[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6115104,"mediaKeyId","2739882-dd19e6bbe3733a7fd920e22dc2f01fbd","parentId",2739882,"title","Council members outline budget pressures and explain property tax process ahead of 2025–26 budget","audioSeconds",913,"startMs",2834000,"endMs",3747000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2739882-dd19e6bbe3733a7fd920e22dc2f01fbd&start=2834&end=3747","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2739882-dd19e6bbe3733a7fd920e22dc2f01fbd/thumbnail_2834000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6115104/Muscatine-City/Muscatine-County/Iowa/Council-members-outline-budget-pressures-and-explain-property-tax-process-ahead-of-202526-budget","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115104-53aa0db977d8a4a4fff18da598ef1fc4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775440392&Signature=XRiotXra29x0ecXyNb-jnJa1GGmCQllwIDMhHun69rB58il0V7fOm1hpUZHZzLAQAMDb9tZjFwH2klG89BCU4T~34eFCHuitjrLO0Bm76Hyd8P78WjUUaxOcoZXUZ7AjU2z3OC9Y-754e~aQMcEnQFleHD6tUvRN98WXf4is9l1ygfAuIukI-NmBXXzqDJAB~M~sW88SwpLQBKWJESzdUgNfkBlTIJn5e1XCYKi4T~yBv3xbj9N14VP3kQswxsnpzAzJ4~9L5rljYQ-20Q3vgZjexGt41Q~Gm9xgdYFMdO7vrD~MsEFhgV8JbVj5RIElBrWMpT3NNW7BGTTXYSAdbg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Muscatine City, Iowa","date","2025-03-21T12:07:04Z","article","At the March 20 meeting Councilmember Anne Brockert and City staff outlined city budget structure, recent budget choices and the property tax valuation process ahead of the 2025–26 budget cycle.

Brockert reviewed differences between the general fund and enterprise funds and noted the marina is forecast to show a $45,000 deficit in the coming fiscal year. She described enterprise funds — including ambulance, golf course, marina, airport, transit, refuse collection and water pollution control — as “self supporting” for operations and said improvements to those facilities are typically budgeted from the enterprise fund for that service. Brockert said the city deferred hiring an assistant fire chief, a firefighter and a police officer for the coming fiscal year after discussions with department leadership, and that some positions for the new sports dome have likewise been delayed as the facility transitions into its own enterprise fund.

Brockert told the council that Muscatine must find $500,000 in cuts in the current budget cycle and warned that “next year's budget will necessitate cuts for Muscatine up to a million,” attributing part of the pressure to recent state action affecting local revenue.

Separately, Director Leake gave a step-by-step explanation of how property valuations and tax rolls are compiled in Muscatine County. He said the county assessor estimates market values each January 1 in odd-numbered years and compiles recent sales data to inform assessments. Leake explained the state equalization check that keeps countywide assessed values within 5% of the state study and described the residential rollback mechanism that reduces assessed value to taxable value. He gave the 2024 rollback example of 47.4316% and walked through a sample calculation showing a $200,000 assessed home producing a $94,863 taxable value and an illustrative consolidated levy yielding a $3,375 annual bill (the example did not include homestead or senior credits).

Leake also described the appeals process for property owners (informal review with the county assessor, and formal timelines tied to odd-year reassessments) and urged residents to consult county assessor guidance for filing appeals. Brockert and staff said the city will continue outreach ahead of upcoming budget hearings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 20th, 2025 - Muscatine City Council Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Councilmember Anne Brockert reviewed the composition of the city budget, enterprise funds, and staffing decisions; Director Leake explained how property valuations, state equalization and the rollback affect taxable value and tax bills.","taxTitle","Muscatine City, Muscatine County, Iowa","taxId",55544,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6115110,"Muscatine council approves first reading to adopt state historic building code standards",72,816000,888000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2739882-dd19e6bbe3733a7fd920e22dc2f01fbd&start=816&end=888","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2739882-dd19e6bbe3733a7fd920e22dc2f01fbd/thumbnail_816000.jpg","/articles/6115110/Muscatine-City/Muscatine-County/Iowa/Muscatine-council-approves-first-reading-to-adopt-state-historic-building-code-standards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115110-7d5b9ccb968831dd215d63d1ace09b7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775440392&Signature=otjhkkWx65qNgPdTwdpyyeemupXyGHbT0VYCHc65hgWHD8ohtaFhgWwnmZUhvg7A3ThhBJe0MIsw-4idkDYA4EMrq3pzmeAmIgcucdlitSPNKBavEOWVUDCG3KfCdhKYY2l45~6YAtaBSNjqUIeJktFy~KWBamiXCBhASvG-UF6XM7ADcVFdkJTJT~Niew2LiOTnGQjJRZz0vRoN4LU3a8B7m7kuhvQb-bxLYajHdSFfceQBBf5CzFeoCKDNAjm15Tk8KfTp5~UmEMhexVHhU4kJnlEkPbO2Z2DLnVirQr2vUdQLutjMwSuzwsR2Sil7CbqyOhmWOUtyAG2R~wd1gA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Muscatine City Council on March 20 approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend Title 8, Chapter 1, Section 4 of the city code so local building rules mirror the state historic building code. The public hearing on the ordinance drew no public comment.

Councilmember Osborne moved to approve the first reading; Councilmember Lewis seconded the motion. The measure passed on a unanimous vote.

The ordinance will proceed to a subsequent reading and any additional required procedural steps under city code.","Council approved on first reading an ordinance amending city code (Title 8, Chapter 1, Section 4) to mirror the state historic building code; public hearing held with no comments.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6115113,"Muscatine council adopts multiple infrastructure plans, approves design and inspection contracts",1000,852000,1852000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2739882-dd19e6bbe3733a7fd920e22dc2f01fbd&start=852&end=1852","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2739882-dd19e6bbe3733a7fd920e22dc2f01fbd/thumbnail_852000.jpg","/articles/6115113/Muscatine-City/Muscatine-County/Iowa/Muscatine-council-adopts-multiple-infrastructure-plans-approves-design-and-inspection-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115113-0a16094f70dffad4846d3c3a159c1f13/orig.mp4?Expires=1775440392&Signature=buUs8zq0pj5kw0O0IABqZNRXHdGRPbiN72v-NVSzdr-CkW5uaRGWQ8Gp9uy1edgpfa9n8XDXNbHRt~cBlmyoADPRYDbrgmSzAmp07dXaSu5GDANGTkdBd6oiHX1AFJ2l8DNugrBePVLi3kEOz7CfnR5yLtK89vRxGV-mdpSWxT0BEtbPBMEzcAedyCsVOkwe0zLDgyHPaYer6x2nVU-AjI9DnuU~80ovEmk4hqr9xYhakCBfe4dy33ccE2wuz~UAECiQ6dB8iBStHkG4MqpcuSqnK1J473fooP1DbeewJen2p9-ElNlCVsTIg2VT5cYGmko329sicKUzcNdB3Thvvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its March 20 meeting the Muscatine City Council adopted several resolutions and approved professional services and payments to move a range of infrastructure and public-works projects forward. All votes recorded during the meeting were unanimous.

Key approvals included resolutions adopting plans and specifications for the West Hills Sewer Separation Phase 6D project and the Folium Avenue Reconstruction Phase 3 project, and a resolution approving a cured-in-place pipe liner project. The council also approved plans for snow removal equipment at the Muscatine Municipal Airport.

Council approved a supplemental agreement No. 2 with Stanley Consultants for the West Hills Sewer Separation design contract in an amount not to exceed $1,237,576. The council also authorized a professional services agreement with Fulton & Mink for up to $24,600 to design an Oregon Street trail crossing and approved payment of up to $21,293.28 to the Federal Aviation Administration for a commissioning flight inspection of runway lights at the airport. A resolution awarding a $16,500 contract to S and R Lawn Care LLC for lift-station mowing and lawn services was likewise adopted.

Several items were set for public hearings: the consolidated transit (Muscabas) grant application (public hearing set for April 17), an ordinance to promote residential infill by relaxing side-yard setback requirements, an ordinance removing engineered-plan submission for small accessory buildings under 1,440 square feet, and community comment hearings on sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages at the new Musco Sports Centre (hearing set for April 3). During the Musco Sports Centre discussion staff said beer, wine and champagne would be allowed under the proposed approach and that “no hard liquor” was planned for that venue.

Folium Avenue drew a resident question about traffic and truck detours. A resident identified as Kevin asked whether the portion of Folium closed by prior work would reopen by April; the city engineer, identified in the meeting as Kevin, said work on adjacent phases and storm sewer connections are ongoing and that the reopening is expected but not promised. He told the council he anticipates increased neighborhood traffic while West Hill construction continues and asked for patience as work proceeds.

Motions and seconds were recorded on the public record for each item; staff will proceed to implement contracts and prepare required follow-up reports and hearings.","The council unanimously adopted plans and resolutions for sewer, street, and airport projects, set hearings for several planning and funding matters, and approved professional services and inspection payments, including a $1.237 million supplemental design agreement.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6115119,"Muscatine council approves $331,000 dredging contract; staff outlines repair timeline for city dredge",933,1876000,2809000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2739882-dd19e6bbe3733a7fd920e22dc2f01fbd&start=1876&end=2809","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2739882-dd19e6bbe3733a7fd920e22dc2f01fbd/thumbnail_1876000.jpg","/articles/6115119/Muscatine-City/Muscatine-County/Iowa/Muscatine-council-approves-331000-dredging-contract-staff-outlines-repair-timeline-for-city-dredge","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6115119-f13d6dba8b883598246a3540a6ade8ba/orig.mp4?Expires=1775440392&Signature=Xajwn4VpqzJSseMMZVb6fF1jGt3BlfEUtfvDcMNKOvEXYmZUNF~uxe6Ed0oFUSDCdv3oUykwAFpMl5K2TgInqRzAyJqu-2bQSGDlBCQ137yDgxLcl1azjl-rUHRbcVKLnpHpbQ7O1Ad18yRRmz3Lm2k3sT674giPY4wb5KsjEf5zMiIsU1UUt0bFNUOQRcq2NiDYDDT-w~NYQSZLxxgPb64wtKgpz7K~7De~AuWNWdvGctfv9g~bNwkw0sViBE303a79a2Hx756sS2~c5eJtv6cwHfHykB8~Gfs6NpeETkAG3bCQvxLWhQ1WBpHfgZNplkHCuuHgQOIJqyNc8qlFUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Muscatine City Council on March 20 approved a $331,000 purchase order to Superior Seawall Docks and Dredging for a marina dredging project, voting unanimously to move forward with contractor excavation of mud that city equipment cannot reach.

City dredging staff and elected officials described a multi-part approach: contract work to remove mud in problem areas the city dredge cannot access, followed by the city’s reassembled dredge continuing routine maintenance when it is back in service. John Cook, director of the Water and Resource Recovery Facility, told the council the city’s dredge has been under repair since last May and that parts “are in” and “will be installed,” but reassembly and full testing may still take “a few weeks.”

Cook said a recent silt study estimated about 31,000 cubic yards of mud in the harbor but the current contract covers roughly 9,000 cubic yards. He said bidders priced work roughly at “30 and $31 a cubic yard.” He told the council the contractor will excavate mud under fixed docks and in zones city equipment cannot reach, then stop at a mutually agreed level so city crews can “do the rest of it ourselves.”

Council members pressed for timing and public impacts. Councilmember Lewis asked when the city dredge will be repaired; Cook replied that contractors are scheduled to reassemble pumps and a hydraulic system and that the dredge could be reassembled and running within weeks if parts-and-labor scheduling holds. Councilmember Gordon and others asked about staging and disposal; Cook said the contractor will haul most extracted material off-site to Illinois and that dewatered material temporarily placed on city property would be removed once sufficiently dried. He assured the council the city aims to be “out of there before August” to avoid interfering with summer events.

Cook told the council the project will be funded from the biosolids/enterprise fund and not from the general fund. He said the city has commissioned a study, and is negotiating with engineering consultants, to examine longer-term fixes — including changes to the jetty or harbor configuration — intended to reduce the frequency of costly dredging.

The council’s motion to approve the purchase order was moved by Councilmember Gordon and seconded by Councilmember Osborne. The motion carried with all ayes.

Next steps include contractor mobilization, continued repairs to the city dredge, and a staff report on the commissioned harbor hydrology study.","The council unanimously approved a $331,000 purchase order to Superior Seawall Docks and Dredging for marina dredging. Public works staff explained the city dredge has been under repair and outlined an approach that combines contractor work and the repaired city dredge.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council members outline budget pressures and explain property tax process ahead of 2025–26 budget

Muscatine council approves first reading to adopt state historic building code standards

Muscatine council adopts multiple infrastructure plans, approves design and inspection contracts

Muscatine council approves $331,000 dredging contract; staff outlines repair timeline for city dredge