The Crookston City Council has recently approved starting the Housing Incentive Program for residents looking to buy property and build homes.
This can be a great opportunity financially for new homeowners. “This benefits more than just the city. First, it benefits a property owner, who purchases a lot and builds a house,” said City Administrator Corky Reynolds, “We’re saying you get a two-year property tax abatement.” Those who participate in the program can do this through down payment assistance or over two years.
The program also includes free water hookup, free sewer hookup, and two free months of water, sewer, and garbage within six months of issuance of a certificate of occupancy. It also includes a free swimming pool pass, one $50 Parks and Recreation Certificate per family, 50 free garbage bags, four free recycling bins, and boulevard trees.
The City will collect property and real estate taxes from property owners after two years of occupancy. “This is an incentive for people who are thinking about building a house,” said Reynolds, “This is to encourage people to build homes and receive these incentives.”
The city has offered this program in previous years, and it hasn’t been renewed since 2021. After discussion with department heads and the council, there was a consensus that the program should be back in service in hopes for more families to come to Crookston, build homes, and make it their permanent residence.
During the recent City Council meeting on Monday, September 25, the council approved the resolution to begin the Housing Incentive Program for the calendar years 2024 and 2025.
