Pottawattamie County Outlines Tax Contributions of Residents

Posted March 14, 2023
Posted by Public Relations

Pottawattamie County, Iowa – As Pottawattamie County finalizes its budget for fiscal year 2024, County officials are using the opportunity to describe tax contributions of its residents.

This month, Pottawattamie County residents will begin receiving updated valuations of properties from the Pottawattamie County Assessor’s Office. The Assessor’s Office is a separate government entity, established to classify and value all properties within the jurisdiction of the County. Valuations of properties are not determined by the County, but instead by the independent County Assessor. Properties are assessed as of the first of the year and reassessed every two years thereafter.

“We truly value the relationship we have with our County Assessor, Penny Ravlin, and her team,” said Brian Shea, Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors Chairman. “They’re great to work with, and we just want to make sure our residents are familiar with the assessment process and point them in the right direction if there are questions with the updated assessments.”

Pottawattamie County officials have emphasized the goal to continue to set its levy rate as low as possible, while valuations tend to increase. Within the County, there are multiple agencies that have taxing authority. These agencies include the County, Ag Extension, the Assessor’s Office, local school districts, area colleges, city or township, and the State for Brucellosis.

“While the County’s Treasurer’s Office is tasked with sending statements and collecting taxes on behalf of all these entities, no more than 47% of any taxpayer’s contributions go to the County,” said Mitch Kay, Pottawattamie County Budget and Finance Director. “We work diligently to be good stewards with the funds we’re able to utilize and maximize their potential impact.”

For rural areas, where the county is responsible for all services and infrastructure, such as roads, the County collects a higher percentage of taxes (not a higher dollar amount). However, for most residents who live within one of Pottawattamie County’s 14 cities, less than 20% goes to the County.

Pottawattamie County is challenged with balancing the cost of providing essential county services and the contributions requested of property owners. The task is increasingly difficult primarily due to the rising cost of materials, labor, and insurance.

“Despite obstacles we face, the County remains committed to providing high-quality services and ensuring that our residents receive the support they need,” said Shea. “Properties have been selling for top dollar, which can have an impact on the valuations done by the County Assessor. We’re doing everything we can to limit financial burdens on our end.”

The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors are scheduled to approve the budget for FY24 on April 18th.

For more insight on where taxpayers dollars go view the Rates Spreadsheet. For more information about the Pottawattamie County Assessor’s Office, including inquiries associated with assessments visit PottCo.org or call 712-328-5617.