Primary ContactMichelle Knutson - County Auditor20 SE Second St Suite 103 Ortonville, MN 56278 Phone: (320) 839-6366 Fax: (320) 839-6370 Michelle.Knutson@co.big-stone.mn.us |
Other StaffSharon Finke - Deputy AuditorSharon.Finke@co.big-stone.mn.us Heather Henrich - Deputy Auditor Heather.Henrich@co.big-stone.mn.us |
Services and Responsibilities
The Auditor's Office is part of the administrative branch of County government and interacts with the county board of commissioners, county departments, county residents, the vendors, local governments, state and federal agencies, school districts, and special districts. The County Auditor, an elected official, is the County's Chief Financial Officer, Property Tax Administrator, and Supervisor of Elections. The Auditor is also a member, by statute, of the county board of equalization, the county canvassing committee, and sits on various other committees, councils, and boards, as directed by the board.
County Budgets, Payroll and Annual Financial Statement
Issues payment for County department obligations, collects all county revenues, prepares monthly reports and the annual financial statement. Compiles and publishes the annual budget.
Property Taxes
Calculates rates and prepares tax information, tax statements and "Truth in Taxation" notices. Bills for all property taxes and county special assessments. Keeps records of all taxing district levies (towns, cities, schools, etc.), tax collections and unpaid taxes. Monitors tax increment finance compliance.
Voter Registration and Elections
Enters and maintains all County voter's registrations on the state system. Administers election process including training election judges, city, town, and school district officials. Tallies and reports election night returns.
County Drainage Ditches
Files special assessments against benefited landowners on county drainage ditches for the purpose of funding repairs and maintenance costs.
County Licenses
Liquor, Beer, Wine, Auctioneer, Dangerous Dog, Transient Merchant, etc. Issues County Liquor Licenses through the Minnesota Liquor Control Commission and issues other miscellaneous licenses.