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Public Hearing On Dickinson County’s Proposed Maximum Property Tax Levy Draws Opposition From Some Residents

April 01, 2024 Steve Schwaller

(Spirit Lake)– A public hearing during a special meeting this (Mon.) morning of the Dickinson County Board of Supervisors focused on the county’s proposed maximum property tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year.

Supervisor Tim Fairchild says the impact of a property tax relief bill known as House File 718 passed in the last session of the Iowa legislature, is resulting in the county possibly reneging on a promise made last year to lower the levy this upcoming fiscal year, after bumping it to the maximum in the current fiscal year to help with the purchase of a new communications system…

“If the levy is lowered to a level that satisfies the liabilities of the county for the upcoming year, there most likely will be difficulty in subsequent years dealing with unexpected expenses, inflation, unfunded mandates, etcetera, due to House File 718 restrictions. For these reasons, the Board of Supervisors are contemplating levying the max allowable by the newly passed legislation. The max rates are 3.39806 for the General Fund; 1.78641 for the Rural Levy. These levies will generate large carryovers. The carryovers will be 63 percent on the General Fund and 54 percent on the Rural Fund. It is believed these large carryovers will enable Dickinson county to navigate most of the potential negative effects of House File 718.”

County officials say they are also deeply concerned over potential impacts the new law could also have on secondary roads and infrastructure.

However, several members of the public who spoke during today’s (Mon.) meeting called on county officials to make cuts to help offset the loss in state revenue. Mike Fergen of Spirit Lake was among those addressing the supervisors saying it’s time they start to reassess some priorities…

“If we have to extend our trails to Lake Park, then you have a choice. You have a choice. Is that a need, necessity, or a want? If it’s you gotta have it, you take it out of the General Fund or you ask the public, are you cool with that road all the way out to Lake Park? I’m not an anti-trail guy, no I’m not. But when it becomes my internet cost, my utilities, my $200 a week at Hy-Vee and I can’t make it, your extra little $300 to $400 extra on your taxes hurt.”

A businessman who spoke at this (Mon.) morning’s meeting said the ongoing maximum levy would also negatively impact businesses in Dickinson county, perhaps even causing some to close or relocate elsewhere.

A public hearing on the budget itself, will be held later this month.

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