Treasurer Reports Interest Earnings, 2027 Delinquent Tax Rates and Upcoming Tax Sale

The Dickinson County Treasurer provided commissioners an update on county investments, interest earnings and upcoming tax collection activities.

The treasurer reported that interest earned into the county general fund from bank accounts totaled about $176,000, which she described as normal, and that certificate of deposit interest stood at about $122,000. She said interest rates had not changed significantly and predicted totals similar to the prior year. She described how deposits are spread across multiple banks to capture higher interest rates while maintaining access to funds.

The treasurer said the interest rate charged on delinquent real estate and personal property taxes in 2027 will remain the same as 2026—stated as 13% on real estate and higher on personal property—following state guidelines. She reported uncollected county taxes at about 1.9 million, which she called normal, and said the office offers an escrow program with roughly 90 accounts on automatic monthly payments to help residents avoid losing their homes.

Delinquent real estate listings are being printed in the newspaper three consecutive times in August as required by statute, with current taxes moving to delinquent on September 1. The treasurer said a tax sale date has not yet been set but is expected toward the end of the year, and that most listed properties are expected to be redeemed rather than sold.

She also noted that a title research company handling foreclosure properties has streamlined the process, and mentioned that a Dickinson County Bank representative had expressed interest in participating in county CDs and possible lease agreements. The treasurer also said the office would use the same vendor that processed prior valuation notices to handle tax statements this year.