Homestead Law Change for 65 years of age or older

Posted: May 17, 2023 at 12:43 PM in In the Spotlight

On May 4, 2023, Governor Reynolds signed House File 718, establishing a homestead tax exemption for claimants 65 years of age or older.

In addition to the homestead tax credit, eligible claimants who own the home they live in and are 65 years of age or older on or before January 1 of the assessment year are now eligible for a homestead tax exemption. For the assessment year beginning on January 1, 2023, the exemption is for $3,250 of taxable value. For assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, the exemption is for $6,500 of taxable value. An exemption is a reduction in the taxable value of the property rather than a direct reduction in the amount of property tax you pay.

The Iowa Department of Revenue has amended the Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption (54-028) form to allow claimants to apply for the new exemption. Applications are due July 1 to your local assessor. If the exemption is granted, the exemption will be allowed for future years without future filing as long as the claimant continues to qualify.

Application forms can be found online at Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption (54-028) or by visiting the Winneshiek County Assessor’s Office. Please contact us by phone at 563-382-5356 or by email at khoulihan@co.winneshiek.ia.us if you have any questions.

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as a homestead on July 1 of each year, declare residency in Iowa for income tax purposes and occupy the property for at least six months each year. Persons n the military or nursing homes who do not occupy the home are also eligible.

The annual deadline to apply is July 1.

Cancellation of April Monthly Meeting for the Historic Preservation Commission

Posted: March 30, 2023 at 4:57 PM in In the Spotlight

We regret to inform you that the April Monthly Meeting for the Historic Preservation Commission has been cancelled due to an unforeseen medical emergency that has arisen for one of our scheduled presenters. The presenter was expected to give a presentation on April 8th, and as a result of the medical emergency, we have decided to cancel the meeting.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, and we will keep you informed of any updates regarding the rescheduling of this presentation or other upcoming events.

Thank you for your understanding.

Passport Saturday: No Appointment Required on April 1st at Recorder’s Office

Posted: March 6, 2023 at 2:47 PM in In the Spotlight

Passport Saturday will take place on April 1st from 9AM to 12PM at the Recorder’s office. You don’t need to make an appointment.

News from Winneshiek County Secondary Roads Roadside Management

Posted: December 15, 2022 at 3:23 PM in In the Spotlight

The Winneshiek RVM Technical Committee met to review the progress of the Winneshiek County Secondary Roads Roadside Management program with the Roadside Manager recently. This committee is comprised of residents of Winneshiek County with backgrounds in agriculture, conservation, public safety, education, utilities, government and non-government organizations. This committee assists in outreach, education, guidance based scientific research, public safety input, while furthering stewardship principles that contribute to using best management practices. This committee allows for clarity from the public, while supporting goals of the Roadside Vegetation Management Plan and while abiding to local/state laws and codes.

The Winneshiek County Roadside Manager, along with local plan contributors and Winneshiek RVM Tech Committee recently updated the IRVM plan to accommodate the growth the program has had in it’s first five years. This plan update enhances techniques that fit the needs of Winneshiek Co. rights-of-way, public safety, Iowa Code, and proven vegetation management applications on our landscape.  The purpose of the Winneshiek County IRVM (Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management) Plan is to provide a long-term strategy for managing vegetation in the county owned Right – of – Ways (ROWs). Road corridors that exist in the county are designed to transport people and goods safely and efficiently from one location to another. This plan promotes safer conditions for vehicles, control erosion, limit sedimentation, reduce herbicide use, and develop natural areas for wildlife and roadside beautification

FEMA News Release Winneshiek County Flood Maps

Posted: December 8, 2022 at 11:22 AM in In the Spotlight

Appeal notice for FEMA 90 day appeal period of the FIRM (Flood Insurance Rate Map) for Winneshiek County.

Winneshiek County has been notified that FEMA has begun a 90-day appeal process on the proposed flood hazard determinations (FIRM or Flood Insurance Rate Map) for Winneshiek County.  The 90-day period has begun on Nov 24, 2022.  The proposed flood hazard determinations, if finalized, will become the basis of Floodplain management measures the County must adopt to participate in the NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program).

Any owner of lessee of real property who believes their property rights will be adversely affected by the proposed flood hazard determinations may appeal during this 90-day period.  The sole basis for such appeals is the possession of knowledge or information indicating that the proposed flood hazard determinations are scientifically or technically incorrect.  Only appeals supported by scientific or technical data can be considered by FEMA.

The proposed flood hazard determinations (preliminary FIRM) and information on the appeal process are available for inspection in the office of the Winneshiek county Zoning/Floodplain manager, located in the Courthouse, 201 W. Main St, Decorah, PH 563-387-4080, or email tphillips@co.winneshiek.ia.us   Information may also be obtained through FEMA www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/bfe

Fact Check Friday

Posted: November 4, 2022 at 11:21 AM in In the Spotlight

Our final #FactCheckFriday before #Election2022 responds to #disinformation circulating encouraging voters to return absentee ballots to their polling place on #ElectionDay. Rely on trusted sources for election info. For info visit sos.iowa.gov/electionsecurity #TrustedInfo2022

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TWITTER: (7) Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate on Twitter: “Our final #FactCheckFriday before #Election2022 responds to #disinformation circulating encouraging voters to return absentee ballots to their polling place on #ElectionDay. Rely on trusted sources for election info. For info visit https://t.co/IEr0LnuJK2 #TrustedInfo2022 https://t.co/i9ozhweZkc” / Twitter

FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/IASecretaryofState/posts/pfbid0Kbvuns1ML5TF5S6GN8Vi7CKt9QyqdjsZRufvzvcxePkXUnzpRLLq5GpGRYTBfQvFl

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/iowa-secretary-of-state_factcheckfriday-election2022-disinformation-activity-6994311065362644992-a9oE?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop