Supervisors Discuss Tax Abatement for Veterans

SIGOURNEY – During the June 17 meeting of the Keokuk County Board of Supervisors, the supervisors spoke with Holly Williams and Gary Iosbaker of KCED about Homebase Iowa, a program designed to draw veterans to Iowa communities. Last year, the board approved designating Keokuk County as a Homebase Iowa community. Since then, KCED has been meeting with the organization to plan larger incentives for veterans. Williams explained that other Homebase Iowa counties offer a five-year tax abatement program for 100% of the first $75,000 in property value for new veteran residents who build new homes or increase home values by at least 15%.

Supervisor Mike Hadley noted that, several years ago, the board declined to offer tax abatement for the Pioneer feed mill outside Hedrick. Supervisor Daryl Wood stated this is because the location was too far from a town to qualify. Hadley stated that approving a tax abatement would set a precedent. Iosbaker, who is also a Sigourney city council member, stated that Sigourney regularly offers tax abatements or TIF areas to attract new homeowners.

Hadley stated that veterans will probably move to the county anyway, regardless of the tax abatement. Williams stated they may go to other counties. Hadley asked if other neighboring counties were associated with Homebase Iowa. Williams stated 90% of Iowa counties are. Hadley noted that the taxes on $75,000 of property were not very much, but still helped fund county services. Supervisor Fred Snakenberg stated the board should look into the abatement. Wood and Hadley both stated they were in favor. Iosbaker stated that the community needs to grow for local governments to be able to deliver services.