IOWA CITY

Both Lone Tree and Hills will have local option sales and service tax referendums on the November election ballot.

The requests were acknowledged by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors at its August 10 formal session. The county’s auditor department coordinates all elections in Johnson County.

The Lone Tree tax, if approved, would be 1% and used for property tax relief and also for community projects approved by the Lone Tree City Council.

A proposed sales and service tax of one cent in Hills is actually a renewal of a current city tax that has been in place since a vote in November 2014 but expires June 30, 2025.

If approved, the taxes in both cities would begin July 1, 2025.

The questions will appear on the November 7 ballot.

Homestead Exemptions

More than 4,000 in Johnson County have signed up for a new homestead exemption available for property owners who are 65 and over.

According to Tom Van Buer, Johnson County Assessor, the exemptions will save $3,250 in tax credits on property taxes in the 2023 tax year, which has payable dates of September 2024 and March 2025.

Updates on Homestead exemptions were given to the Board at its August 9 work session, along with a recommendation to sign off on Homestead applications for the 2022 tax year.

New homeowners are eligible to apply for Homestead exemptions. Additional exemptions are now available for military veterans and also those 65 years and older.

Plat Approvals

At its August 10 formal session, the Board approved the preliminary and final plats of Kleinschmidt Second Addition, a two-lot farmstead split of 10 acres located northeast of Frytown and just south of Highway 1.

The Board approved a petition vacating the preliminary and final plat of Kauffman Rolling Acres Subdivision because of a deed error. The plat was previously approved and recorded in 2014, but the error surfaced when a property transfer began in 2020. Property owners Hali and James Hanson intend to apply for a new farmstead split, according to the Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability. The property is located just west of Sharon Center Road SW and east of Highway 1 in southwest Johnson County.

Board Action

The Board approved a resolution allowing for FY24 appropriation changes to the capital projects and capital expenditure funds, clearing the way for construction vendors to be paid for completed work.

The Board approved the establishment and eligibility requirements for the Johnson County Building Nonprofit Capacity Grant Program, which is being funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.

The Board approved a social media policy for employees.

The Board approved a mental health referees agreement with the Iowa Judicial Branch.

Next board meeting: The board will hold its next formal meeting at 9 a.m. August 17.