Columbus, MN town hall & government
Columbus spent $5.5 million in the year to December 31, 2022, about $1,305 per resident.
Where the money goes, where it comes from, property taxes, and how to reach Columbus's government.
Who runs Columbus
From public records (Open States and Wikidata), which can lag behind an election. If a name is out of date, tell us: when two neighbors agree, it's hidden until the records catch up.
Where Columbus's money goes
Where the money comes from
- Property taxes 61%
- Interest, fines & other 15%
- Utility sales 13%
- Other taxes & licenses 6%
- Fees & charges 2%
- From the state 2%
- Sales taxes 1%
- From other local governments <1%
- From the federal government <1%
Who works for Columbus
Staff on the town's payroll in March 2022. Pay is March payroll times twelve, so it's approximate.
Forest Lake Public School District
Columbus's K–12 school district, shared with Forest Lake, Linwood, Scandia, Wyoming, Hugo and Lino Lakes. It is its own government, with a budget separate from the town's.
Where the district's money comes from Minnesota districts overall: 30% local, 62% state, 8% federal
- Local 34%
- State 61%
- Federal 4%
Of the $15,260 per pupil, $8,462 goes to classroom instruction (teachers, aides, supplies); the rest to support services such as buses, buildings, counselors and administration. Building projects and debt payments aren't in the per-pupil figure.
Which schools Columbus kids attend, test scores and graduation rate →
What homeowners in Columbus pay
The median yearly bill homeowners report, covering every local property tax on the home (town, schools, county). The effective rate is that bill divided by the median home value, so it's a rough guide, not the official tax rate.
Contact Columbus's government
Who represents Columbus
Columbus is represented in Congress by Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and Representative Tom Emmer. Tim Walz is governor.
Budget: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Census of Governments: Finance (every city and town government's revenue, spending and debt, grouped into plain categories). Property tax: Census American Community Survey, 5-year estimates.