Earlier this month, the Carroll City Council held a public meeting to hear feedback on the proposed Urban Revitalization plan. One letter in opposition was presented prior to the public hearing. Carroll resident and Carroll County Supervisor, Neil Bock, submitted a notice, saying the area identified is not blighted and that it will be up to the remainder of residents to make up the lost tax revenues. “Creating an Urban Revitalization Area will do little to encourage or cause improvements to happen, but it will have a detrimental effect on the valuation of improvements that do take place,” Bock wrote. “Property owners in the area have done a commendable job in keeping most properties up to date. Creating an Urban Revitalization Area will basically ‘shift’ taxation to existing property and improvements made in other areas.” Notices from the city went out to all addresses in the proposed area, whether a residential or commercial property. Dr. Steve Kraus, owner of Biokinemetrics, asked about the letter he received.
City Manager, Mike Pogge-Weaver says the entire area was notified because even though only residential and multi-residential properties are being considered at this time, the council does have the power in the future to change the plan, and one of the options would be the addition of commercial entities. Pogge-Weaver told council members they have received quite a few calls at City Hall about what is and is not eligible for the proposed five year, 100 percent tax abatement on the first $75,000 of increased value on a property. Though standard maintenance-type work—roofing, siding, windows, etc.—will not typically change the taxable value on a property, other things will. Council member, LaVern Dirkx and Mayor, Eric Jensen, questioned Pogge-Weaver about types of projects.
Dirkx also asked about how a property owner would go about finding out whether or not a project would impact assessable value since that assessment is done by the county but the abatement is from the city. He was told the standard procedure would be to talk with the County Assessor. An application for the proposed project will need to be filled out and submitted to the city for review and approval prior to an abatement award. There were no negative comments from those in attendance at the public meeting. The issue will be brought back to the council at a future date.
