The Dakota County Assessor's Office determines the value of all 170,000 parcels in the county. The office is responsible for:
Estimating values
State law requires that assessors view each parcel of real estate at least once every five years to appraise its market value. Property values change with economic conditions.
In addition to market changes, physical changes affect value. This includes:
- Draining and clearing the land
- Improving nearby public streets
- Installing utilities
- Adding to or remodeling buildings
All factors are considered in estimating the value of property. This requires physical inspection of all property.
Market values are determined every Jan. 2.
Classifying property
The Assessor’s Office also determines the classification, or use, of each parcel. For instance, property can be residential homestead (owner-occupied), residential non-homestead, agricultural or commercial. Each classification is taxed at a different percentage of market value.
Appraiser credentials
Appraisers employed by the Assessor’s Office are professionals, with stringent training and experience requirements set by the state. The Minnesota State Board of Assessors governs and administers licensure of appraisers.
Dakota County insists on additional training in the areas of management, organization and customer service.