Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — A bill introduced in the Iowa House would exempt a politically influential evangelical Christian organization that is building a new campus near Bondurant from paying property taxes on the nearly 20‑acre site.
The Family Leader Foundation is suing Polk County officials who refused to rezone the 21 acres of farmland.
Representative Bill Gustoff, a Republican from Des Moines who is an attorney, says he has successfully handled similar cases, and he says the bill adds clarity to the state law that grants a property tax exemption to religious institutions and religious societies.
A House subcommittee advanced the bill Wednesday morning.
The Family Leader acquired the farm a few years ago and is currently renovating a large building that will be an events center. The group’s campus plan also includes an office building and a prayer tower.
Sheldon native Bob Vander Plaats is the CEO of the Family Leader.
KIWA Staff Photo
