Des Moines, Iowa — (RI) — Republicans in the Iowa House and Senate have drafted bills they say will “slow down the growth of property taxes.”
Six years ago, Iowa lawmakers cut commercial and industrial property taxes by 10-percent. This year, GOP Senators have proposed limiting tax increases on all classes of property to no more than three-percent. Nicole Crain is a lobbyist for the Iowa Association of Business and Industry.
According to Matt Steinfeldt of the Iowa Farm Bureau, property tax payments in Iowa have doubled since the year 2000.
Critics say the limit will restrict the ability of growing communities to pay for needed infrastructure and services. Ames Mayor John Haila says there’s “amazing” expansion in his city’s research park.
Brett Barker, the mayor of the city of Nevada, is also chairman of Story County Republicans. He told Republican legislators their proposal may have unintended consequences.
Republicans in the Iowa HOUSE have property tax plan that addresses any increase above two-percent. Citizens would be able to petition for a referendum if a city council or county board of supervisors proposes increasing property taxes by more than two-percent.
