A few surprises emerge at economic vitality forum

Attendees at McLeod County’s first economic vitality forum Thursday were not surprised to learn that the county’s economy relies heavily on manufacturing and agriculture.
However, many were surprised at where the greatest economic growth in the county has been in recent years — health care and social services, and education.
Bridget Tuck, an economic analyst with the University of Minnesota, presented some of the county’s trends at the forum.
The county’s manufacturing and commercial base continues to be important in McLeod County, particularly when it comes to property taxes.
Although the commercial and industrial sector comprises only 10 percent of the total taxable market in McLeod County, that sector foots 19 percent of the property taxes that are paid in the county.
 

For the full story, see the April 26 edition of The McLeod County Chronicle.