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RAMSEY COUNTY <br />LOU McKENNA <br />Director <br />MICHAEL O'DONNELL <br />Asst. Director <br />To the Clerks: <br />DEPARTMENT OF <br />TAXATION AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION <br />COUNTY OF RAMSEY <br />113-138 COURT HOUSE <br />ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55102 <br />Subject: Classification of Tax Forfeited Lands and Related Matters <br />DIVISION MANAGERS <br />Property Valuation <br />LEONARD F. OLSON <br />Revenue <br />C. THOMAS OSTHOFF <br />PEGGY RECTOR <br />Records <br />The classification of tax forfeited lands is governed by Minnesota Statutes <br />Chapter 282.01, which reads in part: <br />"All parcels of land becoming the property of the state in trust under the <br />provisions of any law now existing or hereafter enacted declaring the <br />forfeiture of lands to the state for taxes, shall be classified by the <br />county board of the county wherein such parcels lie as conservation or non - <br />conservation." <br />As Ramsey County is basically urban, forfeited lands usually lie in <br />developed areas and are classified as non - conservation by the County Board. <br />Such classification is subject to the approval of the local governing <br />body. <br />After classification by the County Board, lists of forfeitures are presetned <br />to the political subdivision wherein the lands lie, for approval of the <br />classification. The local governing body then determines whether such lands <br />should be acquired for a public purpose or give approval of sale. <br />If the lands are to be acquired for specific public purposes, your attorney <br />will advise you about the procedure for applying for a deed, or you can call <br />this office. <br />Following is the policy of maintenance of such forfeited lands: <br />Costs incurred by local government for removal of buildings, trees, weeds or <br />debris should be certified to the county auditor for collection. <br />When the tax forfeited land is sold, such charges may then be recovered as <br />other charges for local improvements in the distribution of receipts from <br />sales income. <br />Municipalities are obligated to maintain tax forfeited lands consistent with <br />adjoining properties until such time as the Tax Forfeited Land Section <br />receives approval of sale by City Council resolution. <br />Please call 292 -7087, if you have any questions concerning tax forfeited lands. <br />Our address is: 109 Court House, St. Paul, MN 55102. <br />Page 37 <br />