Supervisors count costs of state legislation

MT. PLEASANT — Since Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed House File 718 into law in May, the Henry County Board of Supervisors have talked to their representatives, attended informational meetings, informed the county department heads, and begun work on trying to lower the county’s budget.

This active approach and concerns come from the bill dropping property tax levies to $3.50 per $1,000 taxable valuation by 2029. Henry County’s current general basis levy is set at $4.83 per $1,000 taxable valuation.

According to Supervisor Chad White, House File 718 was a hot topic at the Iowa State Association of Counties District 5 Supervisors Meeting in Fairfield Friday, Dec. 5.

“Marc [Lindeen] and I went to the District 5 meeting in Fairfield Friday,” White said. “There were pretty heated discussions on budget.”

Lindeen stated that District 19 Sen. Ken Rozenboom asked the counties to make a list of expenses from the state level that counties currently must take on.

Between Lindeen and County Auditor Shelly Barber, they listed some of expenses that could go on that list including driver’s licenses, a portion of the courthouse, mailings, and elections.

“If you think about it, everything we do is for the state,” Lindeen stated.

The Board of Supervisors continue to discuss the option of moving to once a week meetings instead of twice a week as an option for cutting the budget, as well.

When a guest at Tuesday’s meeting asked about this, Lindeen responded that they’re “thinking about it.”

Supervisors Greg Moeller clarified that they will make the decision closer to the beginning of the new year. Barber specified that they would likely make that decision at the Dec. 28 supervisor meeting.

Details for which day have not yet been decided, but they have talked about including some type of supplemental office hours that the supervisors take turns hosting.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com