Basic Sale Price

The minimum purchase price acceptable is the basic sale price as shown below. The basic sale price is equal to the appraised value, plus the timber value assigned by the Department of Natural Resources, plus any extra charges for special assessments levied after forfeiture and for hazardous waste control.

Extra Fees and Costs: In Addition to the Basic Sale Price

In addition to the purchase price of the land the following extra fees and costs are due at the time of sale:

1. A 3% surcharge for the state assurance account.
2. A state deed fee of $25.00.
3. A deed recording fee of $46.00
4. A state deed tax equal to the greater of $1.65 or 0.33% of the total sale price.
5. If applicable, a well certificate fee of $40.00.

Payment Terms: All parcels shall be paid on a cash basis and in full at the time of sale.

Special Assessments: Levied Before and After Forfeiture

The balance of any special assessments that were levied before forfeiture and canceled at forfeiture are not included in the basic sale price and may be reassessed by the municipality. These special assessments are shown on the list of tax-forfeited lands under the column entitled “Assessments Before Forfeiture.”

Any special assessments that were levied after forfeiture and certified to the county auditor have been added to the appraised value and must be paid by the purchaser as part of the basic sale price. These special assessments are shown on the list of tax-forfeited lands with a special line entitled “Specials After Forfeiture.”

Conditions: Restrictions on the Use of the Properties

Sales are subject to the following restrictions on the use of the properties:

1. existing leases and access agreements,
2. easements obtained by a governmental subdivision or state agency for a public purpose,
3. existing road and/or railroad easements/right-of-ways,
4. subdivision controls ordinance, building codes and zoning laws (if the property is located within the Otter Tail County shoreland area it’s development/use will be subject to the provisions of the Otter Tail County Shoreland Management Ordinance, and the Sanitation Code of Otter Tail County.)
5. all sales are final with no refunds or exchanges allowed,
6. the appraised value does not represent a basis for future taxes,
7. all mineral rights are reserved by the State of Minnesota, and
8. parcels marked with an asterisk (*) will include a restrictive covenant prohibiting enrollment of the parcel in a state funded program providing compensation for conservation of marginal lands or wetlands.
9. parcels marked with a plus (+) have or are known to have had underground and/or above ground storage tanks and are being offered subject to any existing access agreements or easements held by the MPCA and with the understanding that the successful buyer or any successors will grant access to the land to the MPCA and the buyer or any successor will use the land in a way to protect the public health and environment, as well as, complying with all federal and state laws.

Title: Proof of Ownership

The buyer will receive a receipt at the time of the sale. Within a reasonable time after full payment has been received, the County Auditor’s office will request that the Department of Revenue issue a state quitclaim deed to the property. A state deed has the characteristics of a patent from the State of Minnesota. Title to the land to be offered for sale is not guaranteed either by Otter Tail County or the State of Minnesota. Within a reasonable time after the sale the County Auditor’s office will request from the Department of Revenue a state deed to the property.

The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to restrict or withdraw any parcel listed below from sale.

Information about the sale of tax forfeited land in Otter Tail County can be obtained as follows:

1. by email at wstein@co.ottertail.mn.us,
2. at the office of the County Auditor located at the Otter Tail County Government Services Center, 510 Fir Ave. W, Fergus Falls, MN 56537, or
3. by Telephone at (218) 998-8030/8041.