Olmsted County discovers 2026 property tax data entry error

Recently, Olmsted County staff discovered an error pertaining to the county’s 2026 property tax levy. The error amounted to an additional $1.5 million being assessed due to an administrative data entry error. The $1.5 million represents approximately 1% of the overall county levy. Internal controls have been implemented to ensure this unfortunate circumstance is not repeated. 

“This was a genuine human mistake,” said County Administrator Travis Gransee. “To rectify this situation, staff will recommend the $1.5 million in funds collected be sequestered and allocated to the 2027 budget.”  

“Transparency is the foundation of trust. Once we identified and verified this error through internal processes, we were in direct communication with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and moved quickly to notify the public,” noted Gransee. “We are working with the county auditor and following Minnesota Department of Revenue guidance to ensure this matter is handled properly and transparently.” 

“Community trust is one of Olmsted County’s strategic priorities,” said Olmsted County Board Chair David Senjem. “We understand the significance of getting our property tax levy right and are taking concrete steps to strengthen our controls to prevent errors like this in the future. We remain accountable to you and to being responsible stewards of public funds.”  

Questions may be directed to propertyweb@olmstedcounty.gov or 507-328-7670.