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