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West Branch council hears public questions as proposed FY2026 property tax levy falls to $12.69
Summary
At a special April 7 meeting the West Branch City Council held a public hearing on the proposed FY2026 maximum property tax levy. City Administrator Adam Kofoed said the levy would fall from $13.19 to $12.69 and that roughly 62% of tax revenue funds the general fund.
West Branch, Iowa — The West Branch City Council on April 7 held a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 maximum property tax levy, during which City Administrator Adam Kofoed told residents the rate would drop from $13.19 to $12.69 per $1,000 of assessed value.
Mayor Roger Laughlin opened the hearing at 6:31 p.m. Resident Jim Hoffman of 110 Bickford Drive asked the council to explain the proposed levy and where FY2026 tax dollars would be spent. "The proposed levy will go down this year from $13.19 to $12.69," Kofoed said, and he added that "approximately 62 percent of taxes go to the general fund," which covers public safety, parks and recreation, the library and administration.
Kofoed said the balance of tax revenues would cover employee benefits — including FICA and IPERS — liability insurance, emergency management, existing debts and capital projects. The hearing record did not include further line-item details or a formal vote to adopt a final levy at this meeting.
Earlier in the special meeting, Councilmember Colton Miller moved to approve the agenda; Tom Dean seconded and the motion carried on a voice vote. Jodee Stoolman arrived at 6:32 p.m. Mayor Laughlin closed the public hearing at 6:42 p.m. and, shortly afterward, Miller moved to adjourn; Jerry Sexton seconded and the meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m. on a voice vote.
The meeting minutes are a synopsis and are not approved until the council's next regularly scheduled meeting.
