By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

The County Community Development and Housing Department, in conjunction with the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners, is considering housing partnerships with communities throughout the county who wish to continue offering tax rebates.

Applications to the county-wide single-family tax rebate program, which provides financial support for the construction of new single-family homes in the form of rebated or refunded property taxes, were due by the end of 2024. 

“Approved applicants have until the end of 2025 to begin construction on their new homes,” said Community Development Director Amy Baldwin.

As of January 2025, cities with approved county partnerships on a tax rebate program include Pelican Rapids and the community of Ottertail. 

“Local program guidelines are created by the cities,” Baldwin said. “The county’s partnership provides applicants up to $5,000 in county property tax abatements, or refunded property taxes, when building an eligible new house in a city where there is an approved partnership program.”

  For information about the local tax rebate program, contact the city of Pelican Rapids or the City of Ottertail. Baldwin can be reached at her office by calling (218) 998-8050.

Departmental goals

The Community Development and Housing Department of Otter Tail County works in collaboration with cities and partner organizations toward a shared mission.

The goal is to sustain and grow this area of west central Minnesota. County-wide leaders are committed to a vibrant economy, outstanding quality of life for residents, and providing ways to attract new residents and visitors while creating new businesses along with expansion and retention of existing businesses.