While acknowledging the hard work of Muscatine staff and council, city council member John Jindrich said he believes there are still areas of the proposed 2024-25 budget where money can be saved.
During Thursday’s Muscatine City Council meeting, while discussing a bonding agreement, Jindrich voiced his thoughts on the proposed budget.
Muscatine City Council set the first public hearing for the city’s annual budget on April 4. A second public hearing will be held at a later date,
“I think there is work to be done yet,” he said. “I think there are some things we are spending money on that we don’t need to.”
During the meeting, the council set a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. April 4 for the property tax levy. The second public hearing is tentatively set for April 18, but cannot be set until after the first hearing is held and a resolution is passed to set the levy. Both hearings must be held before passage of the budget.
The Muscatine City Council recently completed its review of the proposed city budget for the upcoming year, with the property tax rate for 2024-2025 proposed at $15.67219 per $1,000 of taxable property valuation. That is the same rate as the current fiscal year.
People are also reading…
However, while the rate remains the same, property owners may see a decrease in the City of Muscatine’s part of their property taxes due to the residential property rollback mandated by the state, along with other reductions to assessed value.
Numerous changes to local budget preparation, public hearing requirements, and budget timelines were made after House File 718 was adopted in 2023. Among those changes is a requirement that county offices mail each property taxpayer an annual statement.
All political subdivisions, including cities, must file a report with the Iowa Department of Management (DOM) by March 15 that contains the required information for the taxpayer statement. That information is compiled and calculated by DOM and then used by the county auditor to prepare the taxpayer statements, which must be sent by March 20.
Later in the meeting, Jindrich asked the council to halt the proposed sale of two city-owned lots on Brooks Street that bids are being taken on, saying he wanted the council to consider the importance of the green space to the neighborhood.
He said that he believes the city should just maintain the green space. He also said the lots were appraised at $3,600, so were of no significant value.
“There is very little expense to maintain a green space for the kids to play in,” he said.
The council voted 4-2 to remove the land from the auction. Discussion will be held later on how the city will proceed with the property.
Council member Jeff Osborne felt the time the council should vote on the issue is after seeing if there were bids or not.
“It is a goal of the city to get rid of these properties,” he said. “They are not a good use of taxpayer money in general.”
Council member Peggy Gordon agreed she wanted to see the process finish before making any kind of decision. She said anyone bidding on it is required to have a plan for the property.
President Joe Biden is going into Thursday’s State of the Union address with an expanded plan to raise corporate taxes and use the proceeds to trim budget deficits
Muscatine’s most affordable starter homes
2 Bedroom Home in Walcott – $700
Nice 2 bedroom, 1 bath ground floor apartment available now. Plenty of off-street parking, kitchen and dining area. There is no washer/dryer onsite. Pets welcome with owner approval and additional pet fee at move in. Owner does not accept the Section 8 voucher. Security deposit of $700, each adult to complete $30 credit/background check. Tenant pays all utilities. Also have upper unit available, same price and layout.
2 Bedroom Home in Lone Tree – $70,000
Head down to Lone Tree and come take a look at this new listing! Great investment/flip opportunity in a great location. Ranch style open floor plan with everything you need on one level. 2 bed and 1 bath with a spacious yard and plenty of space for off street parking. Schedule a showing today. House is being sold as is. Utilities are all in working order.
2 Bedroom Home in De Witt – $750
Two bedroom townhouse unit available now for move in. Corner unit on a slab so no basement to worry about, in unit laundry hook-ups, shared parking lot out back. Pets welcome with owner approval and additional pet fee at move in. Security deposit of $750, each adult to complete $30 credit/background check. Tenant pays all utilities.
3 Bedroom Home in Davenport – $1,175
Updated three bedroom upper duplex unit just a few blocks from St. Ambrose campus, grocery and convince stores. Unit is approved for the Section 8 Voucher. Upper level unit, that includes a finished attic living room, in unit washer & dryer, tons of natural light, ready for immediate move in. Each unit has access to one side of the shared garage and shared storage space in the basement. Pet friendly with additional pet fee of $200 and monthly fee of $25 per pet, limit 2. Security deposit required, $30.00 credit/background application fee per adult, tenant pays gas and electric, shares lawncare and snow removal with other unit.
2 Bedroom Home in Davenport – $89,999
Now vacant and a ‘clean slate’ for a remodel to make it your own, a ‘flip’ or a wonderful rental. Multiple updates were done but in need of a new kitchen. Updates include; roof 2023, new garage door & opener 2023, replaced bathroom floor & toilet 2023, vinyl siding 2016, new windows throughout 2012, furnace & AC 2012. You’ll love the architecture with its curved corners, arched doorways & hardwood floors (under the carpeting), waterproofed basement, plus a quaint enclosed front porch for relaxing. With a little TLC this is a ‘True Affordable Davenport Diamond”
3 Bedroom Home in Davenport – $65,000
Make it your own. This 2 unit multi-family investment property offers 1 bedroom and one bathroom in the downstairs unit and 2 bedrooms and one bathroom in the upstairs unit. The property has some brand-new renovations throughout along with a platform for a new owner to put on their own finishing touches on it. All supplies left on-site will be left for new owners.
2 Bedroom Home in Bettendorf – $99,900
This 2-bedroom, 2-bath half of the duplex in Bettendorf, Iowa, awaits your personal touch! This cozy home is perfect for those seeking a project to make it their own. The bedrooms are well-sized and looking for you to put your personal touch on them. The property is conveniently located in Bettendorf, you’ll have easy access to local amenities, schools, and parks. Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking for a fixer-upper or an investor seeking a renovation project, this 1/2 of the duplex presents a fantastic opportunity. Don’t miss the chance to customize and transform this space.
3 Bedroom Home in Davenport – $1,800
Great rental opportunity in northwest davenport location, close to i-80, schools and shopping. Home is completely made over carpet, paint, kitchen(with granite counter-tops), appliances, and bathrooms. Home has 3 beds, 2 full baths, 2 car attached garage on cul-de-sac lot. Large walk out basement, gas fireplace. Pets welcome with owner approval and additional pet fee at move in. Owner does not accept the Section 8 voucher. Security deposit of $1,800, each adult to complete $30 credit/background check. Tenant pays all utilities and performs lawn care and snow removal.
4 Bedroom Home in Davenport – $1,300
Four bedroom 2 story home for rent. Home has over 1,800 sqft plus unfinished basement storage space and 2 car detached garage. Owner does not take cats, dogs considered on a case by case basis with an additional pet fee at move in. Tenant pays all utilities and performs lawn care and snow removal. Security deposit of $1,300, each adult to complete $30 credit/background check. One year lease, open to longer.
4 Bedroom Home in Davenport – $97,500
Come check out this 4 bedroom, 2 bath home located in Davenport, IA! Currently Tenant Occupied. Walkup attic is considered the 4th bedroom. Tenant currently pays $1,150 /month on a month to month lease. 48-hour notice is required.
