A proposal for property tax reform is in front of the Iowa Legislature right now, which would implement a revenue restriction, provide a homestead benefit, and freeze property tax freeze for certain seniors. State Representative Brooke Boden is in favor of the proposed overhaul, and says the new system won’t be as restrictive to communities like Indianola who are growing but are limited in collecting on that growth by previous bills.

“We will still have a cap but we will allow for that new development and growth in the new bill. But again remember, that while we want to grow and we want to have lots of amenities in our communities, taxpayers still at the door when I knock doors, I’m listening and what they are saying is that is great that we have grown but we want to have a balanced budget and we want to make sure we have a rainy day fund, and we want to make sure that we aren’t overspending inside of our communities. I think the new tax bill does allow for new growth to happen responsibly, and I think that is what the taxpayer has been asking for.”

The latest property tax to pass the Iowa Legislature, House File 718, capped growth in cities which has led to multiple budget deficits for cities across the state. Hear more on today’s Let’s Talk Indianola.