IOWA CITY
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors agreed unanimously to turn down a requested tax abatement from the North Liberty Community Pantry, a decision that extends a history of not …
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IOWA CITY
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors agreed unanimously to turn down a requested tax abatement from the North Liberty Community Pantry, a decision that extends a history of not approving them.
The tax abatement discussion came during the Board’s October 2 work session.
“We just don’t grant these,” Board Chair Rod Sullivan said. “I think it’s a little cleaner than kind of picking winners and losers.”
The decision falls in line with a previous decision in 2020, when the Board denied a similar tax abatement request by Voice of Christ Ministries International for a property in Iowa City.
The Board discussed establishing an official policy with Ryan Maas, Assistant Johnson County Attorney.
Comm Equipment
The Board voted, during its October 3 formal session, to amend a 2023 General Obligation Loan Agreement, clearing the way for $1.2 million to be spent on peace officer and emergency services communication equipment.
A public hearing was held before the vote, but there was no public comment.
Fireworks Public Hearing
A public hearing on proposed fireworks ordinance changes will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
A proposal establishes minimum distances for shooting and fallout areas, includes safety for unoccupied and occupied structures, barns and sheds, and establishes dates and times when permits are not needed for consumer fireworks, the kind that are bought at roadside stands.
Consumer fireworks can be used, without county-issued permits, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. for three days in early July, around and including the Fourth of July, and a 5.5-hour stretch from 7 p.m. Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1.
The Board will vote on the proposal following the public hearing.
Board Actions
The Board approved a change order of $22,647 for work done by McComas-Lacina Construction on the remodel project at the Administration and Health and Human Services buildings.
The Board appointed Bill Waldie of rural Johnson County and Ashley Salinas of Coralville to the Criminal Justice Coordination Committee. The group’s first meeting, which will include all five supervisors, is Thursday.
The Board issued a proclamation in honor of Recovery Month.
Next meeting:
The Board’s next formal session is at 5:30 p.m. October 10. The monthly evening session will include public hearings on a number of zoning and platting applications.