Auditor

Responsibilities & Services

The auditor's office is responsible for the financial records of the county, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and the preparation and publication of the County Financial Statement (PDF).

The county auditor also serves as the deputy registrar and chief election official for the county, conducting all county and state elections, including the responsibilities of voter registration, ballot layout, and absentee voting.

Property Taxes

The auditor's office is responsible for property tax administration. These duties include:

  • Calculation of property taxes
  • Collection of delinquent taxes
  • Documenting all land transfers for name and address maintenance
  • Special assessments
  • Tax increment financing
  • The settlement of tax dollars
  • The tax forfeiture process

The auditor's office administers the issuance of auctioneer, beer and liquor, precious metal, transient merchant, and tobacco licenses.

Public Notices

J.D. #9 M&W Public Notice (PDF)

  1. Kelly Pauling

    County Auditor

  2. Auditor

    Physical Address
    710 Second Ave S
    Watonwan County Courthouse
    St. James, MN 56081


    Directions

    Mailing Address
    P.O. Box 518
    St. James, MN 56081

    Fax: 507-375-3547

    Hours

    Monday through Friday

    8 a.m. to Noon

    1 to 4:30 p.m.