Black Hawk County officials outline proposed 2026–27 levy; residents press for clearer mailer and appeal options

Black Hawk County finance staff presented the county’s proposed property tax levy for the year ending June 30, 2027, at a special board hearing on March 24, with officials saying the county share of tax collections would increase modestly while residents pressed for clearer explanations of a state-prepared notice and the appeals process.

Michelle Winger, the county finance representative introduced for the presentation, said countywide assessed valuations produced an estimated county asking of about $39.5 million initially and that subsequent board adjustments lowered that request to roughly $39.5 million with an increase countywide of about $1.1–1.2 million. Winger told the board that county taxes account for roughly half of county operating revenue, that salaries and benefits are the largest expense category, and that capital spending in FY26 was elevated because of ARPA-funded construction projects.

Why it matters: The board must hold two hearings and adopt a final budget by April 30 under state law. Residents and businesses who saw large valuation changes in notices want clearer, locally tailored explanations of how state assumptions drive the mailed figures and how to appeal assessed values.

State notice and auditor’s explanation Tim Jemison, real estate tax manager in…