County approves home tax abatement program

Owners of new single-family homes or duplexes built after Sept. 1 are now eligible for tax abatements in Rock County.
Commissioners unanimously passed the “Rock County Home Initiative” at their Sept. 3 meeting.
The initiative is meant to encourage replacement of dilapidated housing structures in Rock County. The program is similar to initiatives in Pipestone and Nobles counties.
Approved abatements are for five years and apply to the county’s increased portion of the new home’s real estate value. The abatement is for 100 percent of the county’s tax share.
All property must be located within Rock County, current property taxes must be paid on time and in full, and program approval must be obtained prior to the start of new housing construction.
Applications are available online at www.co.rock.mn.us or at the Rock County Land Management Office. Signed applications are to be returned to the auditor’s office at the Rock County Courthouse.
The abatement will transfer with the sale of the property for a five-year abatement period.
All completed applications undergo a public hearing with the Rock County Board of Commissioners for possible inclusion in the program. All applications are on a first-come, first-serve basis and are limited to $200,000 or 10 percent of the net tax capacity, whichever is greater.
The initiative is available now through Sept. 1, 2024.