Carroll County board pledges $300,000 to support Love 30 LLC effort to recruit TJ Maxx

The Carroll County Board of Supervisors voted to commit $300,000 in local support to a private development proposed by 30 Love LLC intended to attract a TJ Maxx store to Carroll.

The board’s vote followed an extended presentation from the developer’s representative (S9) and a lengthy discussion about how the funds would be delivered. The motion approved a $300,000 commitment “over a 10 year period,” subject to a development agreement, legal review and construction-start or signed-contract conditions. Chair (S4) told the applicant the county would not release money for mere planning: “we're not giving you 300,000 for Blue Sky,” and said the commitment would be conditioned on an enforceable development agreement.

Speakers pressed on the financing structure and tax assumptions used in the project pro forma. The presenter (S9) said earlier tax estimates varied and that a lump sum payment was an option; he also said the project team had modeled tax and operating assumptions and that “300,000 lump sum” was one proposal. Commissioner (S3) raised a statutory question and cautioned the board about using particular local funds for private annuities, stating, “Under Iowa Code 423B, I do not think we can do an annuity from local option sales tax to a private LLC.” The board asked county finance staff about alternatives including an annuity or a certificate of deposit (CD) that would generate annual payouts to cover future tax offsets.

Board members discussed expected community and fiscal impacts if the store locates here. The developer projected full- and part-time staffing (discussed ranges were roughly 4–7 full‑time and 20–25 part‑time positions), and the board discussed projected annual local-option sales of roughly $50,000 attributable to the store, with an approximate county share noted during discussion. Commissioner (S8) emphasized that the local option sales-tax support “will not affect property taxes,” a point the board repeated for the public.

The motion — moved by Commissioner (S8) and seconded by Commissioner (S7) — passed on a roll-call vote with all listed members voting in favor. The board recorded the approval subject to a development agreement and legal review; members said they will return to finalize contract language and any budget amendment required. Next steps include legal review and drafting of the development agreement before any funds are released.