Washington City Council sets April hearing for property tax levy, City Clerk Kron resigns

WASHINGTON — At Tuesday’s regularly scheduled meeting, the Washington City Council passed a motion of a resolution to set a public hearing on a proposed property tax levy for fiscal year 2026 at 5 p.m. on April 7, 2026.

This new status quo of a series of requirements from the State of Iowa for local taxing entities began in fiscal year 2025. Among these changes included a new public hearing being held around April 1 by any entity requesting property taxes for the upcoming fiscal year.

Following the special meeting on April 7, there will be a regular Council meeting at 5:30 pm. During the regular meeting there will be an item on the agenda to set a public hearing to adopt the fiscal year 2027 budget on April 21, 2026.

The Council passed a motion to accept the resignation of City Clerk Kathy Kron who has held this position since 2024. Kron has accepted another position and her last day in the office will be March 5.

“I learned a lot. It’s been a great experience. Met a lot of great people,” Kron said regarding her resignation.

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Two special event requests were approved by the Council. The first being the 27th annual Paws & More Central Park Car Show on August 23 2026, from 6:30 am to 3:30 am at Central Park Square. The second being the fourth Annual International Film Festival, Farm to Film Fest on April 18-19 2026, from 12:15 pm to 5 pm in the Council Chambers.

The Washington Tree Committee also gave their required annual report. In the report their annual tree give away was highlighted to take place on May 9 at 8 am at Central Park. A total of 120 trees will be given away and on the same day they will have their Arbor Day dedication. A target street planting is also in the works on east and west 5th street.

Committee chair Marde McConnell also announced Washington Park Superintendent Nick Pacha as the 2025 Washington Tree Committee Supporter of the Year.

“We had the pleasure of working with Nick for the last 10 years, since 2015 and we very much appreciate. He's an excellent city employee and leader who genuinely cares about all the parks that he's responsible for,” McConnell said. “Nick and his crew work very hard to see that our parks are the best that they can be.”