A low-income grant, tax assessment program or a loan can provide financial assistance for septic systems.
Low Income Grant
Homeowners with failing septic systems in Dakota County who meet income eligibility requirements can apply for a low-income grant. The homeowners' adjusted gross income must be equal to or less than the dollar amount shown. Adjusted gross income is based on the homeowners' combined adjusted gross income and the number of members in the household (including all homeowners and any dependents).
|
# in household |
Adjusted gross income |
| 1 person | $97,800 |
| 2 people | $97,800 |
| 3 people | $97,700 |
| 4 people | $97,800
|
| 5 people | $129,100
|
| 6 people | $129,100 |
| 7 people | $129,800 |
8 people
| $129,800
|
Maximum grant amount
The county will reimburse homeowners up to 50 percent of the cost to replace or repair failing septic systems, not to exceed $10,000. For funds to be released, an inspection as-built form must be submitted for the new system, along with a receipt showing the installer has been paid in full or a payment arrangement has been agreed upon between the homeowner and installer.
How to apply
To apply for a fix-up grant, homeowners must complete an application and provide the following information:
- A copy of the Notice of Non-compliance (failed compliance inspection report)
- A copy of your current Minnesota tax return (for proof of income requirement, please block out your social security number)
- A septic design by a state licensed septic designer
Contact Emily Gable at 952-891-7008 or
emily.gable@co.dakota.mn.us or Dee McDaniels at 952-891-7024 or
dee.mcdaniels@co.dakota.mn.us to request an application.
Funding for grants is provided through the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment, distributed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to Dakota County.
Septic System Tax Assessment Program
The Dakota County Board of Commissioners established a countywide septic system tax assessment loan program to ease the financial burden to homeowners who are upgrading a failing septic system. The loan is an assessment on the property taxes — not a lien. The program is voluntary.
Any residential property in Dakota County that is homesteaded and is serviced by a septic system is eligible. The primary residents must be the owner/applicant. Property taxes must be current. There is no income limit qualification or disqualification for the Tax Assessment Program.
Funding can only be used for the design, site evaluation, repair or replacement of existing non-compliant (failing) septic systems. It may not be used to facilitate new building construction or expansion, including increasing capacity due to adding additional bedrooms, or for commercial properties.
Septic System Tax Assessment Fact SheetLoan ApplicationNotice to LandownerLoan Borrower Checklist
Low interest loans
The Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District has low interest loans available for upgrading failing septic systems. Call the Soil and Water Conservation District at 651-480-7777 to request information.
City wastewater connections
Funding is available for those with failing septic systems who meet income limits to make connections to city sewer standards. Contact Emily Gable at 952-891-7008 or emily.gable@co.dakota.mn.us or Dee McDaniels at 952-891-7024 or dee.mcdaniels@co.dakota.mn.us to request an application.
City of Randolph residents can find more information on the city's sanitary sewer project site.