanent positions will be made via email upon acceptance of hire by a candidate.

During Moorhead PHA working hours, call 218.299.5458.  If it’s after hours, call Dispatch phone at 218.299.8791.

If you have a change in your household composition, you must report that change within 30 days to the Section 8 Staff.

The Street Light Utility fee finances operating and maintaining all street lights citywide.  This fee is not based on the number of street lights on or near your property, but similar to fees for Pest and Forestry services, the program is structured to provide street lights citywide for the benefit of the entire community.  Single family homes, multifamily apartments, and businesses pay for street lights according to the approved City of Moorhead fee schedule.  

e. All of the above

Answer: All of the above.
The decisions of your city council, county board, and school board about the amount of tax dollars they need to deliver services may be the most obvious factor in your property tax bill. But the value of your property, the total value of all the property in your community, changes in state programs, and changes in state laws that affect the tax system also play a role. Changes in any of these factors can make your tax bill go up in some years and down in others. 

©2014 League of Minnesota Cities

The property tax levy is the amount of money that the city (or other local government) decides it needs to collect from property owners in order to deliver services. Property taxes, however, are just part of the overall city budget. The budget includes both discretionary spending (for services the city is free to choose to provide) and non-discretionary spending (to meet obligations such as paying off debt). The budget includes all the dollars that the city collects from various sources—fees, grants, revenue sharing, and property taxes.

©2014 League of Minnesota Cities

to the state. Cities, counties, school districts, and townships are separate governments. They all collect money through the property tax in order to provide services. Special districts, like watershed districts, also collect property taxes, but those taxes are usually a very small part of the total bill. The state collects property taxes from business property and seasonal/recreational property such as cabins.

©2014 League of Minnesota Cities

Local governments get the money they use to deliver services from a few different sources: property taxes, fees, revenue sharing with the state, and grants. Property tax dollars pay for the services that everyone in the community—as well as visitors, commuters, and tourists—can access. This includes things like streets, police and fire services, parks, and libraries. Other services—like economic development programs to help businesses grow and develop, snowplowing, garbage removal, and recycling are also typically paid for with property tax dollars.

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For efficiency, counties have been designated by the state Legislature to administer most aspects of the property tax system on behalf of all local governments. County staff calculate the tax bills for each property in the community and then collect tax payments from property owners. After your property taxes are paid, the county then properly distributes the money to the various local governments and to the state.

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Most property owners pay their taxes in two installments—the first half in May and the second half in October. This semi-annual payment occurs even if your property taxes are collected by your mortgage company with your monthly mortgage payment.

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The valuation of your property provided on the annual valuation notice is not used to compute your property taxes until the next calendar year. So, the spring 2014 valuation notice will be used for taxes payable in 2015. This is because all property owners have the right to challenge the valuation of the property. Information on how to contest a property’s valuation is contained on the valuation notice.

©2014 League of Minnesota Cities

The third notice, generally received in March of each year, is the actual tax bill. It will show what you owe in property taxes to each local government—your county, city or township, school district, any special district, and the state. Some local governments will also include information about the kinds of services that the property tax dollars will support.

©2014 League of Minnesota Cities

A relatively new state program excludes some of the value of many residential homesteads from property taxes, meaning taxes are not paid on that portion. The statement will show you how much of the assessed value of your homestead is excluded from taxation.

©2014 League of Minnesota Cities

In some cases, yes, but not necessarily. The change in your tax bill depends on a lot of factors other than changes in the value of your home. It is also affected by things like whether all the properties in the city taken together (tax base) grow or shrink in value, whether the local governments collect more or less money in property tax, and changes to the tax system state lawmakers make. For example, let’s say you add a bedroom to your home, and its value increases by $20,000. If local governments don’t change how much property tax they need to collect and the rest of the tax base is unchanged, then you will pay more in property tax because your property is now a bigger piece of the pie. But if the tax base as a whole increases in value—maybe a new development was built—then your piece of the pie may not be bigger and you may not pay more in tax.

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City councils review the services they currently provide and think about what local preferences are and what population trends suggest about the kinds of services people will need. For example, one community might favor running its own pool while another does not see the need. Communities with lots of young families need to offer different kinds of services than communities seeing big increases in the number of senior residents. Sometimes cities have to provide certain services in order to comply with state or federal laws. Some common examples are requirements for testing drinking water and making public buildings accessible to people with disabilities.

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Cities look at their costs—like gasoline, road salt, salaries, and building repairs. They also determine the amount of money the city needs to provide the services residents expect and depend on. Councils then examine the dollars coming into the city from other sources—like fees people pay to use the recreation center or to license their dogs, grants from state and federal governments, and state revenue sharing. Property taxes make up the gap between money coming in from non-tax sources and the money needed to run the city. Other local governments (e.g., counties, schools) go through a similar process to set their property tax amounts.

©2014 League of Minnesota Cities

One of the factors that affects whether your tax bill goes up or down is the change in value of all property within the taxing jurisdiction. In recent years, the value of farm property has grown significantly faster than that of other kinds of property such as residential homes and businesses. The property taxes collected by the county and the school districts are collected from a larger geographical area that includes many more farms than are the taxes collected by the city. That means the county and school district taxes get spread across a bigger tax base when those farm values increase, and your share of the tax pie for county and school district property tax shrinks. Your share of the city tax pie, though, may remain about the same.

  ©2014 League of Minnesota Cities

 Cities also get money from a few other sources. One source of revenue is fees. Some examples of common fees that people pay to cities are for: dog licenses, building permits, use of the community pool, fines for failure to remove snow from the sidewalk, and water and sewer services. Cities also get some money from grants. These come from the state or federal government and are used for very specific purposes such as a building improvement.

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In some cases, these limits can require cities and counties to reduce the amount of property tax dollars they collect.

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The state has increased funding for direct property tax relief over the last few years. There are a few different programs through which property owners and renters can get help with their property taxes. These programs provide state-paid refunds for qualifying property owners. There is another program in which seniors can defer some of the property taxes that they owe.

©2014 League of Minnesota Cities

They are available at the League of Minnesota Cities website.

©2014 League of Minnesota Cities

The City of Moorhead Engineering Department will continue to advance flood control to minimize flood risk in Oakport and the rest of the City of Moorhead by:

1. Analyzing alternatives
2. Estimating costs, funding sources, and allocation of costs
3. Gathering public input
4. Making recommendations to the City Council

Moorhead’s Engineering Department will evaluate pending projects and support projects that meet the community’s flood mitigation goals.  After initial public input in September 2016, further funding evaluation of and coordination by residents affected by the North Moorhead Flood Mitigation Project is in process.

Not at this time.  The levees remain under the jurisdiction of the Buffalo Red River Watershed District.  All properties within the BRRWD pay a general administration tax based on their property value/tax capacity.  BRRWD charges a special assessment to properties benefiting from projects such as the Oakport levee project or a ditch project.  In addition, Oakport residents that are within the Oakport Levee project area are charged a levee maintenance fee on their tax statement; this levee maintenance fee will continue to apply to benefiting properties while the infrastructure is maintained by the BRRWD.    

Existing roads are maintained through a joint agreement of Clay County and the City of Moorhead Public Works Department.  The City of Moorhead Engineering Department conducts ongoing, long range planning for transportation issues.  The transportation needs in Oakport are now part of citywide planning.

Class 2 ATVs are allowed on shoulder areas of improved roadways (not state trunk highways – state law).

• Hunters must have proper Minnesota license in possession and follow all carry and transport laws for weapons.

• Hunter must obtain permission of the property owner if using their land. At this time, Buffalo Red River Watershed District is not issuing permits.
  • Firearms
    • Shotgun only for deer with slug (single projectile) from elevated stand of 5 feet.
    • Waterfowl and Turkey hunting from ground level is acceptable within normal state restrictions.
    • Must be at least 500 feet from any human occupied buildings, public right of way, or livestock unless hunter has written permission of land owner.
  • Archery
    • Ground level hunting is acceptable within normal state restrictions.
    • Must be at least 200 feet away from human occupied buildings, public right of way, or livestock unless hunter has written permission of land owner.
    • Target practice is allowed
      • Must be 200 feet from any buildings not owned by target shooter unless has written permission from landowner.
      • A suitable back stop is required.
      • Can be inside a building with a suitable backstop.
• Hunters must remove field dressing entrails on public lands and within 200 feet of property lines if on private lands in order not to attract predators and to avoid unsightliness.

The City does conduct code enforcement for weeds and mowing violations. If you notice a property in Moorhead that has tall grass or noxious weeds and are not comfortable speaking to the property owner directly, please make a report or call the Neighborhood Services Division at 218.299.5434. Your name will not be released to the property owner.

You may have no more then 4 dogs and/or 4 cats over six months of age (4 pets total). There is an exception to this limit, you may request a permit from the police department to have an additional 2 dogs or cats as part of a qualified home associated with an organization for rescue or sheltering of abandoned or lost animals. Time limits and additional requirements do apply. Animal control is included in Title 3 Chapter 7 of the Moorhead City Code. 

Clay County Environmental Programs offers free removal of junked or unused cars and trucks.  For additional information, contact Clay County Solid Waste at 218.299.7329 or ccsw@co.clay.mn.us.

Monthly forestry fees cover:

• Planting and replacement of trees throughout the city in new and existing neighborhoods on boulevards, rights-of-way, and city parks
• Dutch Elm Disease Program: monitoring public and private lots (including the river corridor), removal of diseased elms and risk trees from boulevards and parks
• Seasonal curbside branch collection and Christmas tree collection
• Cyclical boulevard tree trimming
• Storm response to clear streets and sidewalks
• Consultation with the City Forester

Pest control fees cover animal and mosquito control and right-of-way maintenance. 

Yes! As long as you reside in the home and request a Provisional Use Permit with requirements from Planning and Zoning.

Full-time employees receive a number of benefits. The City of Moorhead provides employer-paid contributions toward health insurance, basic life insurance, and public retirement program. Additional elective benefits are also available to employees. Visit Employee Benefits for further details.

State law outlines how veterans’ preference is applied to qualified candidates. If you are claiming veterans’ preference, you must submit proof of your eligibility (such as form DD214) along with your application for employment.

In order to maintain pay equity compliance, as required by the State of Minnesota Local Government Pay Equity Act, municipalities are required to establish a job evaluation system to determine the comparable work value of each employee class. The City of Moorhead has established a job classification system and compensation plan for all employee job classes. This classification and compensation plan assigns a salary range for each job classification. These salary ranges are compared to actual wage rates in the market (competing employers/government entities) every few years. Employees are hired onto the wage schedule at a specific step and, assuming a favorable review, will advance to the next step on the wage schedule on an annual basis. Please view Labor Union Contacts for wage detail on specific union positions.

According to state law, applicant data is private except when the applicant is certified as eligible for appointment to a vacancy or when applicants are finalists for a position in public employment. The following data on applicants is public: veteran status, job history, education and training, relevant test scores, rank on eligible list, and work availability.

The City of Moorhead restricts employment of more than one member of a family or persons related by blood or marriage if it creates a supervisory relationship. Employment of a family member refers to spouse, parent (including in-law), grandparents, aunts and uncles, children, sibling (including step and in-law), nieces and nephews, and significant others. There may be other sensitive positions or situations where placement of an employee’s family member is inappropriate and will not be allowed.

Fences are allowed in residential districts up to the property line.  Please check for easements and contact Gopher State One Call to locate utilities.  No permits are required unless the fence is more than 7 feet tall. Refer to the Moorhead City Code for the ordinance regulating fences or contact Planning and Zoning.

All official meetings of the Council are open to the public with the exception of executive sessions as allowed by law. Executive sessions, or closed meetings, are typically scheduled to follow the regular agenda items at a City Council Meeting. Executive sessions may be held under two circumstances:

• To discuss labor negotiation strategies in accordance with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law.
• To discuss threatened or pending litigation under attorney/client privilege.

Citizens can provide input on an issue of interest in any of the following ways:

• Contact a Council Member directly. Contact information (including phone and email) can be found on the Mayor & Council page

• Write a letter. Send or deliver a letter to City Hall, 403 Center Avenue, P.O. Box 779, Moorhead, MN, 56561-0779. It will be routed to the Mayor and/or Council Member as addressed.

• E-Mail the Mayor and City Council. Email the Mayor and all eight Council Members from the Mayor & Council contact page

• Personally address the City Council at a Council Meeting. The City Council welcomes and encourages public input on issues listed on Council agendas or of general community interest.
  • Citizens wishing to address the Mayor and Council regarding a specific agenda item will be afforded an opportunity during the discussion of that item.
  • Citizens wishing to speak on matters not listed on the agenda will be afforded the opportunity to do so under the agenda heading “Citizens Addressing the Council”.
  • Each person requesting the opportunity to speak is asked to fill out a “Request to Speak Form” and present it to the City Clerk. This yellow form is located on the table just outside of Council Chambers.
  • When called upon by the Mayor, citizens will be asked to approach the podium/microphone and give his/her name and address.
  • All remarks should be addressed to the Council as a body, and not to any particular member.
  • Speakers will be limited to three minutes.

The City Council typically meets every second and fourth Mondays of each month at 5:30 pm in the Auditorium at the Hjemkomst Center, 202 1st Ave. N.

See the full calendar of scheduled City Council meetings.

It depends on the type of the project:

• Mill & overlay projects typically take 2 to 4 weeks
• Rehabilitation projects (full pavement replacement, keeping existing curb & gutter) typically take 6 to 10 weeks
• Full reconstruction projects (with curb & gutter replacement) typically take 12 to 16 weeks 

• Continued street deterioration
  • Increased wear & tear on vehicles
  • Increased maintenance costs for the City (paid via property taxes)
  • Unsafe conditions
  • Damage to underground utilities
• Higher future special assessments
  • More expensive repair (for example reconstruction instead of rehabilitation)
  • Increased construction costs (due to inflation)

City policy strives to create equity among all property owners.  On average, approximately 25-35% of street project costs are paid through special assessments.  On average, approximately 65-75% of street project costs are paid through federal funds, MSA funds, and property taxes.

Primary Benefit Rates

• Paid for the street you abut/access (typically the short side of the property)
• Assessment rates ($/adjusted front foot) are based on type of project (mill & overlay, rehabilitation, reconstruction) and set by City Council annually

Secondary Benefit Rates

• Paid for minor arterial and collector streets
  • Higher volume streets that “connect” you to other parts of the City
  • Every property participates in projects associated with two collector/minor arterial streets (typically one North-South and one East-West)
• Assessment rate ($/equivalent single family property) is fixed, regardless of project type 

• Federal funds. The City competes with five other cities in Mn/DOT District 4 for approximately $1.2M in federal funding annually. Historically, the City has received the equivalent of $0.5-0.6M per year
• Municipal State Aid (MSA) funds. The City receives approximately $1M annually

Federal and MSA funds can only be spent on minor arterial and collector streets. The City uses these funds to offset or reduce special assessments and/or property tax funds spent on street projects. MSA funds are also used as a local match (20%) for Federal appropriations (80%) for larger projects with citywide benefit.

• Local funds
  • City-wide Property tax collections
  • Special assessments to properties in the benefiting area

Information about Level III offenders is posted on the Department of Corrections website.

The type of community notification that occurs depends on the risk level to which an offender has been assigned. The depth and breadth of the disclosure depends upon the level of danger posed by the offender, his or her pattern of offending behavior, and the need of community members for information to enhance individual and community safety. Notification for the three levels is as follows:

Level I Offenders
The law enforcement agency may maintain information about the offender within the agency and disclose it to other law enforcement agencies. The law enforcement agency also may disclose the information to any victims or witnesses to the offense committed by the offender. The agency must disclose information to victims of the offense who have requested disclosure and to adult members of the offender's immediate household.

Level II Offenders
The law enforcement agency may disclose the same information it may disclose on Level I offenders and it also may disclose information to agencies and groups the offender is likely to encounter. These agencies and groups include the staff members of public and private educational institutions, day care establishments, and establishments and organizations that primarily serve individuals likely to be victimized by the offender. The agency also may disclose information to individuals the agency believes are likely to be victimized by the offender based on the offender's pattern of offending or victim preference.

 Level III Offenders
The law enforcement agency must disclose the information to the persons and entities that may receive notice about Level I and II offenders. In addition, the agency must disclose information to other members of the community whom the offender is likely to encounter, unless the agency determines that public safety would be compromised by the disclosure or that a more limited disclosure is necessary to protect the identity of the victim. When a Level III offender moves into a community, law enforcement typically holds a community meeting to provide information about the offender.

There are three levels, as follows:

• Level I offenders have a risk assessment score that indicates a low risk of re-offense.
• Level II offenders have a risk assessment score that indicates a moderate risk of re-offense.
• Level III offenders have a risk assessment score that indicates a high risk of re-offense.
• Unassigned offenders have not been through the Minnesota Penitentiary System and thus assigned a risk level. These Offenders from other states are treated as Level II offenders.

• Every new owner of a rental unit (whether as fee owner or contract purchaser) must contact Neighborhood Services at 218.299.5434 and provide the new owner and manager’s name, address, and phone number before taking possession of the rental property. The property has to be inspected within thirty (30) days of the transfer of the rental property. There is a transfer fee assessed to you as determined by the City.
• Every owner of property currently being utilized as a single-family housing unit, who is considering converting the property to a rental property, may have the property inspected prior to completing the conversion.

See the Fee Schedule

1. Complete the Registration Application
2. Review the Common Code Issues Checklist prior to your inspection, which will be scheduled by the City.
3. Pay your registration fee.
4. Upon inspection and approval, your property will be registered. 
5. Renew rental registrations annually.