Legislative action taken this summer will be reflected in tax statements mailed out to Stearns County residents at the end of this week. The budget saving measure replaces $8.7 million in property tax relief with an overall reduction in homes’ taxable market value.

It does not reflect the actual market value of the home. While taxes will be increased 4.7% on average across the state, it is designed to shift tax burden from homeowners to agricultural and business properties. A sample notice has been put on the Stearns County website explaining the changes.