Stephen Springer for Otter Tail County Commissioner District 4

Stephen Springer for Otter Tail County Commissioner District 4 Common sense leadership candidate for Otter Tail Commissioner District 4. Prepared and paid for by Stephen Springer For Commissioner.

Focusing on fiscal responsibility, transparency and integrity, I look forward to being a strong leader working for you.

10/24/2026

A friend of mine asked me to share this and I thought it was a GREAT idea! I'm going to open it up to others to share as well!
Stay until the end for some secrets about me! Hahaha!

What can a county commissioner actually control? More than one number on your property tax bill, but not everything on i...
10/22/2026

What can a county commissioner actually control? More than one number on your property tax bill, but not everything on it.

The Board of Commissioners has significant responsibility for county budgets, policies, department funding, capital decisions, contracts, and county levy decisions.

These responsibilities affect how services are delivered, which projects receive priority, and how public funds are managed.

I believe candidates should be clear about what the position can influence and where its authority ends. Residents deserve realistic expectations, honest answers, and accountability for the decisions the Board makes.

Your property tax bill supports more than one level of government.According to Otter Tail County's 2026 Property Tax Fac...
10/20/2026

Your property tax bill supports more than one level of government.

According to Otter Tail County's 2026 Property Tax Fact Sheet, the average allocation of each property tax dollar is:

• 43 cents for the county
• 23 cents for schools
• 14 cents for cities
• 11 cents for townships
• 9 cents for special taxing districts and the state

These are average allocations, and actual amounts vary by property and taxing district.

Understanding where your property tax dollars go matters. County commissioners influence the county portion, but the final bill reflects multiple taxing jurisdictions.

Knowing the difference helps residents ask better questions about taxes, spending, and accountability.

Where does the county budget actually go? Start with the four largest spending categories.The 2026 governmental funds bu...
10/18/2026

Where does the county budget actually go? Start with the four largest spending categories.

The 2026 governmental funds budget includes:

• $35.2 million for highways and streets
• $24.5 million for human services
• $22.03 million for general government
• $20.67 million for public safety

Together, these four areas account for more than $102 million in budgeted spending.

These are essential county responsibilities, which makes it important to understand how funding is allocated, which priorities guide spending, and how those decisions serve residents.

A stronger county starts with informed decisions and transparent budgeting.

How can the county budget go down while the county property tax levy goes up? Both can be true.Otter Tail County's 2026 ...
10/15/2026

How can the county budget go down while the county property tax levy goes up? Both can be true.

Otter Tail County's 2026 governmental funds budget is $129.31 million, down from $144.27 million in 2025. Meanwhile, the county portion of the tax levy increased from $55.55 million to $58.63 million.

Intergovernmental revenue also declined from $54.10 million to $47.67 million.

These figures tell different parts of the story. Residents deserve to understand how spending, revenue, and the county levy fit together.

Fiscal responsibility starts with asking the right questions and examining the full picture.

County staffing is part of the budget conversation, and residents deserve to know what is changing and why.Nine new full...
10/13/2026

County staffing is part of the budget conversation, and residents deserve to know what is changing and why.

Nine new full time positions were approved in 2026 through May 26, along with a 0.25 FTE increase to an existing maintenance position. Some positions support specific state or federal requirements and programs.

The important questions are how these positions are funded, what services they support, and how staffing decisions affect the county budget.

I believe transparency starts with understanding the full picture, not just the numbers.

**Edit for clarity, I am not necessarily saying these are bad things. Just posting facts for transparency.

10/12/2026

Can I promise that everyone's taxes will go down? No.

That would be an easy promise to make, but it would not be an honest one.
What I can promise is that I will take a close look at the county budget and spending.

If there are areas where we can save money, improve efficiency, or spend taxpayer dollars more effectively, I believe we should examine those opportunities.

You deserve a commissioner who deals with the numbers honestly, not someone who makes promises just to get your vote.

10/09/2026

Can a county commissioner actually lower your taxes?

The honest answer is not as simple as yes or no.

A county commissioner has authority over the county's portion of the property tax levy, but other portions of your property tax bill are determined elsewhere.

What I can do is focus on the part of the budget the County Board controls.

That means looking at the numbers, understanding where the money is going, and making sure county spending is responsible.

Taxpayers deserve an honest answer about what a commissioner can actually control.

10/07/2026

If I am elected, one of my priorities will be simple: follow the money.

I want to look closely at the county budget, understand where taxpayer dollars are being spent, and identify opportunities to improve efficiency.

I am not going to promise things I cannot deliver.

I can promise to ask questions, examine the numbers, and make sure we are getting value from the money entrusted to county government.

Good budgeting starts with knowing where the money goes.

10/05/2026

A county budget deserves more than a quick look.

My approach would be straightforward.
Ask good questions.
Understand the numbers.
Make responsible decisions.
And think about what will be most effective for Otter Tail County over the long term.

Every taxpayer dollar represents someone's hard work.
I believe we have a responsibility to make sure those dollars are being used thoughtfully and responsibly.

Address

Henning, MN

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