Roof Repair And TIF Agreements Discussed By Supervisors

Oskaloosa, Iowa – In a late start for the day because of a tax sale, the Mahaska County Board of Supervisors addressed an ordinance, NW Urban Renewal Plan, establishing the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) area for the northwest portion of Mahaska County.

The purpose of the TIF ordinance is to rebate portions of collected property taxes on certain properties in order to help incentivize business growth, and ultimately, over time, bring more tax dollars to the tax rolls.

The approval of a resolution fixing date for public hearing on a proposal to enter into a Development Agreement with The Welders Shield LLC and Co-Line Welding, Inc. was tabled until a later date. This was done by the Supervisors to allow the funding process with the USDA to reach completion before the hearing and agreement are addressed.

Camping at Eveland has lead to record revenues for the Conservation Commission for the season. Mahaska County Conservation Director Dave Sedivec said that the new restrooms at Eveland Access are complete, they are just waiting for things to dry out to open the new facilities. The county also used a grant to acquire 93 acres of land north of New Sharon.

Also heard from was Beth Danowsky with MCDG. Danowsky presented the same information to the board that has been presented to other groups in regards to development of recreation and early child development. The presentation was made twice to the community at Penn Central Mall and also to the Oskaloosa City Council.

The discussion will involve the possible use of sales tax revenue to help finance the new facility or facilities. The board of supervisors will hold a public meeting about their thoughts on the county use of the sales tax revenue after school starts this fall.

Board Chairman Mark Doland said he has heard of little resistance to building a new facility, but that location of the new facility “is a huge factor” for those he has spoken with.

Supervisor Mike Vander Molen said that he doesn’t see the county being a huge partner. “I don’t think I would support it,” says Vander Molen, who believes that there are other priorities for the county.

The ongoing discussion and repairs to the Mahaska County Courthouse continued with an additional two quotes for repair. The roof was damaged by a severe thunderstorm on April 27th of 2014, with the first round of repairs finished this spring.

Two quotes were received by the county to the tune of $2540.00 for the east side of the structure and $4165.00 for a project on the front of the courthouse.

The Supervisors approved the two repair estimates.