The Legislature's decision to replace the homestead tax credit with a market value exception saved the state money ... by shifting the cost onto local property taxes. That's the main ingredient in a mix of factors pushing up property tax bills around the region.

The proposal would cut taxes by about 30 percent over the next six to 12 years. The House Taxes Committee Chairman Greg Davids told the Pioneer Press it would be the "bigger job creator." DFL Gov. Mark Dayton hasn't ruled out the Republican plan, but doesn't know how they plan to pay for the tax cut.

Voters in North Dakoka -- flush with oil boom money and enjoying the lowest unemployment in the nation -- had the chance Tuesday to become the first state to cast off property taxes. But in the end, voters decided to keep the $800 million a year the taxes raise.

Some homeowners say their property taxes are going up 40 or even 60 percent. Much of that increase comes after the state government cut the Market Value Homestead Credit, and Ely officials say they need to raise taxes to make up for cuts in Local Government Aid

The number of delinquent taxpayers in Hennepin County has dropped, but more taxpayers are at risk of losing their properties to pay off their tax bills. Hundreds of property owners owe the county nearly $43 million in back taxes and penalties. The Star Tribune reports the county sent out a record 931 notices last year warning owners the deadline to redeem their properties was about to expire.