By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Dakota City, IA – The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed transfer of the Reasoner Dam to R.I.V.E.R. Development, Inc. while also approving property tax exemption updates and reviewing the county’s financial report during Monday’s meeting.
The board voted to hold the public hearing at 9 a.m. Tuesday, August 17, to consider the proposed transfer of ownership of the Reasoner Dam. Before the transfer can move forward, county officials said they are working with legal counsel to finalize an appropriate legal description of the property and any associated easements for the required public notice. Supervisors agreed it was more important to complete the process correctly than rush it.
Supervisors also approved annual applications, cancellations and disallowances for homestead, military, 65-plus and disabled veteran property tax exemptions following a presentation from County Assessor Linda Fallesen.
Fallesen reported 85 new regular homestead exemptions, 50 new 65-plus exemptions, 16 new military exemptions, and 11 new disabled veteran exemptions.
The assessor’s office also processed 116 regular homestead cancellations, 43 cancellations for the 65-plus exemption, 28 military cancellations and two disabled veteran cancellations. Fallesen said most cancellations occur because property owners move, pass away or otherwise no longer qualify for the exemption. Residents who receive a cancellation notice have the opportunity to contact the assessor’s office if they believe an error has been made.
County Treasurer Jana Pettinger presented the county’s June financial report, telling supervisors the county’s financial position remains solid. During discussion, Pettinger noted that Humboldt County retains only about four percent of vehicle registration revenue, with the majority of fees collected locally being sent to the State of Iowa. She said county offices perform much of the administrative work despite keeping only a small portion of the revenue.
The board also was informed that a large tree on the east side of the Humboldt County Courthouse sustained significant storm damage and will be removed after developing a major split that poses a safety concern.
Supervisors concluded the meeting after receiving committee reports from board members and approving claims totaling more than $239,000.