Residents urge relief as Marshall County holds hearing on proposed property tax levy

Marshall County Board of Supervisors Chair Jarret Heil and two board members convened a special meeting March 25, 2026, to take public comment on the proposed property tax levy for fiscal year July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Vice Chair Carol Hibbs moved to open the hearing at 5:03 p.m.; Member Christian Goodman seconded and the motion carried 3-0. Chair Heil said valuation growth was "2.98% for this budget cycle."

Marshall County Auditor/Recorder Nan Benson spoke during the hearing and provided clarification about increases in property insurance costs, which the minutes record as a contributing pressure on the budget and levy. According to the minutes, there were zero written comments on file; four people attended the hearing and three made oral remarks. The record does not include verbatim quotations of the public comments.

Residents who spoke—Loren Shetler (Yates Ave), Linda Clark (2nd Ave, Marshalltown), and Kelly and Cynthia Smith (Sand Rd)—made statements summarized in the minutes expressing concern about "the rising cost of taxes" and the difficulty of living on fixed incomes. The Smiths also raised construction and road repair needs around the county as part of their comments. The minutes attribute no formal response beyond the auditor's clarification and no changes to the proposed levy were recorded during the special meeting.

Member Christian Goodman moved, and Vice Chair Carol Hibbs seconded, to close the public hearing at 5:29 p.m.; the motion carried 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m. The board noted the next regular session is set for April 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.; submissions for that session were requested by noon on April 1, 2026.

The minutes show the hearing was an opportunity for public comment and clarification; no formal vote on the proposed levy was recorded at the special meeting.