In 2013, the Iowa Legislature passed a measure that reduced taxable value of commercial and industrial properties from 100 percent to 90 percent. Instead of shifting this burden to residential property owners, the state created a backfill that replaces that lost revenue to cities, counties and school districts. City Manager, Mike Pogge-Weaver, says that last Thursday a Senate file was introduced that would end this support.
He adds that the timing of the bill is terrible for states and counties who are at the tail end of their budgeting process and are required to have them certified by March 15.
Carroll County Board of Supervisors Chair, Marty Danzer, says that the sudden loss of the backfill could be damaging to a lot of different entities.
Because the loss of this funding would likely result in cuts to services for citizens and possibly tax increases for all, county, city and school officials are urging everyone to contact their legislators and let them know their concerns with the phasing out of this tax backfill. Details on how to reach the Senators and Representatives from all local districts can be found included below.
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District 6 Senator: Mark Segebart
Phone: 712-269-4513
Email: mark.segebart@legis.iowa.gov
District 9 Senator: Jason Schultz
Phone: 712-269-2179
Email: Jason.schultz@legis.iowa.gov
House District 12 Representative: Brian Best
Phone: 712-830-1844
Email: brian.best@legis.iowa.gov
House District 18 Representative: Steven Holt
Phone: 515-281-3221
Email: Steven.Holt@legis.iowa.gov
District 5 Senator: Tim Kraayenbrink
Phone: 515-576-0444
Email: tim.kraayenbrink@legis.iowa.gov
House District 10 Representative: Mike Sexton
Phone: 712-297-8720
Email: mike.sexton@legis.iowa.gov
District 24 Senator: Jerry Behn
Phone: 515-432-7327
Email: jerry.behn@legis.iowa.gov
House District 47 Representative: Chip Baltimore
Phone: 515-281-3221
Email: chip.baltimore@legis.iowa.gov
District 10 Senator: Jake Chapman
Phone: 515-650-3942
Email: jake.champman@legis.iowa.gov
House District 20 Representative: Clel Baudler
Phone: 515-281-3221
Email: clel.baudler@legis.iowa.gov
House District 11 Representative: Gary Worthan
Phone: 515-281-3221
Email: gary.worthan@legis.iowa.gov