[{"_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",6550457,"mediaKeyId","5391969-eeda6546bf6c2de89eef6e69a1f60968","parentId",5391969,"title","Residents raise questions about proposed hotel-motel tax increase during Lamar public comment","audioSeconds",327,"startMs",305000,"endMs",632000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5391969-eeda6546bf6c2de89eef6e69a1f60968&start=305&end=632","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5391969-eeda6546bf6c2de89eef6e69a1f60968/thumbnail_305000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6550457/Le-Mars/Plymouth-County/Iowa/Residents-raise-questions-about-proposed-hotel-motel-tax-increase-during-Lamar-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550457-8fe7925b1616528d39194f74343e4045/orig.mp4?Expires=1773622625&Signature=D12GnOfmXcEiCsRvRamqjt-em0S57st~HFTRrrzRwfSTaMHcaPcPlYKuMmMAwFcBK70KlADYjCq0YB-8xvbWMWpcukXpWYMLBYzBowEW3Prs0T~HqKtdrwhLSn~wfiQsdrdjvnePnAP-odoro04FqrdUsD1-APmdgj-v~8ofyh3IAXLuBlRAeiz0PImnnaXe~uL~WtNRyECL7K4dDSnrKuo50CeT7V-ZEGjivn78RoSG7ezrPbHLq0mJpsmHUCb0lvKIVo8d5L~dFYaojRSsdlkyJg3KjZ9rO1FL0rxbX8PEWTC9rhqvMuMtcpK7oKCFyhjdnVVAqvPW5N9VESBiZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Le Mars","date","2025-07-15T20:14:43Z","article","Public comment at the Lamar City Council meeting on July 15 included several residents questioning and offering views on a proposed increase to the city's hotel-motel (lodging) tax. Commenters asked whether the tax is administered through the chamber of commerce and who ultimately pays the levy.

A resident who identified herself as Molly, of 2227 Second Avenue Southeast, said she supported the idea of local businesses and hotels contributing and asked whether the chamber would administer the payment. Council members clarified that lodging taxes are paid by guests (not hotel owners) and that the proposal to increase the city's rate up to the statutory maximum would be decided by voters in November. The presiding official said, \"That's not a tax that we're deciding. That will go to the voters in November.\"

Council members noted that Lamar is below the statutory 7% cap and that some communities charge the higher rate; they said the additional revenue would be intended for tourism promotion and local events such as Ice Cream Days and Hometown Christmas.

Because the discussion occurred during the public comment period, no formal council action on a tax increase was taken at the July 15 meeting; council members repeatedly pointed to the upcoming public vote as the decision point for any change.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Le Mars Council Meeting July 15, 2025 Part 1 of 2","oneSentenceSummary","During public comments July 15, residents and council members discussed a proposed increase in the city's hotel-motel (lodging) tax up to the statutory 7% cap; council members clarified it would be a voter referendum in November and that the tax is paid by visitors.","taxTitle","Le Mars, Plymouth County, Iowa","taxId",64213,"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},6550462,"Lamar sets hearing for Twelfth Street SE PCC replacement; council authorizes STBG funding agreement",322,975000,1297000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5391969-eeda6546bf6c2de89eef6e69a1f60968&start=975&end=1297","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5391969-eeda6546bf6c2de89eef6e69a1f60968/thumbnail_975000.jpg","/articles/6550462/Le-Mars/Plymouth-County/Iowa/Lamar-sets-hearing-for-Twelfth-Street-SE-PCC-replacement-council-authorizes-STBG-funding-agreement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550462-0ec820503948aef3ee29f2333478b2aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1773622625&Signature=QCxAwPkmHtQSU-PCh2GVbGSFLc3PXwpaWYNK~kPf0HtnJKOtolrg7WvRcqjdHZ6dVFE6nXqc6u7IhtIlHY4IyhVJIfqfTT6LqmPZK2WV9gfjml8npJUspHGaErlfwpIw-FPq-gJVeEj09sqr4Ox2PlmTB1rnezKMyYJU-XZ7wrF6Vzar2TXiskfJXstL4M7qnjbXUhJlUatDKrXS21Ae79kng4nQXSKD8e5BWAr0S4PkHiZ1Pm8iKtCOZ9e0qDy0ii7XjGF1NnVteB2eTDD59--htAVla7iVFp4X7MaTVVaKS9kBbU~pawHBQJ5NBRFL7Mts3sw~ferlUxg-BAfFAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lamar City Council on July 15 set a public hearing for Aug. 5, 2025, at 12 p.m. for the Twelfth Street Southeast PCC pavement replacement project from Second Avenue to Fourth Avenue, and authorized the city's STBG funding agreement for the project.

Flahiffield Engineering prepared the plans and estimate of costs. The project is partially funded with Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) swap funds — $432,600 — and local road use tax funds of $131,743, for a total estimated cost of $564,343, officials said. Final plans were to be submitted to the Iowa DOT the week of the meeting, with the DOT scheduling the formal bid letting on Oct. 21, 2025. The council set bid-related public hearing dates and authorized the STBG agreement to secure the federal funds.

Council members asked whether the project would be a full removal and replacement or an overlay; staff said the plan is complete removal and replacement with an 8-inch PCC pavement profile similar to previous work on Central Avenue, and that the design takes heavy semi traffic into account and aims to match driveway elevations to minimize slope changes for adjoining properties. Members discussed prior overlay projects and the need to avoid causing driveway access problems.

The motions to set the public hearing and to authorize the STBG funding agreement were both approved on voice votes.","Council set an Aug. 5 public hearing for the Twelfth Street Southeast PCC pavement replacement between Second and Fourth avenues and authorized a Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding agreement. The project estimate is $564,343, with $432,600 in STBG funds and $131,743 in local road use tax.",{"_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},6550466,"Lamar schedules public hearing for $3.19 million O'Toole Park improvement project",70,850000,920000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5391969-eeda6546bf6c2de89eef6e69a1f60968&start=850&end=920","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5391969-eeda6546bf6c2de89eef6e69a1f60968/thumbnail_850000.jpg","/articles/6550466/Le-Mars/Plymouth-County/Iowa/Lamar-schedules-public-hearing-for-319-million-OToole-Park-improvement-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550466-ab5dabb7043024523862acc36cda35c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773622625&Signature=UjeHkWyi7T07K-6bskJ8tYlIaRgN5PIZ2DNzzIq8Q2j5~La-8XcuS~RsToD4p~ZhDgK4LNauRFd8JPjduGev2RPdp25ZOX40uHWmUb-MeOiX-ECRWnIS4LqjVDnZxSd0W0lbb~N4k9HhzAenI2GImIsKSfuVX6MMok9k612tNj8FJmhy3jkiwXoxlgmfLkvBW5qMHn08Bd64OlJUKUsuHD4QbicMk3HILrGxaYnCyYBx8b7Uq29rFl-nYpCSkD-fx-JY8SdVsP-jBiGkgJ9vo7LMHVuDlwknBuj9UcPA~SSBAbKyaufD22FDL6FArYE3fY5W7ceS9VuEW20Q040tPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lamar City Council on July 15 set a public hearing for Aug. 5, 2025, at 12 p.m. to hear comments on plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the O'Toole Park Improvement Project.

City administration presented plans prepared by I and S Group for playground improvements, a splash pad, a pavilion and parking along Central Avenue. The estimated project cost is $3,187,043, to be funded by local option sales tax and the Lamar Area Betterment Foundation, the council was told. The council also set an open bid receipt date of Aug. 26, 2025, at 2 p.m., with bid consideration at the Sept. 2 meeting and a planned construction start of Oct. 1, 2025, and completion of May 11, 2027.

Council members noted mixed public feedback and emphasized that the Aug. 5 hearing is the venue for public comment on the project plans and budget. One councilmember urged the local paper and radio to notify residents so the public can present concerns or support at the hearing rather than after award decisions.

The motion to set the hearing date and bid schedule was made and seconded; the council approved the schedule on voice vote.","The council set an Aug. 5 public hearing on plans and bid dates for the O'Toole Park Improvement Project, estimated at $3,187,043 and proposed to be funded with local option sales tax and Lamar Area Betterment Foundation support; council also set a bid opening and award schedule.",{"_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},6550471,"Lamar council approves assignment of Floyd Valley Apartments land lease to THR Floyd LLC",243,36000,279000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5391969-eeda6546bf6c2de89eef6e69a1f60968&start=36&end=279","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5391969-eeda6546bf6c2de89eef6e69a1f60968/thumbnail_36000.jpg","/articles/6550471/Le-Mars/Plymouth-County/Iowa/Lamar-council-approves-assignment-of-Floyd-Valley-Apartments-land-lease-to-THR-Floyd-LLC","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550471-60d802cf3f2adb6383ee44e8b2d5c6f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773622625&Signature=MJzsHJMklO0F4PlarB~U1nP9wYDjFs83uoxe~LRmrIe3Fe37y-PYFXJi9T4Zvp4KW3pxSKzzgsqAyYqX4RSuOV4RpMuwUloLXdT3eE5S3-uyzRF2NjjkaVUMD6nxnxSPQsymAs4T309~Feu97BN-WDPY5-lyfTo9cyvNvfR9q~OFh78MQKhyalqLPDlCMsTScGdKD7Cl2QTVcdUJ1RwJWwdONXXt0ZNn7weZgxMdSRbQ2xbQ5xuBGmjY~SZ2nM8HrSIyxNVBYp407hEXvaKjZBeWIFGQVLMFzAAMo19W4TN8BpAwj0NErCj-IkF~-nQrSAb12zTh-vcHSmeh3Z0oQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lamar City Council voted unanimously July 15 to adopt Resolution 25-30 approving the assignment of the land lease for Floyd Valley Apartments from Weinberg Investments Inc. to THR Floyd LLC, contingent on the successful closing of the sale.

The vote followed a public hearing the council had set at its July 1 meeting. The seller’s representative, Roger Quadran, said he was appearing to answer council questions about the purchaser and the property’s condition. Quadran identified THR Floyd LLC as the project-specific limited liability company used by Trinity Housing Resources, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit, to hold the property.

The council adopted the resolution by roll call with all members voting in favor. The assignment is contingent on the sale closing between Weinberg Investments Inc. and THR Floyd LLC.

Why it matters: the decision clears a municipal step needed for ownership to transfer; the new entity is tied to a nonprofit that typically holds projects under single-purpose LLCs. Council members and a member of the public raised concerns about building maintenance, including the elevator.

Details and discussion: Quadran said the apartment’s elevator “was completely upgraded, modernized with a new cab” last year and that it meets current code standards and is operating. After the vote, Quadran told the council he expected closing to occur “somewhere 45 days from now, roughly. 45 to 60 days from now.”

The council’s action was recorded as Resolution 25-30. The motion to adopt the resolution was seconded and carried on a unanimous roll call (Pick — yes; Goodchild — yes; Wick — yes; Bruns — yes; Sturgeon — yes). The resolution text approved “the assignment of the Floyd Valley Apartments land lease from Weinberg Investments Inc. to THR Floyd LLC contingent upon the successful closing of the transaction between the above two entities,” according to the motion recorded in the minutes.

Next steps: the assignment will take effect only if and when the underlying sale closes. The council record does not specify additional conditions beyond the contingency on closing, and no follow-up dates were scheduled at the meeting.","The Lamar City Council on July 15 approved Resolution 25-30 to allow Weinberg Investments Inc. to assign the land lease for Floyd Valley Apartments to THR Floyd LLC, contingent on a successful closing; the buyer is affiliated with Trinity Housing Resources of Milwaukee and the seller's representative said closing is expected in about 45–60 days.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents raise questions about proposed hotel-motel tax increase during Lamar public comment

Lamar sets hearing for Twelfth Street SE PCC replacement; council authorizes STBG funding agreement

Lamar schedules public hearing for $3.19 million O'Toole Park improvement project

Lamar council approves assignment of Floyd Valley Apartments land lease to THR Floyd LLC