SF 4049

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/05/2026 09:08 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to taxation; local sales and use; authorizing Waseca County to impose a
local sales tax.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin WASECA COUNTY; TAXES AUTHORIZED.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Sales and use tax authorization. new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes,
section 477A.016, or any other law or ordinance, and if approved by the voters at an election
as required under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, subdivision 3, Waseca County may
impose by ordinance a sales and use tax of up to three-eighths of one percent for the purposes
specified in subdivision 2. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, govern the imposition, administration, collection, and
enforcement of the tax authorized under this subdivision. The tax imposed under this
subdivision is in addition to any local sales and use tax imposed under any other special
law.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Use of sales and use tax revenues. new text end

new text begin The revenues derived from the tax authorized
under subdivision 1 must be used by the county to pay the costs of collecting and
administering the tax and to finance up to $45,000,000, plus associated bonding costs, for
construction of a new judicial center.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Bonding authority. new text end

new text begin (a) The county may issue bonds under Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 475, to finance all or a portion of the costs of the project authorized in subdivision
2 and approved by voters as required under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, subdivision
3, paragraph (a). The aggregate principal amount of bonds issued under this subdivision
may not exceed $45,000,000, plus an amount applied to the payment of the costs of issuing
the bonds. The bonds may be paid from or secured by any money available to the county,
including the tax authorized under subdivision 1. The issuance of bonds under this
subdivision is not subject to Minnesota Statutes, sections 275.60 and 275.61.
new text end

new text begin (b) The bonds are not included in computing any debt limitation applicable to the county.
Any levy of taxes under Minnesota Statutes, section 475.61, to pay principal of and interest
on the bonds is not subject to any levy limitation. A separate election to approve the bonds
under Minnesota Statutes, section 475.58, is not required.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Termination of taxes. new text end

new text begin Subject to Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99,
subdivision 12, the tax imposed under subdivision 1 expires at the earlier of (1) 30 years
after the tax is first imposed, or (2) when the county board determines that the amount
received from the tax is sufficient to pay for the project costs authorized under subdivision
2 if approved by voters as required under Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, subdivision
3, paragraph (a), plus an amount sufficient to pay the costs related to issuance of any bonds
authorized under subdivision 3, including interest on the bonds. Except as otherwise provided
in Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, subdivision 3, paragraph (f), any money remaining
after payment of the allowed costs due to the timing of the termination of the tax under
Minnesota Statutes, section 297A.99, subdivision 12, must be placed in the general fund of
the county. The tax imposed under subdivision 1 may expire at an earlier time if the county
so determines by ordinance.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day after the governing body of
Waseca County and its chief clerical officer comply with Minnesota Statutes, section
645.021, subdivisions 2 and 3.
new text end