County works in collaboration with cities, organizations

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

Otter Tail County has housing finance programs available to home buyers, home owners and property owners to build, buy and remodel homes. 

The County’s Community Development and Housing Department works in collaboration with cities and partner organizations toward a mission to sustain and grow our region’s vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life.

Following are programs and resources in coordination with partner agencies.

• Down payment assistance creates home ownership opportunities for qualifying households. Up to $15,000 of down payment assistance can be used for the purchase of an existing home or construction of a new home meeting certain criteria.

• Property tax rebates in participating communities in Otter Tail County provide a refund of future property taxes for the construction of new homes. Contact participating communities to review local program guidelines and request application forms. The following cities offer property tax rebates: New York Mills, Ottertail and Pelican Rapids.

• Some communities offer their own incentives to build a new home such as down payment assistance, waived fees and reduced lot prices. They include Perham, Ottertail, New York Mills and Pelican Rapids.

• For more information contact County Community Development, 520 West Fir Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN 56537