Butterfield, Minnesota Public Records

Butterfield does not operate a separate municipal court; all violations including traffic citations are processed through the Watonwan County District Court. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays. Court records for Watonwan County cases can be searched online through Minnesota's statewide system, Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO), accessible at www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts. The public access system allows searches by party name, case number, or attorney, and displays case information, filed documents, hearing dates, and disposition information for most cases. Some records, including certain family court matters, adoption records, and juvenile cases, are restricted from public view. For certified copies of court documents, the Watonwan County Court Administration charges $14.00 for the first page and $8.00 for each additional page. Passport copies cost $10.00 per document. Filing fees vary by case type: civil complaint filing is $310.00, small claims filing ranges from $60.00 to $85.00 depending on the amount claimed, and probate informal proceedings filing is $325.00. Marriage dissolution (divorce) filing fee is $365.00. Payments can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (with a processing fee for card payments).

Property owners can view assessment information and parcel data through the county website. The assessment data is updated annually, with values as of January 2 of each year used for the following year's property taxes. The Watonwan County Recorder's Office, also located at the Watonwan County Courthouse, 710 Second Avenue South, St. James, MN 56081, phone (507) 375-1242, maintains the official record of all land transactions and documents affecting real property in Watonwan County. The Recorder's Office records deeds, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens, easements, contracts for deed, plats, and other land-related instruments. These records are indexed by grantor (seller), grantee (buyer), and legal description, with some records dating back to the county's establishment in 1860. Minnesota law requires most documents affecting real property to be recorded with the county to provide constructive notice to the public. The Watonwan County Recorder's Office offers online access to recorded documents through a subscription-based system. Residents can search land records by owner name, parcel number, or legal description. Certified copies of recorded documents cost $10.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page. The county also provides a GIS mapping system accessible through the county website, allowing users to search for properties by address or parcel identification number, view aerial photography, and access basic parcel information including ownership, assessed value, and property characteristics.

James, the Watonwan County seat located about 15 miles northeast, provides most regional employment opportunities including County government offices, medical facilities such as CentraCare Health-St. James hospital, and the St. James Public School District. Manufacturing and food processing related to agriculture also contribute to the regional economy. The median household income in Butterfield is estimated to be in the range of $50,000-$60,000, somewhat below Minnesota's statewide median but typical for small rural agricultural communities. The city's population has remained relatively stable over the past two decades, with modest fluctuations reflecting broader rural demographic trends. Butterfield benefits from its proximity to Highway 60, which provides transportation access to larger regional centers. The local economy faces challenges common to rural Minnesota communities, including limited retail options, dependence on commodity agriculture prices, and an aging population. However, the area maintains stable property values and benefits from the productivity of surrounding farmland. Recent years have seen some investment in agricultural technology and precision farming operations, though these tend to be capital-intensive rather than major employment generators. Watonwan County as a whole has an economy valued at approximately $300 million annually, with agriculture, government services, healthcare, and education representing the primary sectors. Butterfield's economic character remains that of a quiet agricultural service community with strong ties to the land and traditional farming operations.

Law enforcement services in Butterfield are provided by the Butterfield Police Department, located at 490 Main Street, Butterfield, MN 56120, phone (507) 956-2525. The department serves the city limits of Butterfield and handles local patrol, traffic enforcement, and incident response. Residents can request police reports and incident records by contacting the department directly during business hours; requests must include the incident date, location, and case number if available. For areas outside city limits and more serious crimes, the Watonwan County Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement coverage. The Sheriff's Office is located at 710 Second Avenue South, St. James, MN 56081, phone (507) 375-1270, and maintains jurisdiction over unincorporated areas of Watonwan County as well as providing backup to municipal departments. The Sheriff's Office website at www.co.watonwan.mn.us provides information on services and contact details.

Arrest and jail booking records for Butterfield and Watonwan County are maintained by the Watonwan County Sheriff's Office, which operates the county detention facility. Inmates are typically held at the Watonwan County Jail at the Sheriff's Office location in St. James. While Watonwan County does not currently maintain a real-time online inmate roster, booking information can be obtained by calling the jail at (507) 375-1270. Information typically available includes inmate name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and court dates. Under Minnesota's Data Practices Act, specifically Minnesota Statutes Section 13.82 governing criminal investigative data, and Section 13.43 covering personnel data, the public has the right to access most arrest records, police reports, and booking information. Active investigative data may be temporarily classified as private, but once an investigation is complete or charges are filed, most records become public. Requests for police reports, arrest records, and incident logs should be submitted in writing to the appropriate law enforcement agency, and agencies must respond within a reasonable time, typically within 10 business days.

Birth certificates cost $26.00 for the first copy and $19.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates are priced the same. Applications can be submitted by mail, in person at 2358 University Avenue West, Suite 304, St. Paul, MN 55114, or online through VitalChek at www.health.state.mn.us/vitalrecords for an additional processing fee. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail, immediate for in-person requests during business hours, and 2-3 weeks for online orders. Minnesota law restricts access to birth certificates to the subject of the record (if age 18+), parents listed on the record, legal representatives, and individuals with a tangible interest as defined by statute. Death certificates are similarly restricted for 30 years after the date of death. Marriage licenses for Butterfield residents must be obtained from any county in Minnesota, though most obtain them from the Watonwan County Recorder's Office at 710 Second Avenue South, St. James, MN 56081, phone (507) 375-1242. The marriage license fee is $115.00, and there is no waiting period in Minnesota—couples can marry immediately after receiving the license, which is valid for six months. Both parties must appear in person to apply, and valid government-issued photo identification is required. Marriage records dating back to the 1800s are maintained by the Recorder's Office and are public records accessible to anyone. Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $9.00. Divorce records (Dissolution of Marriage) are court records maintained by the Watonwan County District Court Administration at (507) 375-1216. Divorce decrees can be obtained from the court where the dissolution was granted. Certified copies of divorce decrees are available for $14.00 for the first page and $8.00 for each additional page, though access may be restricted to parties of the divorce or their legal representatives.

Butterfield does not maintain an online business license database, but information on active licenses can be requested from the city clerk. At the county level, some business activities require permits or licenses from Watonwan County. The Watonwan County Auditor-Treasurer's Office at 710 Second Avenue South, St. James, MN 56081, phone (507) 375-3267, can provide information on county-level requirements. Assumed name certificates (Doing Business As or DBA filings) are filed with the Watonwan County Recorder's Office at (507) 375-1242, with a filing fee of approximately $50.00. These filings are public record and can be searched through the Recorder's Office. For formal business entity formation (corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships), filings are made with the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office. The Secretary of State maintains the Minnesota Business Database, searchable free online at https://mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us. This database allows searches by business name, registered agent, or file number, providing information on entity status, registration date, principal office address, registered agent, and officers or managers. Business entity formation documents can be filed online, by mail, or in person at 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100, St. Paul, MN 55103. Domestic LLC filing fees are $155.00, and domestic corporation fees are $155.00. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statement searches and filings, which establish secured interests in personal property and business assets, are also handled by the Minnesota Secretary of State's Office. UCC searches can be conducted online through the Secretary of State's website for a fee. For commercial property tax information in Butterfield, business owners should contact the Watonwan County Assessor's Office at (507) 375-3261 to review assessed values on commercial real estate. Property tax statements and payment information are available through the Watonwan County Treasurer's Office.

Butterfield voters are served by the Watonwan County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, which administers elections for all of Watonwan County. The office is located at 710 Second Avenue South, St. James, MN 56081, phone (507) 375-3267, and maintains responsibility for voter registration, absentee voting, polling place assignments, and election results. The office website and information can be accessed through the county portal at www.co.watonwan.mn.us. Minnesota offers same-day voter registration, allowing eligible residents to register at their polling place on Election Day with proper proof of residence. Residents can also register to vote online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at https://mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us up until 21 days before an election. After that deadline, registration must be completed in person either during early voting or on Election Day. Acceptable proof of residence includes a Minnesota driver's license with current address, a utility bill, or having a registered voter from the same precinct vouch for the applicant's residence.

Butterfield holds municipal elections for mayor and city council members, typically on a cycle with the Minnesota state general election in even-numbered years (November of even years), though specific timing may vary. The next city elections are scheduled for November 2026. Information about local candidates, ballot measures, and city election results can be obtained from the Butterfield City Clerk at City Hall, (507) 956-2525, or from the Watonwan County elections office. Butterfield voters cast ballots for city offices as well as county, state legislative, statewide constitutional offices, and federal positions.

Butterfield residents can find their assigned polling place by using the Polling Place Finder on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us, or by contacting the Watonwan County Auditor-Treasurer's Office. Butterfield typically votes at a single polling location within city limits, often at a community center or city building. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Election Day, and any voter in line at 8:00 PM is permitted to vote.

Minnesota has extensive public access to election-related records. Voter registration lists are public data available for purchase for lawful purposes. Campaign finance reports for candidates and committees are publicly searchable through the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board at www.cfb.mn.gov. Candidate filings, including affidavits of candidacy and nominating petitions, are public records available through the filing office (city, county, or state depending on the office sought). Precinct-level election results are published by the Watonwan County Auditor-Treasurer after canvassing and are available on the county website and through the Secretary of State's election results portal.

In the November 2024 presidential election, Watonwan County recorded approximately 60-65% voter turnout, with about 4,500 ballots cast out of roughly 7,000 registered voters. Butterfield's participation generally mirrors county-wide patterns, with strong turnout in presidential election years.

On November 3, 2026, Butterfield and Watonwan County voters will decide several significant races. At the federal level, one of Minnesota's U.S. Senate seats will be on the ballot (Class II seat), along with Minnesota's 1st Congressional District representative. At the state level, Minnesota holds gubernatorial elections in midterm years; 2026 will feature races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and all seats in the Minnesota House of Representatives (all 134 seats) and half of the Minnesota Senate (odd-numbered districts in 2026). Butterfield falls within a Minnesota House and Senate district that will be contested. County-level races in 2026 will include Watonwan County Commissioner seats (some districts), County Attorney, Sheriff, Auditor-Treasurer, and Recorder positions depending on the election cycle. Butterfield will also have city council seats and potentially the mayor position on the ballot.

Minnesota offers no-excuse absentee voting, meaning any registered voter may vote by mail without providing a reason. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Watonwan County Auditor-Treasurer's Office. The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is one week before Election Day, though in-person absentee voting is available up until the day before the election. Completed absentee ballots must be received by Election Day at 8:00 PM to be counted; postmarks do not extend this deadline. Minnesota also offers early in-person voting beginning 46 days before any election at the county auditor's office.