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Lucas County supervisors hold public hearing on proposed FY27 maximum levy rates
Summary
At a March 23, 2026 special session, the Lucas County Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing on proposed FY27 maximum levy rates, answered a taxpayer question about reducing the proposed rate closer to the effective rate, and then closed the hearing and adjourned sine die.
The Lucas County Board of Supervisors met in special session on March 23, 2026, to hold a public hearing on proposed maximum levy rates for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. The meeting convened at 9:00 a.m.; Supervisors Larry Davis and Cathy Reece were recorded as the board members present.
Auditor Julie L. Masters explained the taxpayer statements required by Iowa Code 24.2A, which show comparisons across six columns: the county property tax dollars and rate for the current budget year that began July 1, 2025 (columns 2 and 3), an "effective tax rate" illustrating what would happen to the rate if the same property tax dollars were levied next year (column 4), and the proposed property tax dollars and rate for the coming budget year beginning July 1, 2026 (columns 5 and 6). Officials emphasized that the effective tax rate column is an illustrative calculation, not a legal limit on what the board may set.
James Mathes, identified in the record as a township trustee for Pleasant Township, asked whether the supervisors could "back off" the proposed tax rate to bring it closer to the effective tax rate. Mathes acknowledged the county's budget constraints but urged consideration of reducing the rate where possible. The board discussed the balance between maintaining current services and trimming nonessential expenditures, and the record notes discussion about state credit changes that have affected local taxing calculations.
Procedurally, Larry Davis moved to call the public hearing to order; Cathy Reece seconded and "all voted aye." With no additional public comments, Davis moved and Reece seconded a motion to close the public hearing and adjourn to meet sine die at 9:30 a.m.; the motion carried with all voting aye.
No formal changes to the proposed levy rates were adopted during the hearing. The transcript records questions and discussion but does not show any vote on specific levy amounts or further directives to staff. The hearing record and taxpayer statements required by Iowa Code 24.2A will remain part of the public record for the FY27 budget process.
