WASHINGTON

In the public hearing on the Washington County tax levy that preceded Tuesday’s regular meeting, supervisors heard concerns about increased property taxes, with one resident noting Washington's projected 9.42 levy is one of the highest in the state, and that even Johnson County is lower. However, the hearing was only about the tax for the general supplemental levy and did not deal with state rollbacks for fiscal 2025, which will lower the tax bills.

Cindy Sinn, of the auditor’s office, explained there was a significant difference between full valuation and the actual bill when rollbacks and homestead deductions, including a new one for those 65 and older, are calculated.

The hearing was the first public one regarding the levy and will be followed by a hearing for the complete budget possibly at the April 9 meeting with anticipated approval of a budget at the next meeting.

The few residents who addressed the board asked that somehow property taxes be lowered, especially one resident who in a few years had seen his tax bill triple. Supervisor Marcus Fedler also spoke of his own tax bills for his three properties, noting that the county “Is doing the best we can do with what we’ve got.”

Friday, March 29, the board held a work session to review the budget, acknowledging the difficulties from state funding cuts and realignment of departments. At both sessions, supervisors referenced not only the state mandates and changes in numerous laws, but also the effect of inflation on the price for all goods and services, with Supervisor Stan Stoops citing recent nationwide reports that “we are not done with inflation,” that predictions are it will continue, even worsen, in the next five years.

After a brief five-minute recess Tuesday, the board convened its regular meeting with another hearing on a resolution to enter into an Essential Purpose Loan Agreement to fund essential projects in the county. As explained by Chip Schultz of Northland Public Finance, Des Moines, the law requires the hearing and action to be held on the same day.

The resolution, which passed unanimously, provides for a loan not to exceed $2,420,00 to cover costs of E911 communications system improvements, $75,000; communication improvements for other county buildings, including the courthouse, $195,000; servers and computer equipment, $215,000; and acquiring, equipping and constructing a new maintenance building, $155,000. Details of all the projects were discussed and approved in meetings earlier this year.

The loan agreement is for four years, a time period that significantly lowers the debt service fee. The actual loan rate is to be locked in at the April 9 meeting with actual approval of the move April 16. Schultz said the county will receive the actual funds April 30. Additionally, there are already budgeted funds for some of the projects.

In other business, the board approved a Class C retail alcohol license for Awe Winery LLC (DBA Revasser Winery) of Ainsworth, and acknowledged a $1,000 donation from the Kalona Sales Barn to the Sheriff’s Department K9 fund which had also been personally acknowledged by the department.

The board approved the name change from the Sharon Telephone Company to GAD Towers, LLC for the county’s leasing of space on communication towers through 2030. Indications are the fee will remain at $100 annually.

The board also held a canvas of the City of Brighton’s special mayoral election of March 26, won by Scott Hughes, a former council member, that confirmed the original vote tally. He replaces incumbent Kathy Rich.