Property tax levy hearings next week
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Three local taxing authorities will hold their tax levy public hearings next week for Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026).
- The levy hearing for Ringgold County is scheduled for Monday, March 24 at 10 a.m. in the supervisors’ office on the second floor of the county courthouse.
- The levy hearing for the Mount Ayr Community School district is set for Monday, March 24 at 5:30 p.m. in the board room.
- The public hearing on the City of Mount Ayr property tax levy for is set for Wednesday, March 26 at 6 p.m.. at Mount Ayr city hall.
In a mailing to property owners, Ringgold County, auditor Amanda Waske presented the “effective tax rate” and the “proposed tax rate” for the coming fiscal year. The mailing explains that the “Effective Tax Rate would be a rate produced by holding current taxation constant using next fiscal year’s taxable values.” In other words, any increase in revenue would be the result of an increase in a property’s taxable value.
The Proposed Tax Rate does not exceed the maximum tax rate allowable by Iowa Code. Increases in revenue would be generated by both an increased levy rate plus increased taxable property values.
It is possible, therefore, for a levy rate to go down but the tax on a property to go up due to increased assessed values.
All three tax authorities predict a need for increased revenue for the coming fiscal year.
The school district attributes its increase to funds added to its management fund to cover insurance deductibles in the event of another large insurance claim.
Increased revenue for the county will go to higher overall costs of operation along with the required purchase of updated election electronic poll books.
Construction costs associated with the new swimming pool, improvements at Judge Lewis Park, and projects associated with the storm water system and downtown revitalization are cited as needs for increased revenue for the city.
Once the levy rate hearings are complete, the taxing authorities will finalize their budgets for FY26, after which another round of public hearings will take place. At that time, tax levy rates will be set in place, and property owners will have a clearer picture on their future tax liabilities.
