Board sends Polk County Fairgrounds operating levy (Resolution 2503) to May ballot

The Buchanan Board of Commissioners voted by voice to move Resolution 2503 — a proposed five-year operating levy for the Polk County Fairgrounds and Events Center — onto the May 2025 ballot.

Mr. Hanson, a staff member, recommended the measure and described the procedural next steps: “I’m recommending the passage of resolution 2503, which places, on the ballot a tax measure, a local option tax, otherwise known, as an operating levy for the Polk County Fairgrounds and Events Center. It would be a 5 year levy at a rate not to exceed 15¢ per 1,000, and that would be for the May election.” He said the forms presented that day begin the process; if approved by the board, he would turn the materials over to the clerk for submission to the newspaper for publication of the ballot title and to allow for any appeals. If no appeals or suggested changes occur, staff would then complete one more form to finalize placement on the May ballot.

A commissioner moved to adopt Resolution 2503 and the chair seconded the motion; the transcript records the board voice-voting “aye.” The transcript does not include a roll-call tally or a recorded count of yes and no votes. Commissioner Gordon was excused from the meeting; Mr. Hanson told the board he had spoken with the absent commissioner beforehand, who had expressed support but could not vote.

Details of the measure

• Measure: local option operating levy for Polk County Fairgrounds and Events Center

• Length: five years

• Rate: not to exceed 15¢ per $1,000 of assessed value (as stated in the presentation)

• Election: May 2025 (as stated by staff)

• Next steps: staff to deliver forms to the clerk for newspaper publication of the ballot title and to accept appeals; if unchallenged, an additional form will finalize the ballot placement

The measure will advance to the May ballot unless withdrawn or successfully appealed through the county’s ballot-title process.