Buchanan commissioners vote to place Polk County Fairgrounds operating levy on May ballot

The Buchanan Board of Commissioners voted to place a five-year operating levy for the Polk County Fairgrounds and Events Center on the May ballot after adopting Resolution 25-03 at its Jan. 22 meeting.

County staff member Mr. Hansen, addressing the board, said, "I'm recommending the passage of Resolution 25-03, 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." Hansen told the board the proposed levy would run five years at a rate not to exceed $0.15 per $1,000 of assessed value and described the administrative steps to submit the measure for the May election.

The measure must be submitted to the county clerk and published for any appeals or suggested changes to the ballot title before it is certified for the ballot. "If that passes without any appeals or suggestions, then we will have to fill out one more form and then it will be on the ballot for the May election," Hansen said.

Commissioner (unnamed, mover) made the motion to adopt the resolution and place the measure on the ballot; the board chair seconded the motion. The board members present vocalized their support by saying "aye." Commissioner Gordon was recorded as excused from the meeting.

The board discussed the item briefly; one commissioner noted the issue had been discussed at prior meetings. Hansen confirmed staff would turn documents over to the clerk for publication and any subsequent procedural steps.

There was no further formal debate recorded in the meeting transcript. The resolution was approved by the commissioners present and will proceed through the county's ballot-title and publication process ahead of the May election.