Government

NORTH LIBERTY– An amendment passed by the Iowa legislature 18 months ago is now beginning to squeeze city budgets.
North Liberty City Administrator Ryan Heiar told the North Liberty City Council last Tuesday, Jan. 8, that the city will collect less in property taxes for the general fund than anticipated in 2013-2014.
About $150,000 less, in fact.

SOLON– Without senior dining, there’s no way to reach older residents of the community with needed programs.
The Old Gold Diner is the hub of the senior community.
When budget cuts forced the elimination of the site manager position and the introduction of packaged plastic meals, local supporters began rallying the troops.
As a result, representatives of Solon Senior Advocates met with Solon City Council members last week, seeking city funds to match county money for the site manager position.

SOLON– The season of giving is over.
It’s time for taking back.
The City of Solon will absorb what amounts to a $10,000 hit in its general fund for the upcoming fiscal year because of a change in the valuation of undeveloped property.
Budget discussions began in earnest for the Solon City Council during a regular meeting last week where city administrator Cassandra Lippincott announced the news.
Undeveloped commercial and multifamily residential lots in the Fox Ridge subdivision have been reassessed by Johnson County as a result of a legislative change, she said.

OXFORD– A draft report produced by a University of Iowa professor and one of his graduate students uses scientific methodology to pinpoint where enrollment growth is occurring in the Clear Creek Amana (CCA) school district, and maps-out the likely continuation of that growth.

TIFFIN– In order to address projects in the older part of town, the Tiffin City Council will expand its Urban Renewal Area, and subsequently increase its ability to collect Tax Increment Financing (TIF) revenues in the future.
At a Nov. 28 meeting, Clear Creek Amana (CCA) Superintendent Dr. Denise Schares appeared during the public comment portion of the council meeting to talk about the city’s intent to expand Tiffin’s Urban Renewal Plan and create an additional TIF designation within the city.