Residents urge Blackhawk County Board to reduce rising property taxes

On April 1, 2025, Black Hawk County held a special session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 property tax levy, drawing attention to the financial pressures faced by residents, particularly seniors. The meeting highlighted concerns over rising property taxes and the impact on the community's ability to afford basic living expenses.

A poignant moment came from a 77-year-old resident who expressed frustration over the increasing financial burden of property taxes. He articulated a deep concern for his and his wife's ability to maintain their lifestyle as costs continue to rise year after year. The resident drew parallels between their situation and the consolidation of small farms into larger operations, suggesting that without intervention, they might face a similar fate in their residential lives. He urged county officials to adopt more efficient practices to alleviate the financial strain on residents, emphasizing the need for government to prioritize cost reduction.

The meeting also addressed the county's budget, including salary increases for various positions. Amanda Pesner, the HR director, explained that union contracts had resulted in wage increases ranging from 2.5% to 4% for different sectors, with elected officials seeing raises of 5% to 10%. This adjustment was part of a broader effort to align salaries with market rates, as previous compensation levels had been significantly lower than those in comparable counties. The county's strategy aims to improve employee retention and reduce turnover, which has been a challenge due to competitive private sector wages.

Concerns were raised about the county's reserves, which currently stand at approximately 62% of total expenses. Some attendees questioned whether these reserves could be utilized to mitigate the proposed tax increases. The county officials acknowledged the need for careful management of reserves to avoid overburdening taxpayers while still ensuring adequate funding for essential services.

The meeting concluded with additional comments from residents, many of whom echoed the sentiment that property taxes should not be raised, particularly for older citizens living on fixed incomes. The discussions underscored a growing demand for fiscal responsibility and a reevaluation of how government spending impacts the community.

As Black Hawk County moves forward, the challenge remains to balance necessary funding for public services with the financial realities faced by its residents. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape the county's approach to taxation and budgeting in the coming years, as officials seek to address the concerns of their constituents while maintaining essential services.