A mailing from Rice County to all property owners being sent this week includes two documents: a Notice of Valuation and Classification for Taxes Payable for 2027 and a 2026 property tax statement. Although both documents are important to review and understand, they contain very different information.
Property tax statements, though produced and mailed by the county, include a listing of taxes payable for all taxing entities applicable to a particular parcel – i.e. school district, city/township and economic development authority. The statement also lists applicable fees, which in Rice County includes a solid waste service fee for all parcels containing a building valued at $5,000 or more.
Property owners will this year notice an increase in that fee to $60.
Initiated in 1990 and last increased in 2012, the fee helps cover costs of solid waste alternatives the state requires counties to provide its residents. That includes recycling, household hazardous waste disposal, composting and waste reduction as well as general solid waste systems.
Most property owners will see the service fee as a line item on their property tax statement. Property owners who own multiple buildings, homes, mobile homes or apartment units will see a lump sum figure determined by multiplying the number of units owned by $60.
Commercial/industrial buildings with a valuation of more than $5,000 are also assessed the solid waste service fee based on a formula approved by the Rice County Board of Commissioners.
2026 valuation determines 2027 taxes
The Notice of Valuation document notifies property owners of the market value and classification of their property for assessment year 2026. Property taxes paid in 2027 will be based on this classification.
If you believe that your valuation and classification are correct, it is not necessary to contact your assessor and/or attend any of the listed meetings.
If the property information is not correct, if you disagree with the value/classification or have questions about your notice, first contact the Rice County Assessor’s Office at 507-332-6102 to discuss any questions or concerns.
All property owners can attend the Open Book meeting in Faribault to have a one-on-one discussion with the assessor. Often your issues can be resolved at this level. The assessor will advise you of your further appeal rights, if needed.
Read your notice carefully for all your appeal options. If you live in a jurisdiction with a Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting, then your appeal must start with your local board before advancing to the County Board of Appeal and Equalization.
2026 Local Boards of Appeal & Equalization and alternate meetings
Open Book Meeting
• Monday, April 6, 2026 – 10 a.m.-6 p.m. – Rice County Government Services Building, 320 Third St. NW, Faribault
Local Board of Appeal and Equalization
• Tuesday, April 7, 2026 -- 9 a.m. – Forest Township Hall, 3625 Millersburg Boulevard, Faribault
• Wednesday, April 8, 2026 – 9 a.m. – Shieldsville Township Hall, 7250 154th St. W, Faribault
• Thursday, April 9, 2026 – 9 a.m. – Wells Township Hall, 18400 Roberds Lake Boulevard, Faribault
Rice County Board of Appeal and Equalization
• Wednesday. June 17, 2026 – 6:30 p.m. – Rice County Government Services Building, Commissioners Room, 320 Third St. NW, Faribault
Making payments
Property owners who have not received their property tax statement(s) or need to update their mailing address should notify the Rice County Property Tax & Elections office at 507-332-6104 as soon as possible.
Property tax statements are also available to print through Beacon, found on the Rice County website, at https://bit.ly/RiceCo_PropertyTaxRecords.
Rice County first half property taxes for real/personal property are due Friday, May 15, 2026.
