FAQs • Anoka County, MN • CivicEngage

▼
Centennial Library Expansion

1. Why is the library undergoing a major renovation?

Today’s Centennial Library is limited because of space – our hands-on learning programs cannot accommodate all of the people interested in participating, collection space has been maximized, computer and Wi-Fi usage continues to increase, but floor space for users is limited, staff space is inefficient, and the building lacks adequate storage.

The expanded and modernized Centennial Library will put learning on display, will be the hub of a campus that supports history, nature, play, and commerce. A learning space for community, a space where creativity and opportunity thrive. A knowledge park. The plans double the size of the library to accommodate more community meeting and study spaces, increases comfortable seating for readers, offers a larger and interactive children’s area – all requests from the community.

2. When will the construction start and how long will the project take?: Centennial Library construction will begin August 25, 2018 and will reopen Summer 2019.

3. Will I be able to access the book return once the construction begins?: No, but you’ll be able to return books at Northtown or any other Anoka County Library.

4. How do I get to the other libraries?: You can find our Hours and Locations on our website.

5. Will the Centennial Library remain in the same location?: Yes, this is an expansion project. Centennial Library will remain at 100 Civic Heights Circle, Circle Pines.

6. Will the Centennial Library be closed during the project?: Yes, the Centennial Library will be closed during parts of the project. More specific information on closure dates will be announced in the future.

7. Where can we sign up for library programming during construction?: You sign up for all ongoing library programming online at anokacountylibrary.org.

8. Where can I hold a community meeting while the library is closed?: You may book a meeting room at another Anoka County Library location while Centennial Library is closed.

9. Where should I pick up my reserve books when construction begins?: You can pick up your reserved books at Northtown or any other Anoka County Library.

10. Where can I access updates and view pictures of the new Library design?: All construction updates and available images will be posted online at http://www.anokacounty.us/3244/Centennial-Library-Expansion.

11. Who is the architect that will be designing the remodel?: The selection of Leo A. Daly was unanimously approved by the Anoka County Library's Board of Trustees as the architectural firm for this project.

12. How old is the current Centennial Library?: The Centennial Library building opened in November of 1985. In 1996 the library had extensive roof and exterior wall work carried out to repair moisture accumulation problems that were causing damage to the brick walls, but it has never undergone a planned remodel before.

▼
Child Foster Care

Show All Answers

1. Do I have to live in Anoka County?: Yes. For Anoka County to license you as a foster care provider, you must live in Anoka County. If you do not, you can check with the county that you live in.

2. Do I have to live in a house?: No. Apartments, condominiums, or mobile homes may be options.

3. Do I have to be married?: No.

4. Can I be a single parent?: Yes.

5. How old do I need to be?: You must be 21 years or older to be a licensed child foster care provider.

6. Can I work outside of my home?: Yes.

7. Who pays for the child's medical expenses?: All medical and dental expenses are provided for the child through the county or private insurance.

8. Can a foster child share a bedroom with my child?: Yes. Children of the same sex may share a bedroom when appropriate. Each child should have his/her own bed.

9. How long do foster children stay in foster homes?: Foster care varies in length depending on the child and his/her family's circumstances. A child can stay a few days or several months to a year or longer.

10. Can I adopt a foster child?: There are circumstances in which a foster child could be free for adoption. However, many other factors are considered first.

11. Can we afford to take a child?: Providing care for children is expensive. The county provides financial support for foster families. The amount varies depending on the age and needs of the child. All medical and dental expenses are provided for the child through the county or private insurance. Foster care payments should at least cover expenses. Helping a person in need is a challenge - one that could change your life as well as the life of a child in your care.

12. Is my home okay?: Apartments, town homes, single-family homes - all are appropriate locations for foster care or adopted children. Most foster children share a bedroom with a same gender child close in age. They need to have their own beds; some need their own rooms. Most kids come with few possessions, but will need a dresser drawer and a bit of closet space. If they come to you without adequate clothing for the season, the children's social worker will assist in obtaining a clothing allowance.

13. Where do the kids come from?: Most of the children needing foster or adoptive families are in the social services system due to past abuse or neglect. They may have been traumatized, most are doing pretty well emotionally, others are really hurting, and may show that in their behavior.

14. What are their needs?: Kids, like adults, can be depressed, anxious, fearful, and angry. Some have medical or developmental problems. Many have delayed social skills or special school needs. You'll work closely with social services, the school, therapists and other professionals, and, in many cases, with the child's extended family.

15. How do I learn more about foster care?: Call your county's social services department. If you live in Anoka County, call 763-324-1230 for more information on child foster care.

▼
Community Development

Show All Answers

1. First time homebuyer program - does the county offer a first time buyer program?: Yes, Anoka County participates in the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency‘s (MHFA) “Start-up” program which provides, to qualified first-time homebuyers, mortgage funding and limited down payment and/or closing cost assistance. The state’s definition of a first time homebuyer is someone who has not owned a home within the last 3 years. The program requires that you use an MHFA-approved lender, and they provide a listing of those lenders on their web site at www.mnhousing.gov. This program is currently funded. To start the process, the buyer needs to contact an MHFA-approved lender who will determine if they are eligible for this program.
MHFA also has a “Step-Up” program which provides the same mortgage opportunities as the “Start-Up” program but funds are used to refinance the home you currently own or allows you to purchase a home even if you owned one less than 3 years ago. You do have to use a lender who is MHFA approved.
Minnesota Housing Agency

2. Down payment assistance - does the county have a down payment assistance program?: No, Anoka County does not currently offer a down payment assistance program. Check the county website for the latest information on upcoming programs - visit www.anokacounty.us/cd Anoka County Community Development

3. Housing rehabilitation program - does the county have a housing rehabilitation program?: Yes, Anoka County has a housing repair / rehabilitation programs available to income-qualified homeowners. Rehabilitation is intended to improve housing quality standards – it will not pay for additions or luxury-type improvements. If approved and work is completed, a lien is placed against the property in the amount of costs incurred. The lien is a deferred loan on which no interest accrues and it is considered a “special mortgage” by the state. The county currently administers two state (Minnesota Housing Finance Agency - MHFA) rehab programs: -“Emergency and/or Accessibility” rehab program for income- qualified homeowners AND -“Rehab Loan” program for very low income homebuyers Anoka County funds its own housing rehab program for low/fixed income homeowners. As with the state’s program, completed rehab work will result in a deferred, no interest loan/lien being placed against the homeowner’s property.

4. Section 8 - does the county have Section 8?: No. Anoka County does not administer the Section 8 program. For more information regarding the Section 8 program, visit Met Council's website at www.metcouncil.org. Metro HRA - Section 8 Information

5. Emergency Housing Shelters - does Anoka County have any shelters?: Anoka County has several shelter facilities which offer temporary housing: -Stepping Stone Emergency Housing for female and male adults (18 and older) - 763-323-7006 -Alexandra House, Inc. (battered women’s shelter) - 763-780-2330 -Family Promise in Anoka County (shelter for up to 4 families with children) - 763-568-7365 -The Metro Area Hotline provides shelter info for the Twin Cities metro area: 1-888-234-1329

▼
Coronavirus

Show All Answers

1. What Resources Can I Access From Home?: A variety of Library resources are available online. Please see our eLibrary and Resources & Databases pages for more information.

2. Can I Still Return Items at the Library?: We are accepting returns in our library book drops while we are closed.

3. Can I Still Place Holds on Items?: ◦Patrons may continue to place items on hold (up to 30 items at a time), but physical items will not be available for pick up until the buildings are open to the public again

4. How Will the Library Closures Affect When My Items are Due?: All checkedout items have had their due dates extended. No items will accrue overdue fines while the libraries are closed.

5. My Library Card is Expiring. How Will I Renew It?: All Library cards that had expired this year or were set to expire this year have had their card expiration dates extended an additional year. Patrons will not have their library cards expired while our libraries are closed.

6. Will the Library On-the-Go Locations Be Open?

The Library On-the-Go Andover and Ramsey locations will be closed as well. We will not be accepting returns at the bookdrops at those locations. If you want to return your checked out items, please return them to one of our libraries.

Update 02/01/2021: The Andover On-the-Go location is now open, but the Ramsey On-the-Go location remains closed.

7. What Will Happen to the Items I Had on Hold?: If one of your holds was available on the hold shelf at one of our libraries, that hold will still be available for you to pick up when we reopen. Your hold will not expire while we are closed.

8. Can I Still Make Room Reservations at the Libraries?: We are not accepting new reservations at this time for our meeting and study rooms.

▼
Corrections

Show All Answers

1. How can I contact a probation officer?: Call 763-324-4800 for the name of a probation officer and how to contact them. (As of August 24, 2017 our phone numbers have changed.)

2. When and where are Probation Service Center (PSC) meetings?: PSC meeting schedules are specific to individual offenders. To find out more, call 763-324-4900.

3. What is a supervision fee?

Anoka County Corrections will assess supervision and UA fees as authorized by M.S. 244.18/609.102. This statute authorizes the Chief Executive Officer of a local corrections agency to administratively impose and collect corrections fees. All offenders who receive corrections services will be assessed a fee based on the level of offense. This includes all probation transfers and supervised release cases.

In situations where clients can demonstrate a financial hardship and no ability to pay fees, the probation office can consider community service in place of the fee payment or a waiver of the fee. These requests must be made by writing a letter to the Claimant Commissioner, Anoka County Corrections, 325 East Main Street, C100, Anoka, MN 55303.

4. How do I make payments I owe for supervision, UA, and program fees?

Supervision, UA and program fees are paid to the Anoka County Corrections Department. Contact your probation officer or call 763-324-4800 for more details.

Payments can be sent to:

Anoka County Community Corrections

Anoka County Courthouse

2100 3rd Avenue, Suite C100

Anoka, MN 55303.

Please include a client ID and/or case number.

5. How do I complete a Chemical Health Assessment?: If you have medical insurance, check with your insurance provider to see if they cover a chemical health assessment. If they do not, or you do not have health insurance, and cannot afford health care services, you may be eligible for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) funding. You may also contact your probation officer for further assistance. More information.

6. What is Evidence Based Practices (EBP)?: Evidence Based Practices are research based strategies proven to reduce recidivism, produce positive offender change, and promote community reparation.

7. I am on probation for a sexual offense and need to change my address. Who do I contact?: Contact your probation officer to complete a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Change of Information Form.

8. I am off probation for a sexual offense and need to change my address. Who do I contact?: Contact the local law enforcement agency in the community in which you reside.

9. How can I find if someone is in the Jail or Workhouse?: You can find if someone is in the Jail or Workhouse on the web at http://www.anokacounty.us/727/Inmate-Locator. Or you can call the Sheriff's Office at 763-324-5100.

▼
Corrections - ECRJC

Show All Answers

1. Will my son or daughter need clothes?: Only youth placed on a program (30/15 and above including diagnostic) are allowed to wear their personal clothes. Facility clothing is provided for all other youth.

2. Can they send and receive mail?: Residents will be allowed to send and receive mail. One envelope and one stamp will be supplied daily by the facility.

3. What about visiting?: Visiting days and times can be found on our website - Visiting Days and Times

4. Will my son or daughter need money while they are there?: Residents will be allowed to buy snacks on certain days from on-site vending machines. No large sums of money will be accepted for residents.

5. Will they have a roommate?: No, all residents are assigned an individual room.

6. Will they attend school?: With the exception of residents on the 'Weekend' program, all youth will attend school and all credits earned will be transferred to their home school after departure.

7. Can I call and talk to my son or daughter?: No incoming calls are accepted and no messages will be passed along to the resident. Legal guardians may call to speak to a staff working with their son or daughter once per day.

8. Are they allowed to call me?: Once a certain privilege level has been earned, they are allowed a certain number a phone calls home a week. Residents on a 'Weekend' or '10/5' program will have no phone privileges while at the facility.

9. Can I bring food or drinks in when I visit?: No food/drink items will be allowed in the facility. Vending machines are on-site and residents are allowed to have as much of that as they want while visiting.

▼
Corrections - Juvenile Court and Field Services

Show All Answers

1. My child must appear in court. Where do we go?: Anoka County Juvenile Court is held at the Anoka County Courthouse, 325 East Main Street, Anoka, MN 55303. Report outside of courtrooms E238 and E239 on the second floor of the east courthouse. Juvenile Traffic and Juvenile Petty Court hearings are generally scheduled on Thursdays and are assigned to a special courtroom.

2. What will happen to me or (my child) when I go to court?: Recommendations offered to the Court and commonly ordered include, but are not limited to: Probation, Placement at the Anoka County Juvenile Center, Community Work Service, prosocial activity, fines, cognitive behavior classes, chemical dependency evaluation and treatment, Victim Impact Report/Letter of Apology, and counseling. The Judge will consider input from attorneys, parents, the Corrections Department and youth before ordering final disposition. Disposition or sentencing typically occurs at the same hearing the guilty plea is entered.

3. If my child is in detention, can I visit with my child before court?: Visiting is not permitted in the court waiting area. If your child is at the Anoka County Juvenile Center, you may be able to visit prior to court, depending on the Juvenile Center visiting policy.

4. My child has been ordered to provide a urine sample. What should we do?: If your child has been ordered to provide a urine sample, you and your child will be directed to the Juvenile Corrections Office, located on the first floor of the Anoka County Courthouse. Once at the Juvenile Corrections Office, your child will meet with a probation officer who will collect the sample.

5. How do I get in contact with my child’s probation officer?: If you have not had an initial meeting with your child’s probation officer, you may call 763-324-4810. The receptionist will help you locate your child’s probation officer.

6. What if my child has to miss an appointment with Anoka County Community Corrections?: If your child is on probation and has a probation officer, call that person and let them know that you and your child are not able to make the appointment. Remember to leave both your full name and the child’s full name and telephone number. Please also leave a time and date your child will be available. If your child is not on probation, please call 763-324-4810 and let the receptionist know that you are unable to make your appointment. Please reschedule a new time with the receptionist.

7. What is the difference between generalist and intensive supervision?: High risk to very high risk youth are assigned to an intensive probation officer who works with approximately 20-25 offenders. These clients are seen 3-4 times per month and must call to check-in with their probation officer on a weekly basis. Intensive agents develop a case plan and work with youth to target risk factors driving their delinquent behavior. Youth may be required to complete assignments and participate in directed skill practice while being supervised on probation. Youth assessed at low to moderate risk are assigned to a generalist agent. Supervision of youth on this caseload will vary but in most cases youth are required to make weekly contact by phone and meet with their probation officer on a monthly basis.

8. What happens when my child is placed on probation for truancy?: Youth ordered to probation for CHIPS Truancy may be assigned to a generalist agent. The probation officer meets with the student at school approximately two times per month and checks attendance regularly to measure progress.

9. Will I need to pay any of the costs for my child’s placement or treatment?: Anoka County Financial Services will make a determination on a case-by-case basis as to whether parents must contribute toward the cost of placement or treatment. A sliding fee scale is used to assess parents. The fee is based on the size of household and income. Parents are entitled to a financial hearing before the court if they dispute the assessed fee.

10. How do I pay restitution?

Restitution payments are made to Anoka County Court Administration and can be sent to: Anoka County Courthouse, Court Administration, 2100 3rd Avenue, Anoka, MN 55303

Court Administration will then issue checks to the victim. You can contact Court Administration at 763-760-6540 or your child’s probation officer for any further questions regarding restitution.

11. What happens if restitution is not paid by the ordered due date?: The Court orders restitution to be paid by a specific date and may note on the Court order to reduce to judgment if not paid by due date. In the event restitution is not paid by the due date, the Corrections Department will notify the Court and request a judgment be entered for the remaining balance of the ordered restitution.

12. What is Evidence Based Practices (EBP)?: Evidence Based Practices are research based strategies proven to reduce recidivism, produce positive offender change, and promote community reparation. Examples of EBP include but are not limited to cognitive restructuring, targeted case planning and intervention, motivational interviewing, and risk/need assessment.

13. What is expungement?: Information on sealing Court records can be found by visiting Minnesota Judicial Branch website at https://mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Criminal-Expungement.aspx.

▼
Corrections - Juvenile Non-Secure

Show All Answers

1. Does my child need money while at your facility?: No, youth receive all food required for daily nutrition, as well as planned snacks and special treats. All necessary hygiene items are provided and laundry is free. In addition youth are given a weekly allowance with which to purchase vending machine snacks.

2. How often can my child call me? Write me?: Youth are provided with opportunities to make phone calls based upon their level status and behavior (see phone policy). One stamp and one envelope will be provided to youth per day to write and mail letters. Pre-stamped envelopes may be brought for the youth if they wish to mail multiple letters per day.

3. What about clothing?: Please see the parent information page for clothing rules and guidelines. See Parent Information

4. What is a Primary Counselor?: All youth are assigned a primary counselor with whom they discuss personal needs and particular questions. The Primary Counselor is also the person most "up to date" on what plans are being made by the county worker assigned to the case and will process questions/concerns of the youth they are assigned to.

5. What about school?: All youth attend the Pines School Program. See Educational Services

6. What is a Staffing?: For youth on specific programs this is a meeting to discuss information gained, recommendations, and/or designing of a treatment plan. The youth, parent, primary counselor, county representative, school instructor, therapist, and other appropriate persons will attend this meeting to discuss all areas.

7. Can my child ever visit me at home?: Yes, but these visits must be arranged well ahead of time and approved by the county representative and primary counselor.

8. What happens if my child becomes ill?: Registered Nursing staff are available in person and on call to consult with medical concerns that may arise. If a youth seems in need of professional medical attention, we do utilize medical clinics by appointment and emergency room facilities when the need is immediate. Parent will be contacted.

9. What is expected of me as a parent?: For youth who are here in the Long Term Program, Outpatient Sex Specific Program or Diagnostic Assessment, parents are strongly encouraged to participate in the program which may include initial and review staffings, parent-teen group, family sessions, psychological testing, and interview.

▼
Corrections - Juvenile Secure

Show All Answers

1. Does my son need clothes while he is there?: All "Long Term" and "Sex Specific" youth are allowed to wear their own personal clothing. Facility clothing will be provided for all other youth.

2. Can they send and receive mail?: Residents are allowed to send and receive mail. One envelope and one stamp will be supplied daily by the facility.

3. Do I need to bring in money?: Residents will be allowed to buy snacks on certain days from on-site vending machines. No money will be accepted for residents.

4. My son was ordered to report for a program, what do I need to bring?: During the admission process, you will be asked a series of questions regarding your son and a copy of your medical insurance card will be taken in case of medical emergency.

5. Will my son be by himself?: All programs, with the exception of the 'Weekend' and '10/5' program, youth are programmed with a peer group.

6. Can my son call me?: 'Weekend' and '10/5' program youth will not have phone privileges. All other youth, once they have earned phone privileges, are allowed to call home a certain number of times per week.

7. Can I call and talk to my son?: No incoming calls to talk to the residents will be accepted and no messages will be passed along. Legal guardians are able to call and speak to a staff working with their son once per day.

8. What about school?: All residents, with the exception of 'weekend' program residents, attend school. Credits earned will be transferred to their home school once they depart from the program.

9. How do I get to your facility?: Directions can be found on our website - Directions

10. How about visiting?: Visiting days and times can be found on our website - Visiting Days and Times

▼
Corrections - Workhouse

Show All Answers

1. Where is the Workhouse?: 3300 4th Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303

2. Do I get credit for time served in jail?: You may be eligible for time served while incarcerated, provided the time served was not prior to the offense date on your current charge. If you are serving time on a probation violation, that is a separate charge and you may or may not be entitled to credit for time served.

3. What is my outdate?: Your scheduled release date will typically be determined on the next business day following your intake. Weekends and holidays are excluded. You should allow 24 hours for us to calculate your time to be served based on your court sentencing paperwork.

4. Can I work while I am at the Workhouse?: If the court grants you Huber eligibility and you are gainfully employed, you may be allowed to work while serving your time at the Workhouse. However, there are certain conditions that must be met before you will be allowed to go to work. If you were not granted Huber eligibility by the court, you will not be allowed to work. Any change in status from Workhouse only to work release requires a modification order from the sentencing judge granting you Huber eligibility.

5. If I am gainfully employed, how many hours may I work per week?: You are allowed to work up to 60 hours per week, excluding travel time. You may not work more than 6 days per week and you may only be out of the facility up to 14 hours per day.

6. How are Huber fees taken out of my account?: Huber fees are deducted on a daily basis for the next business day. On Friday, your account is debited for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. You must be sure to pay your weekly Huber fees every Sunday to avoid having your account go negative. If your account falls into a negative balance you will receive a violation and not be allowed to work until your Huber fees are paid as required.

7. Can I search for a job while I am at the Workhouse?: No, the Workhouse does not allow you to job search while serving your time. If you are not gainfully employed, you will be assigned to a supervised work detail while serving your sentence.

8. May I order canteen while at the Workhouse?: Yes, as long as there is money in your canteen account and you are NOT serving your time on the weekend program. Canteen is dispensed weekly on Monday and Thursdays, excluding holidays. There are also vending machines available in each day unit. Inmates may purchase items out of the vending machines with an issued canteen commissary card as long as you have money in your canteen account.

9. How do I put money in my canteen or Huber account?: The Workhouse accepts money orders at the facility or funds may be deposited in the inmate commissary account by debit or credit card online at www.inmatecanteen.com. We DO NOT accept cash, check, or credit cards at the facility. Money orders should be made payable to Anoka County Corrections and must be signed by the purchaser and include the inmate’s name on the money order. In order to place a canteen order, you must have a positive balance in your account. If there is a negative balance or lack of appropriate funds in your account, your canteen order will not be filled.

10. Is there medical personnel on staff at the Workhouse?: Yes. There is a nurse on staff at the Workhouse and a physician at the Anoka County Jail for more serious issues. In order to see the nurse, you must fill out a medical kite and you will be placed on sick call. The nurse will assess all serious medical/dental needs and refer them to the physician when medically necessary. We may defer some medical/dental needs until you are released or transferred to another facility. If you are here for more than 14 days, you must have a Tuberculosis skin test (TST) done.

11. Is there a telephone I can use while at the Workhouse?: Yes, there are inmate telephones located on each housing floor. All calls are to be made using these inmate telephones. All telephones calls are subject to monitoring and recording. Turnkey is the inmate phone system vendor. Funds may be deposited in the inmate commissary account by money order at the facility or by debit or credit card online at www.inmatecanteen.com.

▼
County Attorney - Adult Protection

Show All Answers

1. When does the County Attorney’s Office become involved with adult protection matters?: The County Attorney’s Office becomes involved when there has been a finding of financial exploitation, neglect and/or physical or emotional abuse of a vulnerable adult, and legal action initiated by the county is necessary to protect the vulnerable adult from further exploitation, neglect or abuse.

2. What is a vulnerable adult?: A vulnerable adult is a person 18 years of age or older who has a physical, mental or emotional dysfunction that impairs the individual’s ability to provide adequately for the individual’s own care without assistance, including the provision of food, shelter, clothing, health care or supervision; and because of the dysfunction and the need for assistance, the individual has an impaired ability to protect the individual from maltreatment.

3. What kind of judicial action can be taken to protect vulnerable adults?

If the vulnerable adult is incompetent to take care of personal needs such as provision of reasonable housing, medical care, or food, a petition to appoint a guardian of the person may be brought. If the vulnerable adult is incompetent to make decisions regarding financial affairs, a petition to appoint a conservator of the person’s estate can be brought. If a guardian or conservator is appointed, that person has the obligation to assist the individual with management of the individual’s affairs, whether it be managing the person’s bank account, or finding the person a safe place to live, and arranging for the person’s admission and move to the new residence.

Another legal remedy that does not result in the vulnerable adult being placed under guardianship or conservatorship is an action for injunctive relief, where the petitioner requests a court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing a particular action that is harmful to the vulnerable adult. These legal actions may be brought by attorneys in the County Attorney’s Office’s Protective Services Unit, as part if their responsibility under the Vulnerable Adults Act.

If a finding is made of maltreatment of a vulnerable adult, the perpetrator of the maltreatment will be disqualified from employment working with vulnerable adults or children. The perpetrator could be liable for civil damages in a private lawsuit.

In a criminal proceeding, action can be taken by the State against a person charged with financial exploitation, criminal neglect, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. These matters would be handled in the Criminal Division of the County Attorney’s Office.

4. Can private individuals file their own guardianship/conservatorship petitions, without the involvement of the County Attorney’s Office?: Yes. In fact, the great majority of guardianship and conservatorship petitions are filed by private individuals, without any involvement by the County Attorney’s Office. Private lawyers who practice in the areas of probate, elder law and estate planning often bring guardianship/conservatorship proceedings on behalf of their clients. Petitioners can and often do represent themselves, as well. Forms and instructions for filing a guardianship or conservatorship petition can be found on the Minnesota Courts Web site at www.courts.state.mn.us/forms.
Regardless of whether the petition is filed by the County Attorney’s Office, a private attorney or a pro se party, the county Social Services department becomes involved, since the court is required to appoint a court visitor, usually a county social worker, to visit the proposed ward/conservatee and file a report and recommendation with the court.

5. What can private citizens do to assist with the protection of vulnerable adults?: It is often said that the quality of a society can be judged by the way it protects its most vulnerable citizens. Financial exploitation, abuse and/or neglect of a vulnerable adult is a crime, just as child abuse or neglect is a crime. Similar to children who are subjected to abuse and neglect, vulnerable adults are often not able to report the crime or extricate themselves from the situation they are in.
Citizens who suspect that a vulnerable adult is being neglected, abused, or financially exploited should report the matter to law enforcement and make a report to Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center at 844-880-1574.
Abuse or neglect may be at the hands of a family member who has accepted the responsibility to provide care for the vulnerable adult, or at the hands of a professional caregiver who cares for the vulnerable adult. A not uncommon example of financial exploitation involves an unemployed adult child living with an elderly, mentally or physically impaired parent, who uses the parent’s money for the child’s own purposes, such as to feed a drug or alcohol addiction, while failing to pay the necessary expenses of the parent.

▼
County Attorney - Civil Commitment

Show All Answers

1. What is civil commitment?: Civil commitment is court-ordered treatment for persons who are mentally ill, chemically dependent, developmentally delayed, or sexually dangerous. The commitment process may result in the person being confined in a state-operated facility, community hospital or community treatment center, or may result in court-ordered treatment on an outpatient basis, depending on what is most appropriate.

2. If I think someone should be committed, do I have to go through the county, or can I file my own petition with the court?: You are required to go through the county. You can start the process by calling pre-petition screening at 763-324-1420. If the person is in the hospital and the person’s doctor believes that a civil commitment is needed, hospital staff will contact pre-petition screening. A team of mental health professionals will screen the case to determine if a commitment petition is appropriate, or if there are other less-restrictive alternatives that will meet the person’s treatment needs. If the pre-petition screening team believes that a commitment petition is appropriate, they will prepare a written report and submit it to the County Attorney’s Office, along with a doctor’s statement supporting the commitment. If the County Attorney’s Office determines that legal criteria are met for filing a petition, a petition will be filed, with the pre-petition screening report and examiner’s statement attached, and the matter will be set on for hearing. The County Attorney’s Office will represent the petitioner in the civil commitment proceeding. A court-appointed attorney will represent the patient.

3. What if the pre-petition screening team does not support commitment?: A person seeking commitment of another person can appeal the decision of the pre-petition screening team to the County Attorney’s Office. The County Attorney’s Office will examine the facts of the case and decide whether or not to file a petition. This analysis can only be done after the completion of the pre-petition screening process, since a pre-petition screening is a pre-requisite to the filing of a civil commitment petition. Because the pre-petition screeners are very knowledgeable about the legal standards for commitment, it is unusual for the County Attorney’s Office to accept a petition when the team did not recommend commitment.

4. What criteria must be met for a petition to be filed?

For mental illness or developmentally disabled people:

For a mentally ill or developmentally disabled person, it must be demonstrated by recent behavior that the person’s mental illness or developmental disability poses a substantial likelihood of physical harm to self or others. The person must have recently caused or threatened to cause physical harm to self or others, or caused significant damage to substantial property, or demonstrated failure or inability to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter or medical care. Failure to take psychiatric medication or exhibition of the symptoms of mental illness or developmental delay is not enough alone to petition for court-ordered treatment without the showing of danger to self or others.

For chemical dependency:

For a chemically dependent person, it must be demonstrated by recent behavior that the person’s habitual and excessive use of alcohol, drugs, or other mind-altering substances causes the person to be incapable of self-management or management of personal affairs, and that it poses a substantial likelihood of physical harm to self or others. The person must have recently caused or threatened to cause physical harm to self or others, or evidenced recent serious health problems related to the chemical use, or demonstrated failure to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter or medical care. A pregnant woman can be committed if during her pregnancy she has engaged in habitual or excessive use, for a non-medical purpose, of any of the following controlled substances or their derivatives: cocaine, heroin, phencyclidine, methamphetamine or amphetamine.

For a sexually dangerous person, or sexual psychopathic personality:

Pre-petition screening is not required for these petitions. The respondents in these cases are often referred to the County Attorney’s Office for possible civil commitment by the Department of Corrections. Most often, but not always, the persons have been serving a prison sentence for a sexual misconduct crime. To be committed as a sexually dangerous person or a sexual psychopathic personality, it must be proven that the person has engaged in a course of (multiple incidences of) harmful sexual conduct in the past, and that it is highly likely that without court-ordered treatment, the person will engage in harmful sexual conduct in the future. If committed, the person is committed on an indeterminate basis to a secure, locked facility that specializes in treatment of sex offenders.

5. Can the court require a mentally ill person to take antipsychotic medication?: Because citizens have a fundamental right to refuse treatment, the court will not impose involuntary treatment with antipsychotic medication unless a civil commitment petition has been filed, or the person is under guardianship. Before treatment can be administered against the person’s will (except in the case of emergency), the court must first decide whether the person has the capacity to make decisions regarding use of the medications. If the court finds that the person’s mental illness interferes with the person’s being able to understand the illness, the purpose of the medication and the risks and benefits of the medication, and if the court finds that the medication is necessary and reasonable for the person’s treatment, the court can authorize the treatment facility to administer medication without the patient’s consent during the period of the civil commitment. If the patient is willing to take the medication, but does not have the capacity to make decisions about medications, a substitute decision maker is appointed by the court to make the decision for the patient.

6. Do persons who are civilly committed lose any rights/privileges of citizenship?: Persons who are civilly committed continue to have the rights they otherwise would have had to dispose of property, sue and be sued, enter into legal contracts, vote and hold a driver’s license. However, if a person has ever been confined in a treatment facility as a person who is mentally ill, developmentally delayed, or mentally ill and dangerous to the public, or has been found in criminal court to be incompetent to stand trial or not guilty by reason of mental illness, the person is prohibited from possessing a firearm, unless the person obtains a certificate of a medical doctor or other proof that the person is no longer suffering from the disability for which the person was confined.

7. If a person is found incompetent to stand trial or not guilty of a crime due to mental illness or developmental delay, is the person automatically committed to a treatment facility?: No. A commitment petition must still be filed and a hearing held in civil court, before the person can be committed, and the criteria for civil commitment must still be met. It is therefore possible for a person to have engaged in criminal activity, be incapable of participating in the criminal proceeding, or be found not guilty due to mental illness or developmental delay, and at the same time, not be subject to commitment in a civil commitment proceeding. This is most likely to happen in the case of crimes that do not involve physical harm to self or others.

▼
County Attorney - Coming to court

Show All Answers

1. Do I have to come to court?: You are not obligated to come to court unless you receive a subpoena. However, as the victim of a crime committed by an adult offender, you have the right to be at any hearing. Many juvenile hearings are closed and you should ask your Victim Witness Specialist whether you may attend. Victim Witness Specialists are available to escort or accompany you to the courtroom and explain the proceedings if you wish.

2. What happens when I appear in court?: Before you appear in court, contact the Anoka County Victim Witness Program at (763) 323-5559. These specialists can help you understand your role, your rights and responsibilities, and the criminal justice system as a whole. Remember, you are not required to speak to anyone else about your involvement in the case. Before your appearance, try to visualize what happened so you will be able to answer questions confidently. Your job is to tell the truth.

3. What do I need to do as a witness?: As a witness, your responsibility is to appear in court as directed and state the facts truthfully and accurately as you remember them. Your role is essential to our system of justice. All subpoenaed witnesses have information about the crime. Even small pieces of information can be critical in determining what actually happened and, ultimately, the outcome of the case.

▼
County Attorney - Conciliation Court

Show All Answers

1. What is conciliation court?: Minnesota Law created the Conciliation Court, also called Small Claims Court. This court allows citizens to bring their legal claims to court without expensive costs or complicated legal procedures.

2. Do you have a claim to file in conciliation court?: The Conciliation Court can accept claims for filing that are below the limit set by law. The current limit established by law is $15,000. You cannot file a claim involving title to real estate in the court.

The court cannot accept for filing a claim that exceeds the limit set by law. If you reduce your claim to the limit of conciliation court, you cannot claim more later. This rule may apply to any other claims related to the same incident. Obtaining a judgment in conciliation court may prevent you from bringing any other claims based on the same transaction or occurrence.

There is a non-refundable $78 fee to file your claim. You should consider whether the person the claim is against (the defendant) will be able to pay you the judgment you may be granted.

3. Where do you file a claim in conciliation court?: You must file your claim in the county where the person against whom you are making a claim (the defendant) lives. Both parties must be at least 18 years of age. You may; however, seek recovery for dishonored checks (non-sufficient funds - NSF only) in the county where the check was issued. You may make a claim for a security deposit on rental property in the county where the rental property is located. You may sue corporations in the county where the business office or branch office is located.

4. How do you file a claim in conciliation court?

If you are filing a claim, you are the plaintiff in the action. You should contact the Court Administrator’s Office in the county courthouse where you are filing the claim. The Conciliation Court form for filing your claim is available from any Court Administrator’s Office. Upon request, a person from that office will help you complete the form. You must have the following information:

Your name and address.
The name and address of the Defendant (home address if the defendant is an individual)
The amount of the claim
Reason for the claim
Date your claim arose

The claim must be verified by you. You will also pay the filing fee which is set by the courts. If you win your case, the court may order the defendant to pay these fees to you.

All parties to the action must receive notice stating the date and time the case will be heard. While many cases are heard in court, many cases settle when the defendant receives notice of the hearing. It is your responsibility to tell the Court Administrator, by written notice, if you and the defendant settle your case.

5. What happens if a defendant files a counterclaim (claim against you)?: The defendant may also make a claim against you. The defendant must file the claim at least five working days before the date set for a hearing (Saturday, Sunday, and holidays not included).

The defendant must also pay a filing fee set by the courts. You will receive notice if a counterclaim is filed. The counterclaim is heard by the court at the same time set for your claim.

Your claim will be transferred to district court if the counterclaim against you is above the legal limit for conciliation court. The Court Administrator will notify you if the transfer is necessary. If the defendant fails to commence the counterclaim in district court after giving notice of intent to do that, you may have your claim reinstated in conciliation court. You may do this anytime after 30 days and before three years expire by filing an affidavit with the Court Administrator. The affidavit must say that the defendant has not served you with a summons to district court.

6. How do you prepare for the hearings?: Although Conciliation Court hearings are informal, be adequately prepared to present your case. All parties are allowed to be represented by an attorney. All parties and witnesses who appear will testify under oath. The witnesses should be present and ready to testify. Be advised that written statements and affidavits of persons not present in court have very little value.

If a witness is reluctant to appear, you may get a subpoena to compel them to appear. You can get a subpoena from the Court Administrator by paying a fee determined by the courts for each witness being subpoenaed. You can also get a subpoena for documents which relate to your claim which the defendant or some other person has, but is unwilling to give you.

You should also bring to court all other evidence, such as receipts, repair bills, estimates, and other items which help prove your claim. You should prepare a list of facts you wish to present before you go to court. Organize your presentation to make it as clear and complete as possible.

7. What happens if you do not appear for the hearing?: The court usually does not rule on your claim at the time of the hearing. The Court Administrator will mail notice of the court's decision to all parties. The judgment will not become effective until 23 days after mailing the notice. This 23 day period allows either party to appeal or request an appearance if they were not at the hearing. The court may vacate the judgment and order a new hearing if a party that did not appear has a good reason for not appearing. Before it grants a new hearing, the court may require the party who did not appear to pay costs to the other party.

8. How do you appeal a judgment of the conciliation court?: Appeal procedures are more complex than Conciliation Court rules. Although it is not required, it is suggested that the appealing party be represented by an attorney. Conciliation Court removal by a corporation MUST be prepared by an attorney. Court Administration staff are not attorneys and cannot practice law. Therefore, they cannot assist you in preparing your appeal. However, forms are available at the Court Administrators Office.

Your case may be appealed (removed) to the District Court if either you or the defendant are dissatisfied with the Conciliation Court judgment and all parties appeared at the Conciliation Court hearing. To do this, file a Demand for Removal, an Affidavit of Good Faith, and an Affidavit of Service with the Court Administrator within 23 days of the date the judgment was mailed. You must also pay an additional filing fee. Rules of Civil Procedure apply to cases removed to District Court where proceedings are more formal.

9. What happens upon appeal?: Filing an appeal (removal) means a completely new trial will take place. You may file a Jury Trial Demand if you wish the appeal be heard before a jury. Attorneys may represent both parties. Again, you should prepare to present your case, have your witnesses ready to testify, and have all your other evidence available.

If you appeal and do not win, you will pay the other party $50 for costs.

10. How do you collect a conciliation court judgment?: Even when a case is decided in your favor, it is not always easy to collect a judgment. Conciliation court is not a collection agency and cannot assist you in locating assets of the other party.

If you received a judgment and the other party (Judgment Debtor) does not appeal or voluntarily pay, you may choose to have the judgment enforced. To do this you need to file an Affidavit of Identification with the Court Administration. The court will then transcribe this judgment to district court. At that time the judgment will go against the other party’s credit rating and any of their real property. This procedure will cost an additional court determined fee; however, you may file an Affidavit of Increased Costs and that will allow you to add this amount to the judgment amount. Once the judgment is docketed to district court, it will be good for up to 10 years and is renewable.

Once you have determined what assets the debtor owns, if the debtor is employed, or where they bank, you may request a Writ of Execution. You request the writ in the county in which you want it issued. The Writ of Execution is the document which directs the sheriff to attempt to collect on your judgment. You will receive the writ in the mail with instructions to deliver it to the Sheriff’s Office. When going to the Sheriff’s Office you will need a specific list of property and / or bank accounts that belong to the Judgment Debtor or the name of the debtor’s employer. Some assets are exempt from collection by the sheriff.

You may request the court issue an Order for Disclosure if you are unable to determine what assets the debtor owns or the debtor's place of employment. The judgment must have been transcribed a minimum of 30 days before you make this request to the court. This order requires the debtor to reveal all nonexempt property and financial information to you within 10 days. If the debtor fails to respond, you may request the court to issue an Order to Show Cause. An Order to Show Cause will require the debtor to appear in court and explain why the Order for Disclosure was disobeyed.

▼
County Attorney - Domestic Abuse / Order for Protection

Show All Answers

1. What is an order for protection?: An Order for Protection (OFP) is a court order that will help protect you from domestic abuse. An OFP tells the person abusing you to stop harming or threatening you. Domestic abuse is defined as any of the following types of conduct or behavior between household or family members: physical harm, injury, assault, sexual assault, terroristic threats, or making a person fearful of harm, injury, or assault. Examples include hitting, kicking, pushing, choking, holding you down, threatening to harm or kill you or the children, forcing sex, or any sexual contact with a child.

2. Who can get an order for protection?: Any family or household member may ask the court for an OFP. A family or household member includes married or divorced people; parents and their children; persons related by blood; and people who live together or who have lived together in the past. People who have never lived together may also ask for an OFP if they have had a child together or have been involved in a significant romantic or sexual relationship. You can also apply for an OFP to protect a child in your family or household.

Victims of abuse who are at least 16 years old may get an OFP against an abuser if they are or were married to or have a child with him or her. Victims of abuse younger than 18 years old must have another family or household member or any adult get an OFP on their behalf.

If you do not qualify for an OFP, you may be able to get a Harassment Restraining Order.

3. Do I need a court order to stop the abuse?: No! Whether or not you have a court order it is against the law for anyone to assault, sexually assault, injure or threaten you. While a court order does not guarantee protection it does make it easier to protect you. It tells the abuser that further abuse will result in arrest, criminal charges and possible jail or fine. OFP’s make it easier for the police to arrest the person harming you.

4. Where do I file for an OFP?: To file for an OFP, contact the court administrator in the county where you live. The court may allow filing in the county where the respondent lives, in the county where the abuse happened, or in the county where you and the respondent have other family court cases.

In Anoka County call the court administrator at 763-422-7372 or 763-422-7377 to schedule an appointment and start the application process.

5. How do I get an OFP?

Ask a court administration clerk for OFP forms. Detailed instructions are available and court staff can assist you in the preparation of the forms. There is no fee to file the petition. After the papers are complete, court staff will review the papers with you to ensure they are completed properly. Your signature will be notarized and the paperwork will be taken to a judge for review. The judge determines if an OFP or an Order for Hearing should be signed.

In most cases the court will set a hearing date for no more than 14 days after you apply for an OFP; 7 days if any kind of relief or protection is granted immediately.

To make the process of obtaining an OFP more effective, bring with you the following information:

A picture of the respondent for the Sheriff's Office
The home and work address of the respondent
Written notes describing the alleged abuse and when it happened
Any police reports, photos, or medical reports related to the abuse

6. How does the respondent find out about this hearing and the order?: A certified electronic copy will be sent by court administration to the Sheriff's Office for personal service on the respondent. There is no cost to you for this service. If the Sheriff's Office cannot locate the respondent, the court may order service in other ways, such as by publication.

7. What happens at the hearing?: You must show up for the hearing! If you do not appear at the hearing, the case will be dismissed. If the respondent was served with the papers and does not show up for the court hearing, the judge will review your request and will usually grant the OFP. It is always advisable to be represented by a lawyer.

At the hearing you will tell the judge what happened. You are not required to present evidence other than your own testimony; however, it usually helps to bring police reports, medical records, or any photographs of injuries. You may also bring witnesses who saw the abuse, your injuries or heard you or your children being abused or threatened. (Note - It will be up to the judges discretion whether or not you are able to use written reports, affidavits, or statements from persons who are not present at the hearing as witnesses). The respondent will also have a chance to tell the judge his or her side of the story. The judge will usually make a decision right away about whether or not to issue an OFP.

8. What happens after the hearing? How long am I protected?: The Order for Protection, if granted, describes your rights. Read it carefully. The judges orders may be different than what you requested. The OFP will tell you the length of its term, with the average term being about one year. If you are still threatened, harassed, abused, or afraid, you can contact court administration before the order expires and request an extension.

9. What happens if the respondent violates the order?: If the respondent disobeys the order call the police or sheriff immediately. Keep a copy of the order with you at all times. The respondent may be put in jail for up to 90 days and be ordered to pay a fine of up to $1,000 if found guilty of disobeying or violating the order.

10. How do I change, extend or dismiss an order for protection?: Contact the court administrator's office and explain that you wish to change, extend, or dismiss your order. Additional forms will need to be completed and the clerk will tell you how to proceed.

It is important to have your order dismissed by a judge if you and the respondent wish to live together again or have contact.

▼
County Attorney - Foster Care Child Care

Show All Answers

1. Is a license required to provide foster care or family child care?: Yes, with a few exceptions, such as providing family child care for a relative, or providing non-residential child care for children from just one unrelated family.

2. How do I know if a child or foster care home is licensed?: Call 763-422-7146 to check into license status for family child care, 763-422-7070 for adult foster care and 763-422-7144 for child foster care.

3. What is the purpose of requiring a license?: The children and adults receiving care in child and foster care homes in Minnesota are among the most vulnerable citizens in our community. To receive a license, the provider, staff and others who will be in contact with the persons being cared for must pass a criminal history check, and meet certain requirements to ensure the safety of the children or vulnerable adults being served. Providers are required to attend training sessions pertaining to the needs of the persons being served in their homes, and keep training up to date. Their homes are inspected on at least an annual basis, more often if there are problems.

4. What if I suspect that a person is providing child care without a license?: It is a misdemeanor-level criminal offense in Minnesota to provide child care without a license, unless an exception applies. If you suspect someone of providing unlicensed care you should call your local police department, or call the child care licensing division in Anoka County at 763-422-7146. The provider will be informed of the obligation to obtain a license, and the process for obtaining a license. If the provider does not follow through with obtaining a license, the police will investigate to see if the provider continues to provide care. If the provider is still providing child care without a license, the matter will be referred to the city attorney for prosecution.

5. What if I have concerns about the health and safety of persons being served by licensed child and foster care providers in Anoka County?: For concerns about family child care call 763-422-7146, for child foster care call 763-422-7144 and for adult foster care call 763-422-7070. If you have concerns for the well-being of a child, you can call child protection at 763-422-7125. A specially trained social worker will investigate the situation and take appropriate action.

6. What sanctions are imposed if the investigation indicates that the health or safety of the persons being served is at risk?: Depending on the situation, and the level of risk, the sanctions can range all the way from a corrective order (an order to correct the situation- with a follow up visit to assure the correction has been made), to immediate suspension and revocation of the license in the most dangerous situations.

7. Where can I find more information about the family child care licensing process?: To learn more about foster care, please see the link below:

Family Child Care Licensing

8. Where can I find more information about the child foster care licensing process?: Please go to: Child Foster Care. Child Foster Care

9. Where can I find more information about the adult foster care licensing process?: See more information under Adult Foster Care. Adult Foster Care

▼
County Attorney - Misdemeanors

Show All Answers

1. What is a misdemeanor?: A misdemeanor is considered a crime and consequently a more serious offense. The maximum penalty is $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail. If you cannot afford an attorney to represent you, you may apply for the services of a public defender. However, you will need to provide financial information to determine if you are eligible for such services. You have the right to a written statement of the charges against you called a formal complaint. If you wish to plead not guilty and contest the charges against you, you are entitled to a jury trial. A jury trial would consist of six persons.

2. What is petty misdemeanor?: A petty misdemeanor is not a crime and therefore carries no jail time. The maximum fine for a petty misdemeanor is $300. You may be represented by an attorney hired at your own expense. If you wish to plead not guilty, you are entitled to a court trial. A court trial is a trial by a judge without a jury.

▼
County Attorney - Restitution Monitoring

Show All Answers

1. What is restitution?: Restitution is money the court orders the offender to pay to the victim for costs incurred in a crime.

2. How do I pay restitution or a fine?: Restitution, fines, and court ordered fees are paid to Anoka County Court Administration. You can contact Anoka County Court Administration at 763-422-7362.

Payments can be sent to Anoka County Court Administration, 325 East Main Street, Anoka, MN 55303.

3. When will I receive my restitution?: Once the amount is ordered by the court, the offender is required to make payments to Anoka County Court Administration. Anoka County Court Administration then issues checks to victim(s). The Anoka County Court Administration phone number is 763-422-7362, or you may contact the offender’s probation officer.

In most cases, the Corrections Department establishes payment schedules and monitors compliance. Remedies for failure to pay include civil judgment, revenue recapture and probation revocation.

▼
County Attorney - Subpoenas

Show All Answers

1. What should I do when I receive my subpoena?: You must respond to your subpoena within 48 hours. To confirm receipt of your subpoena, review the Subpoenas page, and proceed as directed. If you do not have access to the internet, call 763-323-5560 and leave your name, contact information, the file number, and the date you are ordered to appear.

2. What should I do if I have received a subpoena in the mail and I do not know why?: All subpoenaed witnesses have personal information about a crime which has been committed. You may be testifying to: value of items, lack of permission to enter, or damage to property. You undoubtedly talked (in person or on the telephone) with a police officer / investigator. Witnesses often think that what they know about about an incident may not be significant, however even small pieces of information can be critical in determining what actually happened and the outcome of a case. Without citizen cooperation, it is impossible to hold criminals accountable.

3. What should I do if I am unable to appear for my subpoena because of vacation, doctor appointment, or other event?: If you are unable to appear for a subpoena, you must contact Victim Witness Program immediately. Victim Witness Program staff do not have the authority to release a person from a court ordered subpoena, however they can relay the information to the prosecuting attorney. Call Victim Witness services at 763-323-5559.

4. What should I do if my employer or school will not give me permission to go to court?: By law, a person cannot be penalized for responding to a subpoena. The subpoena is a court order. Show the actual subpoena to your employer / school. If appearing remains an issue, have the employer / administrator call our office at 763-323-5550 to discuss the matter. Many cases are resolved prior to actually going to trial and may be called off. Subpoenaed witnesses may be placed on call.

5. What should I do if my minor son or daughter was subpoenaed?: The law provides for minors to be subpoenaed. A subpoena must be in the name of the person required to appear, even if the person is a minor. In the case of witnesses, a police report may not even include a parent’s name. A parent need not be present when a statement is taken from a witness. A minor witness can appear for court without a parent.

6. What should I do if I am a witness (or parent of a minor witness) and I am concerned about lost wages?: Witnesses will be paid $20 for responding to the subpoena, mileage reimbursement of $0.28 per mile roundtrip and lost wages up to $60 per day (as limited by law). Payment checks are sent within 30 days of the appearance. Paperwork will be completed with Victim Witness Program staff when you attend court for testimony. Witnesses should keep track of their mileage to the courthouse and bring their subpoena with them.

7. What happens if I do not respond to a subpoena?: Many cases settle prior to the time of their subpoena. If you have concerns and/or questions regarding court contact the Victim Witness Program. If you are not released by the attorney issuing the subpoena you are required to appear. A subpoena is a court order. The judge has the authority to issue warrants for witnesses found in contempt of court for failing to respond to a court order. Police will go to a school or home to pick up necessary witnesses.

8. What should I do if I have been subpoenaed and am worried about seeing the defendant?: Witnesses have the right to separate waiting areas and the Victim Witness Program will make every effort to keep the defendant and victim/witness apart while outside of the courtroom. The defendant has the right to be present at all court appearances. You do not need to look at the defendant except if you are asked to identify the person in court. There are also deputies on duty in every courtroom to insure a victim or witness’s safety.

9. What should I do if I do not have transportation to court?: A subpoena is a court order. Lack of transportation is not a reason to release you from a subpoena. Contact the Victim Witness Program at 763-323-5559 to discuss possible transportation options.

10. I already gave a statement, why do I have to come and testify at a trial? Can I testify by video?: The constitutions of the United States and State of Minnesota guarantee each defendant the right to face their accusers. Your Victim Witness Specialist will do as much as possible to prepare you for your experience on the witness stand.

▼
County Attorney - Victim Witness Program

Show All Answers

1. I want a no contact order dropped, as I never requested the order. How do I do that?: The County Attorney’s Office has the obligation to protect citizens assumed to be in situations which may not be safe. In cases of personal crime, (assault, domestic assault, criminal vehicular operation, attempted murder/murder, child maltreatment, terroristic threats, etc.) the county attorney, as a matter of policy (unless the victim has advised the bail evaluator otherwise prior to the first appearance), routinely requests No Contact Orders since it is difficult to assess an individual's level of safety.

You will need to be present at the next scheduled court hearing to make a personal request to cancel the No Contact Order. On occasion, judges will give consideration to a written request to cancel. It is up to the judge to decide – he/she may feel that maintaining the No Contact Order is the best choice to keep a victim safe. If desired, you may attend the court hearing and be available to appear before the judge if deemed necessary / appropriate to validate your request.

2. As the victim I want the charges dropped. How do I do that?: Victims do not file charges; the county attorney does. Therefore, victims do not have the right to drop charges. It is the county attorney’s responsibility to citizens of the state, with information provided by police / investigators, to charge persons who have committed crimes. If a person recants / changes their story, they must notify the police department or Investigator with this new information. Victims may also speak with the Victim Witness Specialist about their feelings and/or wishes for the outcome of the case. The specialist can be reached by calling 763-324-5540.

3. How do I request a copy of my police report?: Access to law enforcement data is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, a lengthy and complicated statute. To assist crime victims in their quest to obtain law enforcement data, the Crime Victim Justice Unit developed a handout with basic tips for victims, which explains the applicable laws, gives information about what fees may be charged for copies of that data, and suggests strategies for victims when they encounter problems. Download How Do I Get a Copy of My Police Report for more information.

4. Do I have to come to court?: You are not obligated to come to court unless you receive a subpoena. However, as the victim or witness to a crime committed by an adult offender, you have the right to be at any hearing. Many juvenile hearings are closed and you should ask your Victim Witness Specialist whether you may attend. Victim Witness Specialists are available to escort or accompany you to the courtroom and explain the proceedings if you wish.

5. What should I do if I'm afraid the offender will want to retaliate against me or my family members?: The county attorney can request that a No Contact Order be issued as a condition of the defendant’s release. Also, in cases of domestic abuse, you can get help in obtaining an Order for Protection through Alexandra House, 763-576-9999. Visit their website for more information. Any violations of these orders should be reported to the police and the probation office immediately.

6. How do I know if the offender is still in custody?

There are a number of ways to track defendants who may be in custody. You will the need the name of the defendant. A date of birth is also helpful.

If the defendant is in custody in a state prison, information may be accessed through the Minnesota Department of Corrections website.
Victim Information Notification Everyday (VINE), is an automated system that will track offenders in most of Minnesota’s county jails. VINE is available by calling 877-MN4-VINE (877-664-8463), or at their website.
You may also receive a document with sentencing information from your Victim Witness Specialist that will enable you to request that the custodial facility notify you when the defendant is scheduled to be released or furloughed.

7. What do I do about expenses related to this crime?: There are several resources available for financial assistance. Your victim witness specialist can help you sort out which is best for you. Emergency funds may be available on a limited basis to help with emergencies not covered by insurance or other sources. The State of Minnesota also has funds available to assist victims of crime with medical, dental, psychological, or funeral expenses related to a crime. Call the specialist at 763-324-5540 for more information.

8. How long until I get my restitution?: Restitution for both juvenile and adult offenders is paid on a schedule arranged by the supervising Probation Officer. You may speak to the probation officer by calling the Anoka County Corrections Department at 763-323-5830 and asking to speak with the person who is supervising the offender. You also have the right to request that a review hearing be scheduled if you are not satisfied with the rate of payment. This will not guarantee payment or any change. It will simply be a request for the court to review the defendant's efforts at complying with the court's order.

9. I'm afraid the offender will want to retaliate against me or my family members. How can you help?: The County Attorney can request that a no contact order be issued as a condition of the defendant’s release. Also, in cases of domestic abuse, you can get help in obtaining an Order for Protection through Alexandra House. Any violations of these orders should be reported to the police and the probation office.

10. What do I do about expenses related to this crime?: There are several resources available for financial assistance. Your Victim Witness Specialist can help you sort out which is best for you. Emergency funds may be available on a limited basis to help with emergencies not covered by insurance or other sources. The State of Minnesota also has funds available to assist victims of crime with medical, dental, psychological or funeral expenses related to a crime.

▼
Courts

Show All Answers

1. How do I pay a court fine?: Fine information and payment. Fine payment information.

2. How do I submit court documents?

To file court documents with Anoka District Court, you may file in person at the courthouse or by U.S. Mail to:

Anoka Court Administration
Anoka County Courthouse
2100 Third Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303

Please include a case number with all documents filed.

To learn more visit: https://www.anokacounty.us/3866/Courts-COVID-19-Updates

▼
Economic Assistance - Child Support

Show All Answers

1. What child support services are available?: Services include help with locating parents, establishing parentage, establishing court orders for support, reviewing and modifying support orders, and collecting and processing support payments.

2. Where can I make a Child Support payment?

There are several ways to make a child support payment:

Automatic withdrawals: Some parents may pay their support by automatic-recurring withdrawal.

Retail Locations: Parents can now pay their support with cash at certain
retail locations (Casey’s General Store, CVS, Family Dollar and Seven-Eleven)
using a vendor called PayNearMe. Child Support Services will have access
to PayNearMe's portal to help parents get the barcode they need to make a
payment. Please contact Child Support Services or go to the PayNearMe website
for more information http://paynearme.com/en/

Online Payments: Parents can make payments using Minnesota Child Support Online (MCSO) at www.dhs.state.mn.us

Payments are made from their checking or savings account to the Minnesota Child Support Payment Center through a secure online application.

Mail: Parents may pay their support by check, cashier's check or money order. Parents must identify their payments to ensure that they get credit for them and the payments are applied to the correct case. Parents should include their name on the payment and at least one number, such as:

•Child support case number

•Participant number (also called MCI number)

•Social Security number Do not send cash.

Do not send payments to the other parent directly.

Make checks payable to: Minnesota Child Support Payment Center

Send payments to: Minnesota Child Support Payment Center P.O. Box 64326 St. Paul, MN 55164-0326

Processing time: Payments received at the Child Support Payment Center on Friday, Saturday or Sunday are issued the following Monday. Payments received the day before state holidays are issued the next business day.

3. How are child support payments processed?: All payments are sent to a central payment center where they are processed within 24 hours resulting in payment to the applicant.

4. Who can apply for child support services?: Child support services are available to anyone who has a child not living with both parents.

5. How can I apply for child support or spousal support services?: Applications for child support and spousal support (income withholding-only) services can be found at www.dhs.state.mn.us or by contacting the Anoka County Child Support Services at 763-324-2420 or in person at any county child support office.

6. What happens when a parent doesn't pay child support?: Child support officers use a number of enforcement methods including: driver's license suspension, tax refund interception, passport denial and contempt of court.

7. Can child support be ordered if the parties were not married at the time of a child's birth?: Yes, paternity needs to be determined first either by voluntarily signing a Recognition of Parentage that is filed with the Minnesota Department of Health or through a court process. After paternity has been established, an order for child support can be established.

8. Does the child support office help with genetic testing to determine the parent?: Yes, the child support office can arrange to collect the genetic sample at the Anoka County Government Center. The testing of the sample is done at an accredited laboratory.

9. How is the amount of child support calculated?: Child support is calculated by using state mandated guidelines applied to the gross income of both parties. You can estimate the amount of child support that may be ordered on a case using the Guidelines Calculator. The estimate is informational only. The court has the authority to order child support.

▼
Elections - Uniformed & Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act

Show All Answers

1. When can I apply?: There is no due date for the Federal Postcard Application (FPCA); you may submit it any time during the year. However, you should submit it as far ahead of the election as possible to avoid delays in receiving your ballot.

2. Can I receive ballots electronically?: Yes. You can receive the ballot by mail, fax, or email. You will need to indicate on your application how you would like to receive the ballot.

3. Can I return my voted ballot electronically?: No. Regardless of how you received the ballot, you must return your voted ballot by mail to the election official the ballot was received from.

4. When should I expect to get my ballot?: Ballots are sent out by election officials, upon receipt of the Federal Postcard Application (FPCA), at least 46 days prior to the election; ballots are sent as quickly as possible for those voters whose applications were received fewer than 46 days before the election. Ballots sent by mail are airmailed to addresses outside the continental U.S. A ballot will be sent to the voter by an express mail service if a prepaid envelope is provided to the county auditor’s office.

Note: A voted ballot sent by US. mail or package delivery must arrive back at the county no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. A voter may drop off their own voted ballot in person to the county auditor, municipal clerk or school district clerk from whom the ballot was received by 3:00 p.n. on Election Day. A voter may also ask someone else (known as an agent) to return their sealed signature envelope in person to the county auditor or clerk from whom the ballot was received. A ballot brought back by an agent must also be submitted by 3:00 p.m. on Election Day. An absentee ballot MAY NOT be returned to election judges in a polling place.

5. What if I don't receive my ballot?: UOCAVA voters who submit timely absentee ballot applications but never receive their ballots or those concerned that they will not be able to return their ballots in time to be counted may submit the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as an alternative. The Minnesota Military and Overseas Voter Service also has a service to help voters complete the FWAB.

Special conditions apply to voters using this ballot: the voter must be eligible under UOCAVA and the county auditor must have received their Federal Postcard Application (FPCA). A FWAB allows a voter to write in choices for all offices. For federal offices you may indicate your choice by writing in a candidate name or political party. When voting for state or local offices on the FWAB, you must write the name of the candidate (not just the party) for your vote to be counted.

6. Can I self-certify my ballot?: Minnesota allows UOCAVA voters to self-certify their Federal Postcard Application (FPCA), their ballot return envelope, and the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). This can be accomplished by using the same voter's passport number, MN driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of the voter's social security number on all forms throughout the process. If the voter does not have access to any of these documents, the voter may attest to the truthfulness of the information under penalty of perjury. For assistance, overseas citizens should contact the U.S. embassy or consulate, and military personnel should contact their Voting Assistance Officer (VAO).

▼
Finance & Central Services

Show All Answers

1. Where can I get an EBT card?: You apply for your EBT card and other economic assistance programs on the 4th floor of the Government Center in Anoka. When you have completed the application process, your initial card can be picked up on 4th floor in the Government Center. A photo ID will be required. If your card has been lost or stolen and you need a replacement, you must call 1-888-997-2227.

2. How can I obtain a copy of the Sales Tax Exemption form?: There are two ways you may do this.
1. Email your request to: Finance@co.anoka.mn.us
2. Download the Certificate of Exemption Form from our website.
Tax Exemption Form

3. My company has made payments to Anoka County. How do I request a W-9 form?: Please call our office at 763-324-1700 or email your request to: Finance@co.anoka.mn.us.

4. I've received a check, but I don't know what's for.: Please call our office at 763-324-1700 so we can direct you to an account specialist who will be able to assist you. It is also helpful to us if you know the color of the check when you call.

5. How can I confirm my payment has been received?: Please call our office at 763-324-1700. We can direct you to an account specialist who will be able to assist you.

6. I've received a letter stating I owe the county money, but I don't know what it's for.: Please call our office at 763-324-1700 so we can direct you to an account specialist who will be able to assist you. If there is a contact name on the letter, provide this information to us during your call.

7. Who can I talk to if I have an overdue fine at the Library?: Please call our office at 763-324-1700. We can direct you to an account specialist who will be able to assist you.

8. Where can I find a list of uncashed payments?: The list is available on our website: Outstanding Checks

9. How do I become a vendor of Anoka County?: Please visit our Information for Vendors site and complete the Vendor Registration form. Information for Vendors

10. How do I bid on projects at Anoka County?: Please visit our Bids & Proposals web page. Bids & Proposals

▼
Footer

Show All Answers

1. How do I search for a person in custody in Anoka County (workhouse or jail)?: Use the Inmate Locator

2. How do I look up property information?: Go to Records, Taxation, and Assessment

3. How do I renew my driver's license?: Go to License Centers Driver's License Renewal

4. How do I apply for a job with Anoka County?: Go to Anoka County Job Opportunties

5. How do I recycle?: Go to Recycling Opportunities

6. How do I find licensed family child care in Anoka County?: Use the Child Care Locator.

7. What are Anoka County's hours of operation?: County offices are open for business Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., unless noted otherwise. Some county facilities, such as license centers, libraries, and parks, have extended hours of operation. County offices are closed on weekends and the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. (In years when Christmas Eve falls on a Monday through Thursday, county offices close at noon.)

8. How do I get directions to the Government Center?: Click here for directions

▼
Go Anoka County

Show All Answers

1. What is Go Anoka County?

Go Anoka County is an online informational resource that identifies opportunities for individuals to engage in Healthy Eating, Active Living and Tobacco Free Living. Through these resources, we seek to provide information that identifies opportunities to make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Use our interactive Go Anoka County Map and search for parks, farmers markets and other activities near you.

GoAnokaCounty.org is supported by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) through the Minnesota Department of Health.

Solidified goals:

Increase awareness of free and low-cost opportunities to be healthy
Promote access and make it convenient for people to find places to enhance health
Increase awareness of public parks and recreational facilities
Promote smoke-free living

▼
Highway - Birch Street Corridor Study

Show All Answers

1. What is a corridor study, and what kinds of things does it look at?: A corridor study identifies and evaluates potential roadway concept alternatives (i.e., number of travel lanes, access locations, turns lanes, median treatments, etc.) for future roadway improvements. The study works to develop alternatives that satisfy the purpose and need statement and avoids or minimize impacts to the surrounding environment. Each alternative, is evaluated based on its benefits and impacts on transportation, economic, social and environmental resources.

After considering initial public and agency input, the study team will identify a set of future roadway concepts that address key issues identified. Corridor improvement options are expected to address such issues as: roadway capacity, intersection geometrics, access management, safety enhancements, potential traffic signal locations, possible local connectivity opportunities, trail system continuity, and corridor aesthetics, etc.

A preferred roadway concept will be identified and a final report outlining recommendations will be prepared. These recommendations will help the City of Lino Lakes guide development in a way that supports the preferred alternative. By implementing land use and access policies that protect CSAH 34’s preferred concept, the City of Lino Lakes will work toward minimizing future impacts as the improvements are implemented.

2. What are the study limits?: The primary study area for the study includes all of CSAH 34, extending west from CSAH 49 (Hodgson Road) to CSAH 54 (20th Street) on the east. A secondary study area includes investigating a possible extension of CSAH 34 over I-35E to connect to County Road 84 (Otter Lake Road), a north and south collector. View the corridor map.

3. Why is a study needed?: Like many areas around the Twin Cities metropolitan region, Anoka County and the surrounding areas have experienced rapid growth. Anoka County has seen its population grow by more than 80,000, from 243,641 persons in 1990 to approximately 327,000 in 2006. Increased population has resulted in higher traffic volumes throughout the area. This increased traffic has been especially noticeable in the City of Lino Lakes on CSAH 34, also known as Birch Street, raising concerns about perceived congestion, safety and traffic signal needs. The CSAH 34 Corridor Study is the initial step in addressing these concerns.

4. What is the project timeline?: The final report document is anticipated to be completed in April 2010. A detailed project schedule is included in the Study Activities and Schedule section.

5. What is a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)?

The TAC group will work to help guide and direct the study processes and provide advice on technical analysis, presentation materials, study findings, and recommendations. In addition, the committee will provide a network to keep local leaders and elected officials informed. Members of the TAC include:

Jack Corkle, Sr. Multimodal Transportation Planner, Anoka County Highway
Curt Kobilarcsik, Engineering Program Manager, Anoka County Highway
Andrew Witter, Asst. Co. Engineer, Anoka County Highway Department
Karen Blaska, Park Planner, Anoka County Parks
Mike Grochala, Community Development Director, City of Lino Lakes
Jeff Smyser, City Planner, City of Lino Lakes
Jim Studenski, City Engineer, City of Lino Lakes
Mark Lindeberg, North Area Engineer, Mn/DOT Transportation Department
Rhonda Sivarajah, Anoka County Commissioner

6. How can interested neighborhood representatives and the general public get involved with the study process?: There are several ways to get involved including requesting representation on the Neighborhood Advisory Committee, attend public meetings and open houses, visiting the website, checking for newsletters.

7. Who is SRF Consulting Group, Inc.?: Anoka County and the City of Lino Lakes are working with SRF Consulting Group to complete the CSAH 34 Corridor Study. SRF is a transportation planning and engineering consultant based in Plymouth, Minnesota.

▼
Highway - Construction

Show All Answers

1. Where can I find information about specific construction projects?: View our list of current construction projects.

2. The roadway near my house is in rough shape. How is it decided what roads are to be repaved?: The decision to repave or overlay a roadway is assisted by monitoring the Pavement Quality Index (PQI), which quantifies the pavement condition based on surface distress and wheel path roughness. Anoka County has a Pavement Quality Index (PQI) rating system that ranges from 0-100, with 100 being the best quality roadway. When a roadway drops below our minimum thresholds (which vary depending on the road), we either plan to repave it or reconstruct it. Each year, on average, we repave over 15 miles of the 420-plus miles of roadway owned and maintained by Anoka County.

3. I noticed the trail adjacent to the county roadway hasn’t had the snow plowed off of it yet. Who should I contact?: The maintenance, including snowplowing, for the trails and sidewalks along Anoka County highways is performed by the city where the trail or sidewalk is located. If you have a concern about the maintenance or lack of snowplowing for a trail or sidewalk, you should report it to the respective city where it is located.

4. At a project Open House, I was told that no decisions have been made on the design of the roadway but there was a design-layout on display. Doesn’t that mean that the decisions have already been made?: No. We are having the open house to get input from the public on the project, including input on the design. At the first open house for a project, we will often display the conceptual layout that was submitted as part of an application to receive funding for a project. While this may show potential improvement measures, such as access closures, medians, shoulders, etc., the decisions as to the specific improvements won’t be made until the public is engaged, which occurs during the design phase of the project.

5. Why are you proposing to eliminate some of the access points along the roadway? How is this decided?: The decision on when and where access closures occur is ultimately up to the owner of the road. In the case of Anoka County, we have developed access guidelines for the various roadway types in our system (i.e., arterials, collectors, etc.). We like to follow our guidelines when building or rebuilding roadways; however, we do look at each access location on a case-by-case basis.

6. I’ve noticed a lot of roundabouts being built around the region. Are they coming to Anoka County?: Roundabouts are one of the options we consider when constructing or reconstructing an intersection. Research has shown that there are several advantages of a roundabout over a signalized intersection including less travel delay and fewer and less severe crashes. In determining what the appropriate traffic control is for a specific intersection, Anoka County conducts a thorough analysis to determine the most appropriate application. The first roundabouts on the County roadway system include locations in St. Francis along Bridge Street (CSAH 24) and in Columbus at the intersection of Kettle River Boulevard (CSAH 62) with Broadway Avenue (CSAH 18).

7. It seems like people are speeding on the road. Can the County lower the speed limits on their roadways?: In Minnesota, the speed limits on all county roads are determined by the State Commissioner of Transportation. Results of the speed zone study can be that the speed limit stays the same, is lowered, or increased.

8. Will I be assessed for the roadway improvement?: The County does not assess for roadway improvement projects. However, you should check with your individual city to determine whether there will be assessments.

9. Why aren't they working on my road?: Ever wonder why your road isn't being repaired? This video by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board, in conjunction with MnDOT, explains why roads go bad and why sometimes the worst roads aren't fixed first. Watch the video.

▼
Highway - Mailbox

Show All Answers

1. We live on a county road and our mailbox was hit by a plow truck. How do we get a new one?: View the Mailbox Damage Caused by Snow Removal section of our Maintenance (Road) page.

2. What if I want to purchase a new mailbox?

If you are interested in a purchasing a new mailbox, the Anoka County Highway Department has swing-away mailbox supports and
posts available for purchase, for residents who live along the County Highway System. Contact the Permit Office at 763-324-3176 for prices.

Anyone installing or replacing their mailbox support and/or post must call Gopher State One Call (GSOC) to request locates on all utilities placed in the County right-of-way before digging.

You may contact GSOC at www.gopherstateonecall.org and click on the Attention Homeowners box to request a locate or call 800-252-1166 or 651-454-0002.

3. What if my mailbox was damaged by a car or truck?

If your mailbox is damaged by a car or truck, the Anoka County Highway Department has swing-away mailbox supports and
posts available for purchase, for residents who live along the County Highway System. Contact
the Permit Office at 763-324-3176 for prices.

Anyone installing or replacing their mailbox support and/or post must call Gopher State One Call (GSOC) to request locates on all utilities placed in the County right-of-way before digging.

You may contact GSOC at www.gopherstateonecall.org and click on the red Attention Homeowners box to request a locate or call 800-252-1166 or 651-454-0002.

▼
Highway - Maintenance

Show All Answers

1. How do I report debris on the road, trees down, or clogged culverts?: Use our Report a Concern form and select Other and describe the problem.

2. How do I report a dead animal on the road?: Use our Report a Concern form and select Remove Animal From Road.

3. How do I report plowing concerns?: Use our Report a Concern form and select Other and describe the problem.

4. How do I report a pothole?: Use our Report a Concern form and select Pothole.

5. How are snow and ice controlled?: See our Snow and Ice Control Facts page.

▼
Highway - Signals

Show All Answers

1. There is a signal out or a timing issue. Who do I contact?: Use our Report a Concern form and select Traffic Light Issue.

▼
Highway - Signs

Show All Answers

1. There is a sign down or missing. Who do I contact?: Use our Report a Concern form and select Sign Damaged.

▼
Human Resources - Job Applications

Show All Answers

1. How do I know if I am qualified for this job?: The minimum qualifications and supplemental questions are listed in the job bulletin. Your application will be carefully reviewed, along with any other materials required on the job bulletin, to determine whether you meet these qualifications. Your education and experience, licenses, certificates, and special skills will be reviewed. If all the information is not provided, you may be considered unqualified, or less qualified than other applicants.

2. How will I be contacted regarding the status of the position I applied for?: You will be contacted by the Anoka County Human Resources Department, via the email address provided in your application.

3. Do I have to submit a separate application for each posting?: Yes, however, once you have created an account, applying for positions is quick and easy. You may review and update your basic application as necessary. If you apply for another position, you may customize the information. Please note, that once you Proceed to Review and Submit, no more edits are accepted for that application.

4. What if I am not chosen?: Anoka County’s objective is to hire the best person for the job; therefore, vacancies are competitive. In some cases, numerous qualified people have applied for the same position. If you are not successful in getting a job right away, try not to feel discouraged. Continue to check our job openings for other jobs that interest you, and apply if you feel you are qualified.

5. Do I need to live in Anoka County?: You do not need to be a resident of Anoka County to apply or be hired for a current opening.

6. What types of tests are given?: Testing and assessment varies for each position. Some positions require a written examination, an oral examination, or skills examination. Other positions may require computer skills testing.

7. What if I need special testing accommodations?: Should you have a disability that would prevent you from testing for a position under standard conditions, please notify the Human Resources Department at 763-324-4300 so that every reasonable accommodation can be made.

▼
Library

Show All Answers

1. How do I get a library card?: You can be issued a new library card if you are an Anoka County resident or property owner and do not currently have an account. You may register for a library card in person at one of our libraries by inquiring at the service desk. Please bring identification showing your current address. You may also apply for a library card online. See our Library Cards page for more details. Library Cards

2. How do I place a hold on library materials?: Library materials can be requested and set aside for you at the library location of your choice. If you would like to request a title owned by the Library, search for the specific item you want to borrow in the online catalog and click the "Place Hold" button next to that item. You will be asked for your library card barcode and PIN to place the hold. After entering this information, you will be prompted to choose a library location where you want the item sent. If all copies are checked out, you will be added to the list of people waiting. A notification will be sent to you via email, computer-generated phone call, or by mail when the material is available for pick-up.

3. How do I renew my materials?: Most Library materials may be renewed four times for an additional 21 days per renewal. You can renew materials online by logging in to My Account or by calling the phone renewal line at 763-324-1590. Materials requested by other borrowers or loaned from libraries other than Anoka County Library cannot be renewed.

4. What's my PIN and how do I get one?: Your library card barcode and PIN give you access to computers, online databases, and your library account information. PINs can be assigned when you register for a new card or by asking library staff. If you have an email address in your library record, you can request a new PIN by selecting "Forgot my PIN" on the My Account login screen and entering your library card number. If you do not have an email address associated with your account, you should contact your local library and speak with a staff member to set a new PIN. If you want to change your PIN, you can do so by logging in to My Account, selecting the "Personal Information" tab, and then the "Change PIN" option. If you do not remember what your PIN might be, staff will often assign you a PIN that is the last four digits of your phone number.

5. How do I update my account information?: You can update the phone number and email address in your account by visiting or calling any of our libraries, or by emailing the Library. Include in your email your first and last name, your library card number, and your new phone number and/or email address. Changes to your physical address must be made in person at a library.

6. How can I get a job with the Library?: Anoka County Employee Relations handles most job openings for the Library. Some internships and temporary positions are listed on our Employment page. Employment

7. How do I find an Anoka County library?: Visit the the Locations & Hours page for directions, open hours, and information about each library. Locations & Hours

8. What materials can I check out at the Library?: The Library provides free access to books, eBooks, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, magazines, maps, newspapers, business directories, large print books, book club kits, power meters, and even bike locks at a few libraries. The Library offers online databases with full-text articles and newspaper archives. Use these for auto repair, homework, family trees, and other research projects. See our Books & More page for links to our many available resources. Books & More

9. How can I make payments for my fines or fees?: Payments are accepted online through the library catalog by logging in to My Account. The minimum online payment amount is $5.00. There will also be an additional 50 cent convenience fee added to each transaction by the service provider. Payments can be made using credit card, cash, or check at any library service desk, and credit card payments can also be made at library check-out stations. Payments cannot be made by telephone. My Account

10. What are the borrowing rules when checking out library material?: Review the Borrowing Policies page for full details. Most material can be checked out for three weeks and renewed up to four times if no others are waiting. Borrowing Policies

11. Does the Library offer student exam services?: The Anoka County Library does not administer or proctor student tests and exams.

12. How can I ensure I'm receiving emails from the Library?: Email notices for catalog items are sent from sirsi@magellan.sirsi.net. Please add this address to your contacts to ensure that you will receive your notices. All notices or automated calls from the Library are courtesy reminders only. You may want to check your account ahead of time to avoid unforeseen circumstances such as a hold preventing you from renewing an item or email failure. You may also want to check your junk folder for missed emails.

▼
License Centers

Show All Answers

1. Where is the closest License Center?: Anoka County has five License Centers and one Passport Center conveniently located throughout the county. Follow the link to see locations and find the one closest to you. License Center Locations

2. How soon can I renew my driver's license?: You can renew your driver's license any time in the year that it is due to be renewed. If you are turning 21, you must wait until at least 3 weeks before your birthday. Driver's License page.

▼
License Centers - DNR, Game, Fish

Show All Answers

1. Can I purchase DNR Hunting & Fishing Licenses at the License Centers?: No. The Anoka County License Centers no longer sell hunting & fishing licenses as of February 2022.
Hunting & Fishing License page.

2. How do I renew my ATV, OHM or ORV registration?: All-Terrain Vehicle, Off-Highway Motorcycle and Off-Road Vehicle registration can be renewed at all five Anoka County License Center locations. To renew, you will need to provide your Driver's License and some basic vehicle information. If you are not the owner of the vehicle you wish to renew, you must obtain a signed and completed permission slip from the vehicle owner. To download the permission slip or for more information on this topic, please visit our ATV, ORV & OHM Registration page.

3. How can I renew the registration for my watercraft?: To renew your watercraft registration, you will need to provide your Driver's License and some basic watercraft information into any of our five Anoka County License Centers. If you are not the owner of the watercraft you are trying to renew, you must obtain a signed and completed permission slip from the owner. To download the permission slip or for more information please visit our Watercraft Registration page.

4. How do I renew my snowmobile's registration?: Snowmobile registration can be renewed at all five Anoka County License Center locations. To renew, you will need to provide your Driver's License and some basic vehicle information. If you are not the owner of the vehicle you wish to renew, you must obtain a signed and completed permission slip from the vehicle owner. To download the permission slip or for more information on this topic, please visit our Snowmobile Registration page.

▼
License Centers - Drivers License

Show All Answers

1. Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License or Identification Card at the License Centers?: Yes, we process Enhanced Driver's Licenses and Identification Cards at all five offices. We start processing those applications 30 minutes after we open and stop processing them 90 minutes before close.

2. Can I reinstate my driver's license at your locations?: You can pay reinstatement fees at our locations, but that does not guarantee reinstatement of your driving privileges. Our staff will be able to inform you of any other reinstatement requirements, if applicable.

3. Do I need a medical card to keep my CDL driver's license?: No, if you have a CDL driver's license, but do not use it for commercial purposes, then you will need to fill out a Medical Self Certificate, stating that you are not required to carry one.

4. Can I apply for both an Identification Card and a Driver's License?: No, Minnesota only allows one valid card. A driver's license would serve the same purpose as an Identification Card.

5. How old do I have to be to get an Identification Card?: In Minnesota you can apply for an ID card at any age as long as you have the Proper Identification Documents.

6. Can I do any testing in your offices?: No, the Anoka County License Centers do not offer any testing, you would need to go to a State office. Locations can be found on their website
dvs.dps.mn.gov

7. How early can I renew my driver's license?: If you are over 21, you can renew your driver's license anytime in the year of renewal. If you are under 21, you may come in no more than three weeks before the expiration date. If you are under 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian with you.

▼
License Centers - Motor Vehicles

Show All Answers

1. What do I need to renew my registration stickers?: You will need to provide us with the bill you received from the State of Minnesota or your Driver's License and license plate number if you do not have the bill. For more details visit our Registration Renewal page.

2. Can I renew the registration of a vehicle that I am not the owner of?: Yes. In order to do so, you will need either the bill that the State of Minnesota sent to the vehicle owner or a signed and completed permission slip from the vehicle owner. To download the permission slip or for more information on this topic, please visit our Registration Renewal page.

3. How can I replace my lost/stolen/destroyed registration stickers or plates?: If you are the owner of the vehicle, you may come to any of our five Anoka County License Centers and apply for duplicate plates or stickers. You will need to provide us with valid identification such as your Driver's License and basic vehicle information. If you are not the owner, you will need a signed and completed application from the vehicle owner. To download this application or for more information on this topic, please visit our Duplicate Registration/Plates page.

4. How do I process my Minnesota title transfer?: You may process Minnesota title transfers at any of our five Anoka County License Centers. You will need to bring the most current title and any supporting documents, such as a Lien Release. For more information, we recommend you visit our Minnesota Title Transfer page.

5. How do I transfer a title from another state into my name?: You may process out of state title transfers at any of our five Anoka County License Centers. You will need to bring the most current title and any supporting documents, such as a Lien Release. You will also need to complete a Minnesota title application form. To download the MN title application or for more information, we recommend you visit our Out of State Title Transfers page.

6. How do I transfer my registration from another state to Minnesota: You may process new to Minnesota registration at any of our five Anoka County License Centers. You will need to provide us with your title or the most current registration card from the state you are coming from. A Minnesota title/registration application will also need to be completed. To download the MN title/registration application or for more information, we recommend you visit our First Time Minnesota Registration page.

7. How can I replace my lost/stolen/destroyed Minnesota title?: You may apply for a replacement title at any of our five Anoka County License Centers. If you are the owner of the vehicle, you will need to bring your Driver's License and basic vehicle information. If you are not the owner, you will need the owner to sign and complete a Duplicate Title Application. To download this application or for more information on this topic, please visit our Replacement Title page.

8. Can I expedite the processing time of my title transaction?: Yes. The State of Minnesota offers a Fast Track program which will expedite the processing time of your title transaction to 7 to 14 days. The cost of this service is $20 which is in addition to other transaction fees or taxes. For more information on this service, please visit our Fast Track page.

9. What types of Special Plates are available for my vehicle?: The State of Minnesota offers a wide variety of special license plates, ranging from the expanding list of Critical Habitat plates to veteran plates recognizing each of the United State's major military conflicts to collegiate plates supporting most of the State's colleges and universities. In addition to these, you may also order a standard license plate with custom characters. For information on how to apply, or for more general information, please visit our Special License Plates page.

▼
License Centers - Other Services

Show All Answers

1. When will the license centers be open?: Our Blaine, Coon Rapids, and Ramsey License Centers are open by appointment only. Columbia Heights and Ham Lake will remain closed for the time being.

2. How do I renew my driver's license when all the license centers are closed?: Due to COVID-19, only select license centers are open for face-to-face services. The State of Minnesota is unable to process driver’s license and ID cards at this time. Governor Walz signed a bill into law March 28 that provides an extension for Minnesotans whose driver’s licenses or ID cards expire during the peacetime emergency. The expiration dates are now extended for two months after the month the peacetime emergency ends. Once the license centers open, make sure to fill out the Online Pre-Application to speed up the process.

3. Are there any license centers open during the stay at home order?: Many license centers across the state are processing work as long as it can be done without being face-to-face with a customer. Our Coon Rapids and Blaine License Centers will be open for appointment only. Please check the state website here for a list of license centers open with limited services.

4. Where are the drop boxes located?

At this time, we have six drop boxes available for the public to drop their work off for processing.

Locations:

1. Coon Rapids License Center

455 99th Ave NW Ste 100
Coon Rapids, MN 55433

2. Blaine License Center

10995 Club W Pkwy NE #700a
Blaine, MN 55449

3. Ramsey City Hall (Drive-thru behind building on Veterans Drive)

7550 Sunwood Drive NW
Ramsey, MN 55303

4. Ham Lake License Center

17565 Central Ave NE Ste 330
Ham Lake, MN 55304

5. Anoka County Government Center

2100 3rd Ave
Anoka, MN 55303

6. Blaine Human Service Center

1201 89th Ave NE
Blaine, MN 55434

Please allow 1-3 business days for processing.

5. What services do you provide through your drop boxes?

Tab Renewals (Drop Box/Mail/Phone Only)
Duplicate Stickers (Drop Box/Mail Only)
Duplicate Plates (Drop Box/Mail Only)
Add Lien to Title (Drop Box/Mail Only)
Remove Lien from Title (Drop Box/Mail Only)
MN Title Transfers
Duplicate Titles
Foreign State Title Transfers
New MN Registration
Disability Placard Applications
Personalized Plate Applications
Special Plate Applications
DNR Registration Renewals
DNR Ownership Transfers
Birth/Death Certificates
Marriage Certificates
Non-Titled Trailer Transfers
Foreign Country Title Transfers

6. How do I transfer my title and what are the fees?: We are able to process title transfers through any of our drop boxes. Unfortunately, due to the varying nature of these transactions, there is no way to provide a set fee for the transfer. If you are inquiring about this, please call us at 763-324-2100 and we would be happy to give a rough estimate of the cost.

▼
License Centers - Passport

Show All Answers

1. Can I use my Credit Card to pay for my Passport?: No, the Passport Center does not take credit or debit cards for payment. You MUST pay for the U.S Department of State Fees by check or money order. A separate fee to the Acceptance Facility (Anoka County) can be paid by cash or check. For more info on fees and payments of your passport application, please visit travel.state.gov.
Passport page.

2. Is my Passport Real ID compliant?: Yes! The passport book and card are Real ID compliant. They can both be used to fly domestically and enter federal facilities. If you already have a passport book/card you are not required to obtain a Real ID compliant Driver's License/ID or Enhanced Driver's License/ID.

3. Can I submit my DS-82 (renew by mail) application at your office?: No, if you are eligible to "renew by mail" using form DS-82, acceptance facilities are prohibited from accepting your application in office. However, if you make an appointment for your renewal, acceptance agents can review applications for completion/accuracy, take required passport photo ($18), and advise proper mailing procedure. Please note the DS-82 does not require a visit to our office.

4. Do I need to make an appointment to apply for a Passport?: We strongly encourage you make an appointment when you come to apply for your Passport. We do accept walk-in applicants however we are only able to do so when an appointment is canceled or there is an open appointment slot at the time of your walk-in. Space is limited in the Passport Center and there is not always room in the building to wait for an available walk-in slot. Making an appointment is easy and takes only minutes to do. To make your appointment please call our office at 763-324-2100

5. Can I apply online?: The Department of State does not currently have an option for an online application process. To determine whether you will be applying in office at an acceptance facility using a DS-11 or renewing by mail using a DS-82 at travel.state.gov.

6. Will I need my Social Security Card or Social Security Number when I apply for a Passport?: Passport Services requires that you list your Social Security Number on your Passport application. The physical Social Security Card is not required but may serve as secondary identification if you are unable to provide primary identification. Please see Passport Services secondary ID page for more information.

7. Can I get an Enhanced Driver's License at the Passport Center?: No, Enhanced Driver's Licenses and Enhanced Identification Cards are state issued by Driver and Vehicle Services. For Information on how to obtain an EDL or EID please visit DVS's
EDL\EID page.

8. What forms of identification can I provide with my Passport Application?: You will need to bring with one of the following forms of primary identification in addition to your proof of U.S. Citizenship: Valid Minnesota Driver's License/Clipped Minnesota Driver's License with renewal papers
Naturalization Certificate
Current Government ID (city, state or federal)

Minnesota State ID, Learners Permit, and out of state ID may be acceptable if accompanied by secondary identification.
For more information on Primary or Secondary Identification, please visit travel.state.gov.
Passport page.

9. Will the Passport Center take my Passport Photo?: Yes, we will take your passport photo at the time of your appointment. Our Passport Photos are guaranteed to be accepted by Passport Services or we will re-take them for free. The cost for these photos is $18.00 and can be paid for with cash, check or money order.

10. How long does it take to receive my Passport?: Routine processing time is up to 10 weeks. Expedited processing time is up to 5 weeks (not including mail time please allow an additional 4 weeks to mail), and is an additional $60 per applicant. *Passport Services reserves the right to change processing times without notice.* For the most up to date processing times or to track your passport, please visit the US Dept of State.
Processing Times page.

11. Can I use a photocopy of my Birth Certificate for proof of U.S. citizenship for my Passport Application?: No, Passport Services requires all documents that accompany your application be originals or certified. We must send your Birth Certificate with your application and Passport Services will return it to you VIA mail. If you need a certified copy of your Birth Certificate (born in MN) please visit Anoka County If you were born out of state please visit VitalChek.

12. What type of U.S. Citizenship will I need to provide with my Passport Application?: Acceptable citizenship can be one of the following; Certified U.S. Birth Certificate (issued by your City, County or State of birth), Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or previous U.S Passport. Please visit Travel.State.Gov for more information.

13. Are minor children required to be present when processing their Passport Applications?: Yes, all individuals who are applying for a Passport must be present while their application is being processed.

14. Can I expedite the processing time of my Passport Application?: Yes, if you need your passport in less than 10 weeks you can pay the expedited processing fee of $60. If you have immediate travel plans or an emergency please visit travel.state.gov for information on receiving a passport in 14 days or less.

15. What is the difference between a Passport Book and Passport Card?: A Passport Book is valid for all international travel (by air, sea or land). A Passport Card is valid when entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. The Passport Card is NOT valid for international travel by air. For more differences, visit travel.state.gov

16. Are both parents required to be present when applying for a minor child's Passport?: Yes, when applying for children ages 15 and younger, both parents must be present at the time of appointment. Children ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by only one parent. If one parent is unable to appear while the Passport Application is being accepted, please review travel.state.gov (Section 7).

▼
Parks - Footer

Show All Answers

1. Online Registration: To use the online registration system, click here: Online Registration

2. Park Rules and Ordinances: If you need to report a violation or contact a park ranger please call 612-719-4875
Park rules and ordinances are available for review at this link: Park Ordinances

3. Seasonal Job Opportunities: Seasonal job opportunities are posted when available through the Anoka County website. Current Seasonal Jobs

▼
Parks - Home Page

Show All Answers

1. How do I register for programs or reserve a campsite?: To use the online registration and reservation system, click here: Online Registration System

2. Can I receive updates on programs and information?: Guests can subscribe to a number of lists to receive updates on upcoming programs, events, promotions and general park interests. Visit the news flash section under Parks to see the lists that are available. Click here.

3. What are the Park Rules and Ordinances?: If you need to report a violation or contact a park ranger please call 612-719-4875.
Park rules and ordinances are available for review at this link:
Park Ordinances

4. Are there seasonal jobs available?: When seasonal job opportunities are available, they are posted via the Anoka County website. Applications must be submitted online.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Ag Preserve Program

Show All Answers

1. What is the Agricultural Preserve Program?: "Agricultural Preserve" is governed by Minnesota Statute 473H. The program is designed to value and tax qualifying agricultural property located in the metropolitan area, in a manner similar to out-state Minnesota. Market Values for Agricultural Preserve property are based on sales of similar agricultural property not located in a metropolitan area.

2. What is required to enroll in the Agricultural Preserve Program?: The property must be zoned long-term agricultural by the local community, with a maximum residential density of one house per forty acres. The parcel must (normally) be forty acres in size, however, smaller tracts may qualify in certain instances. The owner(s) apply for Agricultural Preserve with the Local City / Township. The owner signs an eight-year perpetual covenant / agreement to leave the property in agricultural use, and farm using acceptable practices as approved by the County Agricultural Service. The Agricultural Preserve application must be filed with the County Recorder. Contact Anoka County Assessment Services at 763-324-1175 for more information.

3. Who can qualify and who has approval authority?: All owners of qualifying agricultural property may apply regardless of homestead status. The local city / township approves or denies the application. The agreement transfers with the land if it is sold, and does not remain with the owner.

4. What are the property tax benefits of Agricultural Preserves?: There is no deferred tax like there is in "Green Acres." Special assessments cannot be levied on Agricultural Preserve property. Annual property taxes are based on the agricultural market value only. An additional property tax credit of $1.50 per acre is applied; or the tax calculated using 105% of the statewide average tax rate is used if that tax is less than calculated using the $1.50 per acre credit.

5. How do I get out of Agricultural Preserve?: The owner(s) may file an "Expiration Notice" at any time and file the Expiration with the County Recorder. Eight years after the Expiration Notice is filed, the property is out of Agricultural Preserve. A waiver of the eight-year requirement may be granted only by action of the Governor due to some emergency.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Delinquent Property Taxes

Show All Answers

1. When do real estate property taxes become delinquent?: The amount of any unpaid taxes and penalties imposed on a parcel of real estate property becomes delinquent on the first business day in January after the year when the taxes and penalties are due (M.S. 279.02).

2. Are parcels with delinquent taxes for sale for the amount of taxes due?: No.

3. Will paying delinquent taxes on a parcel give you a title interest in the property?: No.

4. What is the difference between late and delinquent property taxes?: When taxes on real estate property remain unpaid during the year they are due the taxes are defined as “late” and penalties are accrued. When real estate property taxes become “delinquent” on the first business day in January after the year the taxes are due penalties are added to the tax and interest begins to calculate at the rate determined by the Department of Revenue.

5. What happens if taxes become 'delinquent'?: If taxes remain unpaid a 'tax judgment' is entered against the property for the delinquent amount due.

6. What does “tax judgment” mean?: A “tax judgment” means a lien is attached to the property by the court and the property will later be “bid in for the state”. This means the State of Minnesota holds a future vested interest subject only to the payment of the taxes.

7. When does “tax judgment” happen?: Tax judgment parcels are bid in for the state on the 2nd Monday in May. This begins the 3 year redemption period.

8. What type of notification is given about the “tax judgment” and who receives notification ?: Two different methods are required by Minnesota Statutes for notification of the pending “tax judgment”.

Method 1 is to publish the notice of delinquent taxes and the delinquent tax list in a newspaper designated by the County Board.

Method 2 is made by mailing a personalized delinquent tax letter and a copy of the notice of delinquent taxes to the property owners, taxpayers of record and other interested parties who have filed under M.S. 276.041.

9. If more than one year of taxes becomes delinquent on a parcel of property is a “tax judgment” taken on each year?: No. Only the first year of delinquent tax has a 'tax judgment' entered.

10. If a parcel of property has more than one year of delinquent taxes can the oldest year of tax be paid first?: No. Delinquent taxes are paid in inverse order of delinquency. This protects the “tax judgment” entered the first year taxes became delinquent and allows enforcement of the tax lien and the expiration of redemption period.

11. Can delinquent taxes be paid if the current year taxes are unpaid?: Yes.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Disabled Veterans' Homestead Property Tax Exclusion

Show All Answers

1. What is the Disabled Veterans' Homestead Property Tax Exclusion program?: http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/propertytax/factsheets/factsheet_11.pdf

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Disabled Vets Market Value Exclusion

Show All Answers

1. What is a disabled veteran market value exclusion?: This program provides an annual market value exclusion of up to $300,000 on homestead property of a qualifying disabled veteran.

2. What are the qualifications?: A property must be the homestead of a qualified veteran in order to receive this value exclusion. To qualify, a veteran must have been honorably discharged from the United States armed forces as indicated by United States Government Form DD214 or other official military discharge papers, and must be certified by the United States Veterans Administration as having a service-connected disability.
In the case of agricultural homesteads, only the house, garage, and immediately surrounding one acre of land will qualify for the exclusion. If a property qualifies for this market value exclusion, the property does not receive the residential homestead market value exclusion provided under Minnesota Statute 273.1384, subdivision 1.
Qualifying veterans with a 70 percent disability rating or higher are eligible for a market value exclusion of $150,000. Qualifying veterans who are totally (100 percent) and permanently disabled are eligible for a market value exclusion of $300,000.

3. How do I apply (homestead application)?

Applications are available in your county assessor’s office or can be downloaded from this website.

Disabled Veteran Exclusion application

Applications must be made by December 15 to qualify for the exclusion on the current year’s market value for taxes payable next year.

Veterans with a disability rating of 70% or higher will need to reapply annually.

Veterans who are totally and permanently disabled do not need to reapply after the initial approval. The property will continue to qualify for the value exclusion until there is a change in ownership or use of the property.

A surviving spouse may continue the exclusion under this provision after the veteran's death until such time as you remarry, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of the your property (whichever occurs first). Your property must have previously received the disabled veteran market value exclusion under the veteran’s qualifications. You must reapply annually by December 15 to continue to receive this exclusion.

4. What information do I need to supply?: Qualifying veterans may supply the United States Government Form DD214 or other official military discharge papers, as well as documentation from the Veterans Administration verifying disability status.
The Veterans Administration may also provide a letter that encompasses all required information (both discharge and disability). If you need any of this documentation, please contact the Veterans Administration or your County Veterans Service Officer.

5. What if I have questions?: This is only a summary of the Valuation Exclusion on Homestead Property for Disabled Veterans program. For more information, or for answers to specific questions, contact the County Assessor’s office at 763-324-1175.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Disaster Abatement

Show All Answers

1. What is a Disaster Abatement?

Minnesota Statute 273.1233 (view the statute on the State of Minnesota Web site) provides that an owner of a homestead or non-homestead property that has been accidentally or unintentionally damaged may apply for a reduction in the amount of taxes payable on the property in the year the destruction occurs and in the following year, if the property does not qualify for a disaster credit.

The owner of a homestead or non-homestead property may qualify for a local option abatement if: the property does not qualify for a disaster credit; and 50% or more of the homestead dwelling or other structure, as established by the County Assessor, is unintentionally or accidentally destroyed, or destroyed by arson or vandalism by someone other than the owner, and the homestead is uninhabitable or the structure is not usable; the owner makes written application to the County Assessor as soon as is practical after the damage has occurred; and the owner of the property makes written application to the County Board.

Please contact the Anoka County Assessment Services for additional information at 763-324-1175.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Exempt Status Filing

Show All Answers

1. How do I file for exempt status?

Organizations seeking exemption must file an exempt application - Commissioner of Revenue form PE75 – for each parcel that may qualify. In order to receive exempt status, there must be a concurrence of ownership and use. The parcel must be used solely for the specified purpose for which the institution received its charter. This means that if the land, its improvements, or any part thereof is not used in accordance with specified purposes, the exemption is to be reviewed, and the ineligible parcel or portion thereof, is to be assessed.

In accordance with Minnesota Statute 272.025, Subd 2, "Upon written request of the assessor, the taxpayer filing a statement of exemption shall make available to the assessor all books and records relating to the ownership or use of the property which are reasonably necessary to verify that the property qualifies for exemption."

To request an exempt status application form, please call 763-324-1175.

Once the application is completed, please mail it to:

Anoka County AssessorOffice

2100 3rd Avenue

Anoka, MN 55303

Please make sure a daytime phone number is included in case there are questions on your application. Also, you may be required to supply supporting documentation to assist in determining exempt status.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Green Acres

Show All Answers

1. What is "Green Acres?" What are the changes to the Green Acres Program made by the 2009 Legislature?: "Green Acres" is a tax and special assessment deferral program for certain agricultural property, according to Minnesota Statute 273.111.
Green Acres/Rural Preserve Fact Sheet

2. How do I qualify for Green Acres?

If you own agricultural property and that property is devoted to the “production for sale of agricultural products”, you may be eligible for the Green Acres Program. The property must be used primarily for agricultural use/purposes. IF the property is primarily agricultural use, the following must also be met:

The property must have at least 10 acres that are used agriculturally. There are some exceptions for certain intense uses such as nursery stock.
The property must be homestead, farmed in conjunction with the homestead property; or the property must have been in the applicant’s family for at least seven years.

Green Acres applications are made to, and approved by, the County Assessor. Proper documentation to verify agricultural income must be submitted with the application.

3. How does Green Acres work?

Two values are determined on Green Acres property:

The Assessor determines the ‘actual market value’ based on sales of similar property.
The Minnesota Department of Revenue determines the ‘agricultural value’ based on sales of agricultural property in Southwestern Minnesota.

Taxes are calculated on both market values, but paid on the lower, agricultural value, each year.

The difference between the tax calculated on agricultural market value and the actual market value is deferred until the property is sold or no longer qualifies for the program.

When the property is sold, or no longer qualifies, the deferred tax may be due for three years, on the part sold or no longer qualifying.

4. What else should I know about Green Acres?: If a property enrolled in Green Acres is sold to another person who may qualify for continuation of the Green Acres program, it is critical the new owner apply to the County Assessor within thirty days of their purchase. If the classification on the property changes from agricultural to another primary use, the three-year deferred tax may, in certain instances, be forgiven. Payment for special assessments shall be deferred, but may continue to accumulate interest as long as the property qualifies for Green Acres status.

5. When must applications be made?: Initial application must be made no later than May 1 of the assessment year for which deferment is sought.

6. Who should I contact if I have more questions?: Contact the Assessors office at 763-324-1175.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Homestead Application

Show All Answers

1. What is a homestead exclusion?: A homestead exclusion is a statutory reduction in the amount of value subject to tax.

2. Why should I file for homestead?: Property taxes are lower on owner-occupied property than they are on other residences, commercial property or apartments.

3. How does a property I own qualify for a homestead exclusion?: To qualify for a homestead exclusion, you must meet all of the following requirements:

You must be one of the owners of the property, or be a qualifying relative of at least one of the owners. To be a qualifying relative of the owner, you must be the owner’s child or stepchild, parent or stepparent, grandchild, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew. This relationship may exist through marriage.

You must occupy the property as your primary place of residence.

You must be a Minnesota resident. (If a residential class property is the primary residence of a qualifying relative of an owner, it is not necessary for the owner to be a Minnesota resident.)

4. Why must I provide my Social Security number?: Even though Social Security numbers are private information, under Minnesota State law, they must be provided before a homestead exclusion will be granted. Social Security numbers will be used to determine if owners or relatives of owners have applied for more than one homestead in the state.

5. Why is my spouse's name required on a homestead application?: According to Minnesota State Statute 273.124, Subd. 13, the homestead application must be signed by each owner who occupies the property and by each owner's spouse who occupies the property. The spouse must sign even if they are not listed on the deed of record.

6. When should I apply?: As soon as possible after you purchase and move into your home. If you purchase and occupy by December 1st of any year, and make application by December 31, the following year’s property tax will reflect the homestead rates.

7. Can I file for homestead on more than one property?: To be eligible for full homestead benefits, you must meet all of the qualifications for homestead on or before January 2 in the year for which you are applying.

You may also be eligible for full homestead benefits if you meet all of the qualifications for homestead on or before December 1 in the year for which you are applying. This is often called a "midyear" homestead.

In addition to your own homestead, you may be able to obtain a homestead for any property you own in which a qualifying relative lives as his or her primary place of residence.

8. Are the homestead exclusions on all properties the same?

No. The homestead exclusion is based on a number of factors.

First, the homestead exclusion decreases as the property’s market value increases.
Second, not all properties are eligible for a full (100%) homestead exclusion.
Third, there are other exclusions and or credits attached to homesteaded property that may also affect the amount of the homestead exclusion received.

9. How often do I have to apply for the homestead exclusion?: After the initial approval, the homestead classification will remain until the property is sold or the owner or the qualifying relative no longer uses it as a primary place of residence. The owner must notify the assessor within 30 days of any change in homestead status, i.e. the home sells, renters move in, relatives move out, etc. Upon the sale of the property, a Certificate of Real Estate Value must be filed with the county auditor as required under Minnesota Statute 272.115

10. What will happen if I fail to comply with the homestead laws or file a false homestead?: If the assessor is not notified within 30 days that the property has been sold or is no longer being used as a primary place of residence, the homestead will be removed and penalties will be imposed.

Falsifying a homestead is punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year or payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.

11. What about homestead for property owned by a trust?: Certain trusts can qualify for homestead. A Certificate of Trust must be completed and approved by the County Assessor, or the Trust must be provided for the Assessor ‘s review. Call Anoka County Assessment Services for further information at 763-324-1175.

12. Do Life Estates qualify for homestead?: Yes, as long as the life estate interest is shown on the deed, and the holder of the life estate meets all the homestead requirements.

13. Can a manufactured home receive homestead exclusion?: Yes, the owner / occupant must also apply and meet the requirements.

14. Are there Special Homesteads for the Blind and Disabled?: Minnesota Statute 273.13 subdivision 22 Class 1b provides a reduced class rate for homesteads of persons who are blind or permanently and totally disabled.

The application is due by October 1st. Download the Blind Disabled Homestead Application.

15. Is there anything else I should know about homesteads?: Every homestead is unique. Some homesteads involve property held under a trust agreement. Other property is purchased with lender requirements that may affect the homestead classification. You are encouraged to contact Anoka County Property Records and Taxation with any questions you may have.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Manufactured Homes

Show All Answers

1. Who do I contact about ownership change, valuation concerns and or occupancy status on a manufactured home?: For questions regarding any of the above concerns, contact Anoka County Assessment Services by telephone at 763-324-1175.

2. Who is responsible for notifying the assessor when an ownership change takes place?: The owner / seller of the manufactured home is responsible for notifying the assessor of the change. If the manufactured home is receiving homestead exemption, the owner is required to notify the assessor within 30 days of an occupancy change.

3. Who do I contact about move letters, tax certification letters, or general tax inquiries?: For tax inquiries, please contact Anoka County Property Records and Taxation Division by telephone at763-323-5400.

4. Who do I contact if I have questions regarding Certificates of Title?: For information on Certificates of Titles, contact the State of Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles by phone at 651-296-6911.

5. Who do I contact about delinquent taxes on a manufactured home?: Contact our Property Support Specialists at 763-323-5400.

6. When are taxes due on a manufactured home?: The first half is due on August 31st and the second half is due on November 15th. If the total tax due is less than $50, then the full amount is due on August 31st.

7. Who is the responsible party for taxes on manufactured homes?: The legal owner of record of the home as of January 2nd of the year the taxes are levied is the responsible party.

8. What year am I being taxed for on my manufactured home?: Taxes on manufactured homes are a current year tax, meaning the taxes are levied against the current year taxable value (different from real estate, where taxes are levied against the prior year taxable value.)

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Notice of Expiration of Redemption

Show All Answers

1. What does “redemption” mean?: “Redemption” means the act or process to redeem by paying the total delinquent tax amount to remove the tax judgment lien on the property and to avoid the impending loss of the property.

2. What happens if delinquent taxes are not paid before the redemption period expires?: Failure to pay the delinquent tax amount before the redemption period expires results in the property forfeiting to the state in trust for the local taxing districts.

3. Who is notified of the expiration of redemption?: All parties with a legal interest in the property.

4. What methods are used to notify parties with a legal interest in the property?

Posting of notice – primarily for mortgages and lien holders
Publication of notice – all parties holding an interest in the property
Certified mailing of notice – primarily for owners and taxpayers
Service of notice – specifically for occupants of the property

5. What determines if the redemption period is 3 or 5 years?: The length of time depends on the classification and the location of the property when the tax judgment was taken.

6. What are the payment options to pay the delinquent tax amount before forfeiture of the property ?

Pay all delinquent taxes in a single lump sum
If taxes are due for two or more years, payments may be made in inverse order (delinquent tax amount due immediately preceding the current year) before the redemption period expires until all delinquent taxes are paid in full
If eligible – the property owner or taxpayer may “confess judgment” by signing an agreement to pay the total delinquent amount due in installments.

7. What is the definition of “Total Delinquent Tax Amount”?

Unpaid delinquent real property taxes
Unpaid delinquent special assessments (if any)
Penalties imposed on unpaid real estate property taxes and special assessments (if any) during the year when taxes are due
Total interest accrued on the delinquent taxes, penalties and county costs up through the time of payment
County costs for administering the delinquent tax laws

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Online Property Tax Payment Fees

Show All Answers

1. Is there a fee to pay my property taxes on the website?: E-checks will be assessed a $1 service fee. The credit / debit card service fee will vary, depending upon the type of card used. The fees will be shown before you submit your payment and there will be an option to cancel the payment at that time.

2. Why does Anoka County charge a fee for credit / debit card transactions?: Anoka County does not charge a fee. The fees are charged by the company we use to handle credit card transactions. Anoka County does not receive any of the fee amounts charged to your credit /debit card account for paying property taxes.

3. Why doesn't Anoka County handle its own card transactions and eliminate the fee?: Minnesota Statute allows the counties to accept credit cards for payment of real-estate taxes but specifies that any fees charged by the credit card companies must be passed on to the taxpayer and not paid by the county.

4. I don't have to pay a fee when I use my credit/debit card anywhere else. Why do I have to pay a fee to pay my property taxes?: There is always a fee charged by the credit card company - for the "loaning" of the money for 30 days. In private industry the merchant pays the fee but is able to recover the cost by increasing the price of their products.

5. If Anoka County doesn't receive the fee amounts, who does?: The fee that is paid is divided between the credit card company and the third party – Paymentus in this instance - the county receives only the property tax payment. The $1 fee for e-check is also kept by the service providers. We receive none of the convenience fee.

6. Why is Anoka County offering this service?: This is a service that has been requested for several years by taxpayers. Since we are prohibited from paying the fee, the only way we can offer credit cards as a payment option is to go through a third party.

7. Are there any other payment options I can use that don't charge a fee?: Yes, you can have funds taken directly from your bank account at certain times of the year. Please call 763-323-5400 for more information on this option. You can also mail in your payment by check or take cash to the Property Records and Taxation Public Service Counter on the first floor of the County Government Center in Anoka.

8. What debit / credit cards are accepted??: MasterCard, Visa and Discover are accepted for online payments.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Open Space

Show All Answers

1. What is Open Space?

The Minnesota Open Space Property Tax Law provides for deferment of a portion of the estimated market value and taxes payable on certain private outdoor, recreational, open space, and park lands.

According to Minnesota Statute 273.112, real estate property is entitled to the valuation and tax deferment under the "Open Space" law only if it is actively devoted to golf, skiing, lawn bowling, croquet, auto racing, archery, or firearm range recreational use or other recreational uses carried on at the establishment. (view the statute on the State of Minnesota Web site)

Contact Anoka County Assessment Services at 763-324-1175 for additional information and an application.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Property Assessment

Show All Answers

1. What year will my house be seen by assessment staff?

The State of Minnesota requires assessors to
physically inspect all parcels once every five years (quintile) or 20% of each
city or township. As a result of these requirements, Anoka County has
created maps depicting which areas staff will be working over the next 5
years. If property owners have specific questions regarding what an
inspection entails, or would like to schedule an inspection, we encourage them to
contact our office.

Quintile map for Andover

Quintile map for Blaine

Quintile map for Circle Pines

Quintile map for Columbia Heights

Quintile map for Lexington

Quintile map for Lino Lakes

Quintile map for Linwood

Quintile map for Oak Grove

Quintile map for Ramsey

2. How do I verify the appraiser at my house is an Anoka County employee?: Property owners wishing to verify the person at their
door is in fact an appraiser, are encouraged to call 763-323-5400.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Property Records

Show All Answers

1. Where do I find my property information?: Property information is available online.

2. Where are real estate property forms available?

Minnesota Uniform Conveyance Blank forms are available from:

area attorney’s offices
abstract/title companies
Google: Minnesota Uniform Conveyancing Forms

3. How do I obtain a copy of recorded documents or my Certificate of Title?

Requests containing document number can be mailed with appropriate fees ($10 for certified copy, or $1 per page for standard copy) to: Anoka County Property Records and Taxation, 2100 3rd Ave, Anoka, MN 55303. Please include self-address stamped return envelope. Request will not be honored without payment.

Documents are also available in our Public Research Area (room 119) located on the first floor in the government center. If document was recorded after 1994, assistance obtaining the document number is available by calling 763-323-5400.

4. How do I calculate State Deed Tax and Mortgage Registration Tax?

State Deed Tax: Net Consideration X .0033
Mortgage Registration Tax: Secured Amount X .0023

5. What is a standard document?

Minnesota Statutes 507.093 sets standards for documents to be recorded with the county recorder or filed with the registrar of titles (other than by electronic means) as follows:

The document shall consist of one or more individual sheets measuring no larger than 8.5 inches by 14 inches.
The form of the document shall be printed, typewritten, or computer generated in black ink and the form of the document shall not be smaller than 8-point type.
The document shall be on white paper of not less than 20-pound weight with no background color, images, or writing and shall have a clear border of approximately one-half inch on the top, bottom, and each side.
The first page of the document shall contain a blank space at the top measuring three inches, as measured from the top of the page. The right half to be used by the county recorder for recording information or registrar of titles for filing information and the left half to be used by the county auditor or treasurer for certification.
The title of the document shall be prominently displayed at the top of the first page below the blank space referred to in clause
No additional sheet shall be attached or affixed to a page that covers up any information or printed part of the form.
A document presented for recording or filing must be sufficiently legible to reproduce a readable copy using the county recorder's or registrar of title's current method of reproduction. The standards in this paragraph do not apply to a document that is recorded or filed as part of a pilot project for the electronic filing of real estate documents implemented by the task force created in Laws 2000, chapter 391.

The maximum time allowed for completion of the recording process for documents presented in recordable form is ten business days. MS 357.182.

6. What needs to be on a document for recording purposes?

County staff reviews documents presented for recording for the requirements listed below. Failure to meet these requirements may cause your document to be rejected:

Date of Execution
Name of Grantor / Grantee / Mortgagor / Mortgagee
Complete Legal Description
Proper Acknowledgement (notary seal / stamp, signatures, martial status when applicable)
"Drafted By" Statement -if notarized in Minnesota.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Property Taxes

Show All Answers

1. Where can I find an online tax statement to print off for my use?

Online statements can be found on the first page of your property information overview. You will need to click on the link on the right side of the page under Reports. It is titled Tax Statement. After selecting Tax Statement, select Go and it will generate a current year report. This is a dynamic report that will show current taxes owing at the point that you generate the report.

If you have questions, you can call 763-323-5400 for assistance.

2. When are my property taxes due?

How your property is classified and/or the tax amount, will determine when your taxes are due.

Residential homestead, cabins, commercial/industrial and residential non-homestead property with a bill over $100 is due May 15 and October 15
Agricultural homestead and agricultural non-homestead property with a bill over $100 is due May 15 and Nov 15
All real estate property with the tax bill amount of $100 and under are all due May 15 (At the December 14, 2010 Anoka County Board Meeting, Resolution #2010-171 was passed allowing property owners who have multiple parcels (linked property) with aggregate taxes exceeding $100 to make payments in two installments as provided for in Minn. Stat. § 279.01, subd. 1.)
Personal property - structures located on leased government land with a bill over $50 may be paid in 2 installments on May 15 and October 15
All other personal property taxes are due in full on May 15
Manufactured Homes over $50 are due August 31 and November 15
Manufactured Homes $50 and under are due August 31
If any of the due dates fall on a weekend, the taxes are due the next business day.

3. What locations will take my property tax payment?: You may pay in person at the Public Service Counter in the Government Center in downtown Anoka located at 2100 3rd Ave. License centers no longer accept property tax payments. (Note: The Deputy Registrar’s office in Circle Pines does not accept property tax payments.)

4. Is there a grace period for paying my property taxes?: No, there is not a grace period when paying your property taxes.

5. If I pay my property taxes late, is there a penalty?

If you pay your first half or second half property tax after the due dates, a penalty will be added to your tax. The later you pay the greater the penalty you must pay.

The taxes for Personal Property located on leased government-owned land may be paid in two installments which are due at the same time as real estate property taxes, and which are subject to the same penalty schedule and penalty rates as real estate property taxes. All other Personal Property taxes are due in full on or before May 15, 20XX.

If an installment due date falls on a weekend, it is due the next business day.
View the penalty table.

6. What is "Tax Capacity Value?": "Tax Capacity Value" is determined by multiplying the market value of the property by the statutory percentage rates (also called class rates) for the specific classification(s)/use(s) on the property. Minnesota has many class rates and those rates can be changed only by the State Legislature. Call Anoka County Property Records and Taxation Division for a list of the current class rates.

For example: the class rate for homestead property is significantly less than the class rate for commercial or industrial property. The classification of a parcel determines what percentages are to be used to determine the total tax capacity of each parcel in Anoka County.

7. What is "Tax Capacity Rate?": The "Tax Capacity Rate" is determined annually by the County Treasurer/Auditor. This rate is multiplied by the "Tax Capacity Value" to arrive at the property tax.

The "Tax Capacity Rate" is a result of dividing the property tax levies submitted by the taxing authorities (school district, county, city/township, metropolitan authorities, etc.), by the overall/total tax capacity value for that taxing jurisdiction.

A separate tax capacity rate applies to commercial/industrial/utility property because of the Fiscal Disparities (tax sharing) program in the seven county metropolitan area. Contact Anoka County Property Records and Taxation Division for information on the Fiscal Disparities program. Commercial/Industrial properties also pay a statewide general property tax.

8. What is a "Truth in Taxation Notice" (TNT)?: The "Truth in Taxation Notice" (TNT) also known as the "Notice of Proposed Taxes" is mailed in mid-November each year. The notice estimates the property tax you will pay in the following year if the taxing jurisdictions approve the budget amounts they are considering. Property owners are invited to attend meetings held by the local units of government to express their opinions on local budgets.

This is not the meeting to discuss your taxable market value.

9. What happens at the Truth in Taxation meetings?: The usual format of the meeting is a budget presentation by the taxing jurisdiction followed by public comment and questions.

10. My school district held a referendum at the November general election. If it passed, is the increase reflected on this Truth in Taxation Notice?: No. The notices are only based on levies prior to the referendum election. The school district mailed all properties a notice detailing the tax impact of the passage of the measure. You need only add the appropriate amount from the notice to the amount on the TNT notice to get you estimated taxes. An updated notice will not be mailed. Referendums passed at the September primary election are included on the TNT notice.

11. What factors affect my property taxes?

There are several items that affect your taxes.

Changes to the tax levy (spending decisions) made by the city, county, school district or special taxing districts.
Changes to the market value of your property. Also changes in the market values for the area or a particular type of property.
Legislative changes to the property classification rates, state aid formulas and other tax laws.
Also new taxes approved by a voter referendum will effect your property taxes

12. Who determines my property tax?

There are three entities that determine your property tax.

The State Legislature establishes property classes and class rates, determines levels of state aid to local units of government, sets the amount of homestead credit, and sets the state general tax rate.
Local units of government determine their tax levy amount.
The county assessor assigns each property a market value and property classification as provided by state statute.

13. Does increasing property value always increase my taxes?: No. Governmental units must set a tax levy each year. Increasing the tax levy is the only way that a governmental unit will receive more tax dollars.

14. What is "Fiscal Disparities?": Fiscal Disparities is a tax base sharing program created in 1971 in the seven county metropolitan area to promote better regional planning and improve equity in the distribution of fiscal resources. Forty percent of the growth in commercial and industrial property is "shared" with all taxing jurisdictions in the seven county metropolitan area.

15. What is "Tax Increment Financing?": A municipal development program enabling a city to use the additional property taxes that a proposed development project would generate to finance land acquisition, demolition and other costs necessary for that development to occur. Usually the issuance of a bond is necessary to finance these up front costs. Bonds are repaid by the extra taxes that are generated by the new development and construction. The taxed captured to repay the bonds come from all the taxing districts that normally levy a tax on the property. Properties with the same market value, class and area will pay the same tax even if one is in a tax increment district and the other is not.

16. Why do I have to pay late fees if I didn’t receive my tax statement?: Only one tax statement per parcel is mailed per year, statements are mailed in mid March. A change in the ownership recorded after January 1 of the current year will not initiate the mailing of a new statement. The statement will be sent to the previous owner / or taxpayer.

If you paid off or refinanced your mortgage and were escrowing your tax payment, you are responsible for paying the taxes due. Failure to timely pay your taxes due to not receiving or having a tax statement will not forgive the imposition of penalty and interest.

If you have not received your tax statement(s) by April 1st on any year, please call 763-323-5400 and request a duplicate.

17. What are the waste management fees?: Minnesota counties are mandated by law to reduce both the volume and hazardous nature of waste. The law also prohibits metropolitan counties including Anoka County from landfilling unprocessed waste.

To comply with the law, Anoka County developed a highly effective and environmentally safe waste management system. This system is funded by the Solid Waste Management Charge adopted in 1994.

County residents are billed for the county’s comprehensive waste disposal through an annual solid waste management charge.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral

Show All Answers

1. What is the Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral program?

https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-deferral-senior-citizens

2. Where can I get an application for the program?: http://www.revenue.state.mn.us/Forms_and_Instructions/crscd.pdf

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Tax Forfeited Land Sales

Show All Answers

1. What properties are for sale?: All properties for sale are published in the legal newspaper of Anoka County

2. How do I receive information on the properties?: You can submit your name and contact information to the Property Taxes Division and you will be placed on a list to be contacted when a sale date has been set. The Anoka County Web site will also be updated with information of all properties for sale.

3. What is the process for bidding on a property?: Bids must be submitted on a Sealed Bid Form. For more information on this process and a sample form, go to Bidding Instructions.

4. Can I cancel my bid once it has been submitted?: No, you cannot cancel your bid once it has been submitted.

5. How do I receive title to the property?: A State Deed is ordered after payment is received in full. For more information, go to Important Facts .

6. Is there a re-purchase period allowed for previous owners?: Previous owners cannot reclaim a parcel once the property has been placed for sale.

7. What happens to parcels not sold at the public sale?: All properties that are not sold at the public sale are placed on a list of available properties in Anoka County. The list can be obtained through the Public Service Counter or on the Anoka County website. All parcels are available for sale at the established minimum bid price approved by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners.

8. Who do I contact if I have more questions?: Please contact our Property Support Specialist at 763-324-1109 or 763-323-5400 with any questions or concerns.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Tax Statements

Show All Answers

1. What are the "Metropolitan Special Taxing Districts" on my tax statement and Truth in Taxation Notice?: Metropolitan Special Taxing Districts include the Metropolitan Council, the Metropolitan Transit District and the Mosquito Control District.

2. What are the "Other Special Taxing Districts" on my tax statement and Truth in Taxation Notice?: Other Special Taxing Districts include Housing and Redevelopment Authorities (HRA), Light Rail Authority, Port Authorities, hospital districts and water management districts. Not all areas have each of these districts.

3. What is the "State General Tax" on my tax statement and Truth in Taxation Notice?: The State General tax was enacted for taxes payable in 2002 and future years on commercial, industrial and seasonal properties. These taxes are paid to the State of Minnesota and go to the State General Fund with a portion used to fund school related expenditures.

4. What is the "Voter Approved Levy" for the school district on my tax statement and Truth in Taxation Notice?: This includes all school district levies and debt obligations approved by the voters in that school district.

5. What is the "Other Local Levies" on my tax statement and Truth in Taxation Notice?: Other Local Levies include school levies for community services and debt obligations not voter approved.

6. What is a Special Assessment?: A special assessment is an improvement which directly benefits the property. Common assessments include streets, sidewalk and sewers. It is shown as a separate amount on the tax statement and is not included on the Truth In Taxation Notice.

The amount is based on how much the property benefits from the improvement and the cost of the project. The property’s market value is not used to determine the amount of the special assessment.

7. Why are Special Assessments and other charges or fees not shown on the Truth in Taxation Notice?: The special assessment information is not available from the cities at the time notices are prepared. Also, the intent of the Truth in Taxation Notice was to provide the property owner with a parcel specific impact of a tax jurisdiction’s anticipated budget. Special assessments are not a part of the budget process as it relates to property tax levies.

8. Is it likely that the amount on my Truth in Taxation Notice will be different than the amount on my tax statement?

Yes, it is likely they will differ. The Truth in Taxation Notice (TNT) is an estimate. The amounts may differ for any of the following reasons:

Referendums could pass, increasing your tax
Property owners can file for homestead classification if they own and occupy their homes by December 1
Taxing jurisdictions can lower their tax levy
Although not a tax, special assessments and other charges may be billed on the tax statement

9. What is available for property tax refund programs?

The regular property tax refund program provides a refund to property owners who meet certain guidelines.

The special property tax refund program offers relief to property owners, regardless of income, whose taxes go up more than 12 percent and at least $100 from the prior year to current year. The state will refund 60 percent of any amounts paid beyond those limits, up to a maximum of $1,000.

For more information on property tax refunds, rebates, and credits, contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue at 651-296-3781, TTY users call 711 for Minnesota Relay, or go to the Department of Revenue website.

10. Are there any property tax deferral programs available to senior citizens?

Yes. For property taxes, the State of Minnesota administers the Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral program. To be eligible, one spouse must be 65 years old and the other spouse must be at least 62 years old, with a household income of $60,000 or less, and have lived in your home for at least 15 years. If you qualify, your taxes cannot exceed 3% of your net income. The State of Minnesota will pay any remaining tax as a low interest loan. The unpaid tax along with accumulated interest will become a lien on the property. This lien must be satisfied upon sale of the property. Participants who apply for property tax refunds or rebates will not receive the refunds or rebates as cash payments. Instead, the refunds or rebates will be applied to the deferred property tax total. To receive a fact sheet and application, please call the Department of Revenue at 651-556-6091 or go to the Department of Revenue website.

For special assessments, any taxing authority making a special assessment may defer the payment if it is determined that the payment would pose a hardship. This deferral of payment or special assessments ends when any of the following is true: a) the death of the owner, unless the spouse is still eligible, b) the sale, transfer or subdivision of the property or any part thereof, c) if the property no longer qualifies for homestead status, or d) the taxing authority determines that a hardship no longer exists. At the end of the deferment, all special assessment amounts plus interest and penalties, if any, shall become due.

This form must be submitted to the taxing authority assessing the specials prior to the approval of the assessment by the taxing authority. If a deferment is granted, the County Auditor must record the application for deferment showing the amount deferred and the amount of interest, if any, that will be due at the end of the deferment.

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Understanding Property Assessment

Show All Answers

1. What does the Assessor do?: Estimates Value
The law specifically requires that Assessors view each parcel of real estate property to appraise its market value. Property values change continuously with changing economic conditions. In addition to market changes, numerous physical changes affect the value of land and buildings. All factors are considered in estimating the value of property. This requires physical inspection of all property subject to assessment.

Classifies Property
The Assessor also determines the classification or use of each parcel. For instance, property may be residential homestead (owner-occupied), residential non-homestead, agricultural, or commercial. Each classification is taxed at a different percentage of market value. These percentages are set by the State Legislature.

2. Who are the county appraisers and what are their credentials?: Appraisers employed by Anoka County Assessment Services are professionals, with stringent training and experience requirements set by the State Board of Assessors. The State Board of Assessors governs and administers licensure of appraisers.

3. What is "market value"?: Minnesota Statute 272.03 defines "market value" as "the usual selling price at the time of assessment". It is "the price that could be obtained at a private sale or an auction sale, if the assessor determines that the price from an auction sale represents an arms-length transaction. The price obtained at a forced sale shall not be considered".

In other words, Market Value equals the price that would prevail under competitive, open market conditions.

4. How does the Assessor determine market value?

State law requires that the value and classification of real estate property be established as of January 2 each year. The Assessor's Office works throughout the year to estimate the market value of each property for the following January 2.

Views Property

Minnesota Statute 273.08 requires that the Assessor is responsible to review every parcel under his/her jurisdiction at least once every five years to make sure that the information used to establish market values is accurate and up to date. The appraisal interval may be shorter due to review appraisals requested by the homeowner, ongoing new construction, or if the appraiser feels there may be an error in the property information for a particular property. All new construction, alterations or improvements will be viewed in the current year.

Gathers Information

The appraiser gathers information on all characteristics of the property that affect market value, such as size, age, quality, basement finish and extra features, such as fireplaces, extra baths, walkouts, etc.

Estimates value

The property characteristics are entered into a computerized system. The computer aids the Assessor in estimating the property value. Information from actual sales is used to update your market value. The market value estimated by the Assessor should be at, or very close to, the amount the property would sell for if placed on the open market. The State Board of Equalization requires the overall level of assessment to be between 90% and 105% of market value.

Analyze Sales

Each year the Assessor analyzes actual sales of property in each community. Preceding the January 2nd assessment date, sales in a 12 month time period (October 1st to September 30th) are reviewed to determine what properties have sold for on the open market. These sales are used as a guide to help determine “what similar properties would likely sell for” if they were placed on the market.

Notification

A Value Notice is mailed around mid-March each year to each property owner. The assessment on January 2 forms the basis for the following year's tax. That is, the value and classification on January 2, of the current year is used to calculate the next year’s taxes.

5. Why has my value gone up or gone down?: Property values are based on market values that fluctuate with general market conditions such as recent sale prices, supply and demand, demographic changes, and changes in tax laws. By Minnesota State law as property values change in the market place those changes must be reflected in the assessor’s estimated market values.

6. Does the estimated market value increase or decrease at the same rate on all properties?: No, it does not. There are differences between individual properties and between neighborhoods. In one area the sales may indicate a large increase in value in a given year. In another neighborhood there may be very little or no change in value. Different types of property within the same neighborhood may show different value changes. There are numerous factors to be considered in each property, which will cause value changes to differ. Some of the factors that can affect value are location, condition, size, quality, number of baths, basement finish, garages, and many others.

7. Can my estimated market value change even if the assessor has not been inside my property?: Yes. The assessor keeps records on the physical characteristics of each property in the county. Even though the assessor may have been unable to go through your property, the estimated market value will still be reviewed based on existing records and sales of similar property.

8. What if I don’t let the appraiser inspect my home?: The appraiser will then be forced to make an arbitrary appraisal of the property. This will include assuming that the interior is as appealing as possible or is typical for that type of property (i.e. recently remodeled, finished basement, added bath, etc.). Appraisers want to view as many properties as possible in order to have the best possible information on all property since the quality of the assessment is a measure of the quality of their work. Not allowing an interior inspection will result in the loss of the right to appeal your market value at the Board of Appeal and Equalization (see Q11) MS 274.01 sub 1.

9. What will happen to my estimated market value if I improve my property?

Generally speaking, improvements that increase the market value of a property will increase the assessor’s estimated market value. The following are typical improvements that will increase the estimated market value of your property:

Added rooms or garages
Substantial modernization of kitchens or baths
Central air conditioning
Fireplaces
Extensive remodeling

10. Will my estimated market value go up if I repair my property?

Good maintenance will help retain the market value of your property. Generally, your estimated market value will not be increased for individual minor repairs such as those that follow. However, a combination of several of these items could result in an increase in your estimated market value.

Replacing water heater
Repairing or replacing roof
Repairing porches or steps
Repairing original siding
Painting/decorating
Replacing plumbing or electrical fixtures

11. What can I do if I think the estimated market value is too high?: You have the right to appeal the estimated market value (see Q8). The methods of appeal are detailed on the back page of the “Notice of Valuation and Classification” statement.

12. How do I appeal my value or classification for my property?: How to Appeal Your Value and Classification

▼
Sheriff Footer

Show All Answers

1. How do I find someone in Jail?: Visit our Inmate Locator page. Inmate Locator

2. Can I give money to a Jail inmate?: Visit our Jail page for information on commisary accounts. Commissary Accounts

3. How do I become a Sheriff’s Deputy?: Becoming a Sheriff's Deputy requires licensure by the State of Minnesota as a police officer. For more information, visit the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards & Training website.
Candidates interested in working for Anoka County must complete extensive testing and a background investigation through the Sheriff's Office.

4. How do I get a copy of a police or accident report?: Call the Sheriff's Office records line at 763-323-5134.

5. How do I apply for a Permit to Carry?: Visit our Firearms Permits page. Firearms Permits

▼
Veteran Services

Show All Answers

1. What is VA Disability Compensation?: Disability compensation is a monthly tax-free benefit paid to Veterans who are at least 10% disabled because of injuries or diseases that were incurred in or aggravated during active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. A disability can apply to physical conditions, such as a chronic knee condition, as well as a mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you believe you are eligible for VA disability compensation and wish to apply, visit the Anoka County Veteran Services Office for assistance.

2. What benefits and services are available for spouses and dependents of deceased veterans?: The Veterans Benefits Administration has created a "survivors" Web site for spouses and dependents of military personnel who died on active duty and for the survivors and dependents of veterans who died after leaving the military. The Web site is organized into two broad categories - death in service and death after service. It provides website visitors with information about a wide range of benefits for the surviving spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents of deceased veterans and active-duty personnel. The site also has information from and provides links to other federal agencies and organizations that offer benefits and services to survivors and dependents. The Web site can be reached by clicking on the Benefits link on the VA home page and then the Survivor benefit link that appears in the dropdown box, or by going to: http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/
If you believe you are eligible for these benefits and wish to apply, visit the Anoka County Veteran Services Office for assistance.

3. What is a Veteran Identification Card (VIC) and how do I get one?: The Department of Veterans Affairs is providing a Veterans Identification Card (VIC) for veterans to use at VA medical facilities. The VIC will be issued only to veterans who are eligible for VA medical benefits and only for the purpose of identification and check-in for VA medical appointments. The new card protects personal privacy by not showing Social Security Numbers or dates of birth on the front of the cards.

VA has Service Connected, POW and Purple Heart (PH) indicators on the new VIC. Veterans who have been awarded service-connected status after their VIC has been issued or SC status is not properly documented on their card, will need to present their letter showing their SC rating to the eligibility clerk at the local VA Medical Center where they obtain treatment. After verification, the eligibility clerk will submit a request to National Card Management Directory (NCMD) System for a new card to be issued to the veteran.

Once a veteran has his/her picture taken for the new card at the VA medical facility, the card will be mailed to the veteran at the address that has been provided. To ensure that a veteran receives the new VIC card, the veteran should please verify that VA has the correct address on file. If the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the card, it will be returned to the facility at which the card was requested. The card will then be held in a secure location at the facility for 90 days. If the card is not picked up within the 90-day period, the card will be destroyed.

With regard to the use of veteran ID cards for store discounts, please note: If these are valid store discounts for Veterans, a Veteran's DD-214 and a driver's license or non-driver's license should be appropriate. The VIC is the only ID card offered for veterans by VA; if a store will not accept this proof of veteran status, please check with your State's division of Veterans Affairs to see if they offer this service.

For all information about Veterans Identification Cards (what it is, how to get one, what to do if lost or stolen, when it can be used, etc.)

4. Are dependents of veterans eligible to receive any benefits from VA?: For a dependent to receive benefits from the VA, the veteran needs to have been rated by the VA for a service-connected disability. If the veteran is deceased, certain minor dependents, or helpless adult children may be entitled to VA benefits. Please visit the following web sites for additional information: http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/dependents/index.htm and http://www.vba.va.gov/benefit_facts/index.htm

5. How do I find out if I am eligible for any medical care or drug benefits?: You are eligible to apply for VA health care if you are a veteran of active military service and were discharged or released from service under honorable conditions, provided that you meet minimum duty requirements.

To apply for health care benefits, you will need to bring a copy of your discharge papers and information about your total yearly household income, medical expenses and any liquid assets to the Anoka County Veteran Services office. This information will be used by a CVSO to complete the VA health care application.

6. Do VA benefits cover nursing home care?

VA benefits provide for a range of long-term services which include, Nursing Home Care, Domiciliary Care, Adult Day Health Care, Geriatric Evaluation and Respite Care. Nursing home benefits may be provided if specific qualifications are met; those are: a veteran must be in need of such care and seeking nursing home care for a service-connected (SC) disability, OR is rated 60% SC and unemployable, OR is rated 60% SC and permanently and totally disabled (P&T) OR for any condition if the veteran has a combined SC disability rating of 70% or more. The care will be provided in a VA nursing home or contract nursing home. NSC and non-compensable zero percent SC veterans can apply for long term care in the VA but could be subject to long term care co-payments. Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability are exempt from long term care co-payments. NSC veterans applying for Extended Care or the Nursing Home Care Unit may be required to complete VA Form 10-10EC to determine the family's current income and assets. Veterans may be discharged from a VA Nursing Home Care Unit (NHCU) without consent when VA nursing home care is no longer needed; for example, if the veteran's needs can be met at home or in a private nursing home close to the family.

Veterans requiring nursing home care for a service-connected condition or a veteran rated 70% or more have mandatory eligibility for admission to Extended Care Services; and, those veterans are eligible to have indefinite care provided to them in the VA or in a VA contracted nursing home.

If you believe you are eligible for these benefits and wish to apply, visit the Anoka County Veteran Services Office for assistance.

7. Can I have Medicare benefits and still receive health care services at VA?: Yes. VA Health care depends primarily on annual Congressional appropriations, VA encourages veterans to retain any health care coverage they may already have, especially those in the lower enrollment priority groups. Veterans with private health insurance or with federally funded coverage through the Department of Defense (TRICARE), Medicare, or Medicaid, may choose to use these sources of coverage as a supplement to their VA benefits.

8. Can I have my claim reconsidered even though denied in the past?: If you have new evidence to support your previously denied claim, you should send a written request to your VA regional office to have your claim reopened. Include the new supporting evidence (or information telling VA where the evidence can be obtained).
Visit the Anoka County Veteran Services Office for assistance.

9. How long will it take to receive a decision on my compensation claim?: The length of time it takes to receive a decision depends on several factors, such as the complexity of your disability(ies), the number of disabilities you claim, and the availability of evidence needed to decide your claim. Currently most claims are being processed within six months, but can take longer in complex claims.

10. What is the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on VA health benefits?

The Affordable Care Act, also known as the health care law, does not change VA health benefits or Veterans’ out-of-pocket costs.

If you are enrolled in VA health care, you have coverage under the standards of the health care law.

If you are not enrolled in VA health care, you can apply at any time to have coverage under the standards of the health care law. The health care law does not change VA benefits or out-of-pocket costs.

For assistance in applying for VA health care visit the Anoka County Veteran Services Office.

Categories

▼ Centennial Library Expansion

▼ Child Foster Care

▼ Community Development

▼ Coronavirus

▼ Corrections

▼ Corrections - ECRJC

▼ Corrections - Juvenile Court and Field Services

▼ Corrections - Juvenile Non-Secure

▼ Corrections - Juvenile Secure

▼ Corrections - Workhouse

▼ County Attorney - Adult Protection

▼ County Attorney - Civil Commitment

▼ County Attorney - Coming to court

▼ County Attorney - Conciliation Court

▼ County Attorney - Domestic Abuse / Order for Protection

▼ County Attorney - Foster Care Child Care

▼ County Attorney - Misdemeanors

▼ County Attorney - Restitution Monitoring

▼ County Attorney - Subpoenas

▼ County Attorney - Victim Witness Program

▼ Courts

▼ Economic Assistance - Child Support

▼ Elections - Uniformed & Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act

▼ Finance & Central Services

▼ Footer

▼ Go Anoka County

▼ Highway - Birch Street Corridor Study

▼ Highway - Construction

▼ Highway - Mailbox

▼ Highway - Maintenance

▼ Highway - Signals

▼ Highway - Signs

▼ Human Resources - Job Applications

▼ Library

▼ License Centers

▼ License Centers - DNR, Game, Fish

▼ License Centers - Drivers License

▼ License Centers - Motor Vehicles

▼ License Centers - Other Services

▼ License Centers - Passport

▼ Parks - Footer

▼ Parks - Home Page

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Ag Preserve Program

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Delinquent Property Taxes

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Disabled Veterans' Homestead Property Tax Exclusion

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Disabled Vets Market Value Exclusion

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Disaster Abatement

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Exempt Status Filing

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Green Acres

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Homestead Application

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Manufactured Homes

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Notice of Expiration of Redemption

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Online Property Tax Payment Fees

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Open Space

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Property Assessment

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Property Records

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Property Taxes

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Tax Forfeited Land Sales

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Tax Statements

▼ Property Records & Taxation - Understanding Property Assessment

▼ Sheriff Footer

▼ Veteran Services

Live Edit

▼
Centennial Library Expansion

▼
Child Foster Care

▼
Community Development

▼
Coronavirus

▼
Corrections

▼
Corrections - ECRJC

▼
Corrections - Juvenile Court and Field Services

▼
Corrections - Juvenile Non-Secure

▼
Corrections - Juvenile Secure

▼
Corrections - Workhouse

▼
County Attorney - Adult Protection

▼
County Attorney - Civil Commitment

▼
County Attorney - Coming to court

▼
County Attorney - Conciliation Court

▼
County Attorney - Domestic Abuse / Order for Protection

▼
County Attorney - Foster Care Child Care

▼
County Attorney - Misdemeanors

▼
County Attorney - Restitution Monitoring

▼
County Attorney - Subpoenas

▼
County Attorney - Victim Witness Program

▼
Courts

▼
Economic Assistance - Child Support

▼
Elections - Uniformed & Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act

▼
Finance & Central Services

▼
Footer

▼
Go Anoka County

▼
Highway - Birch Street Corridor Study

▼
Highway - Construction

▼
Highway - Mailbox

▼
Highway - Maintenance

▼
Highway - Signals

▼
Highway - Signs

▼
Human Resources - Job Applications

▼
Library

▼
License Centers

▼
License Centers - DNR, Game, Fish

▼
License Centers - Drivers License

▼
License Centers - Motor Vehicles

▼
License Centers - Other Services

▼
License Centers - Passport

▼
Parks - Footer

▼
Parks - Home Page

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Ag Preserve Program

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Delinquent Property Taxes

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Disabled Veterans' Homestead Property Tax Exclusion

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Disabled Vets Market Value Exclusion

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Disaster Abatement

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Exempt Status Filing

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Green Acres

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Homestead Application

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Manufactured Homes

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Notice of Expiration of Redemption

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Online Property Tax Payment Fees

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Open Space

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Property Assessment

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Property Records

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Property Taxes

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Tax Forfeited Land Sales

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Tax Statements

▼
Property Records & Taxation - Understanding Property Assessment

▼
Sheriff Footer

▼
Veteran Services