State finds problems with valuations in Blue Earth County

MANKATO (AP) -- In a critical review of the Blue Earth County Land Records office, the Minnesota Department of Revenue said there were "inequities and inconsistency" in land valuation in the county.

County assessment practices weren't uniform and often couldn't be defended, said the report released Monday.

County officials said they're already working to fix most of the problems cited by the state. The county assessor quit last year and the head of the Land Records Department was fired.

County Assessor Julie Roisen, who was hired at the beginning of this year, said, "The state's report provides me with any documentation and support I may need to continue to make changes, not only in the way properties are assessed, but also in the expected responsibilities of appraisal staff."

The state review was prompted by turmoil and allegations in the Land Records Office that go back a couple of years.

Some county appraisers came forward with information that hundreds of parcels of land were missed or incorrectly valued.

Revenue Department Director Wayne Haerer Jr. held unprecedented public hearings in Mankato last year to gather information. His staff also interviewed appraisal staff and reviewed property tax assessment information compiled by the county.

The state found numerous areas where property was not being consistently valued. It also questioned whether the county employed enough people to handle valuations.

The state could have ordered that all property in Blue Earth County be re-evaluated. But Haerer said that's considered a last resort.