Citizens Voice Property Tax Cconcerns At County Levy Hearing

Mills County residents had an opportunity to express their thoughts and concerns about the county’s proposed property tax levy for the 2026-2027 fiscal year at a public hearing last Tuesday. Around 30 citizens attended the hearing that lasted less than 20 minutes.

Before audience members were allowed to make comments, Mills County Auditor Amber Farnan noted that a mailing sent to residents in early March was a preliminary estimate and the numbers have changed as county officials have worked through the budgeting process.

“Since that time, we’ve completed a detailed review of our budget, including past spending by analysis,” said Farnan. “Based on that work, we plan to lower the proposed levy. The updated rates are $5.89833 (per $1,000 valuation) for urban properties and $9.84833 for rural properties, both of which are lower than the previously presented rates.”

Farnan also said the county’s actual property tax asking for FY2026-2027 is expected be lower than the current fiscal year that ends June 30.

A half-dozen Mills County residents spoke up at the hearing – sharing a common message that the county needs to do a better job of limiting spending and holding down property taxes.

“As taxpayers, we are being asked to do more with less in our households and I believe our local government should be held to that same standard,” said Amy Sharon. “That includes prioritizing needs over wants, improving efficiency, and making careful, responsible decisions with the dollars you’ve been entrusted with. I ask the board to take a closer look at areas where spending can be reduced, delayed, or better justified before asking taxpayers to carry a heavy burden.”
Resident Dan Stanley directed his comments specifically at Lonnie Mayberry and Richard Crouch, the two county supervisors in attendance at the hearing. Supervisor Jack Sayers was absent.

“They’re treating our property tax dollars like Halloween candy and the people of Mills County are the candy bag,” said Stanley. “Every chance they get, they reach in and grab another handful, but those pieces of candy aren’t free treats – every one is paid for by a resident or a small business.”

Stanley questioned the board of supervisors’ decision last summer to give Mills County Engineeer Jacob Ferro a $25,000 raise in salary while he was entertaining a job offer from Pottawattamie County.

“The county engineer now makes $165,000 a year. The four largest counties in Iowa pay only about $160,000. There are at least 48 counties larger than ours, yet we’re paying like we’re one of the largest,” he said. “I understand the justification offered for that raise, but for those of us with real management experience, it was a familiar negotiating tactic - use an outside job offer to secure a hefty raise - and you fell for it. Based on data from ZipRecruiter, there’s no doubt we could have recruited another if we needed to.

“Yes, budget amendments and giving large pay raises are legal, but using them repeatedly to expand spending is fiscally irresponsible and not what real leaders do.”
Stanley also referenced a pending referendum in November that voters will be asked to approve to help fund Emergency Medical Services.

“I know that emergency medical care is often too far away for some people,” he said. “Emergency medical services should be essential and funded properly, but before asking for more money, you should first find it by finding efficiencies in county government.”

Stanley suggested every county department find a way to reduce spending by 20% and the supervisors establish a citizens’ budget advisory committee.

“It would be an independent advisory group that reviews county spending, makes recommendations for efficiencies, and reports to the public and you - the board,” said Stanley. “If you truly believe your choices are sound, you should welcome outside eyes.”

Rural Glenwood resident Annette O’Brien echoed some of Stanley’s comments regarding pay raises for county employees. She questioned how the county conducts employee performance evaluations and determines how pay raises are administered.

“The assessor, you gave her a raise, too, I’m not sure what the amount was, and then three months later she was fired,” she said. “Do you guys do job assessments? How do come up with these raises – how do you justify?  That is what I am wondering.”

Johnnie Hackley, also a rural Glenwood resident, said the county is relying too much on property owners to cover its expenses.

“When I received this (notice), I was very disappointed seeing that once again you’re going strictly with charging property owners for the services that are required by the entire Mills County,” she said. “Everyone in the county is sharing in the services and everyone in the county should be paying their fair share and they’re not. You’re charging strictly the property owners. Like me, there are probably a lot of property owners here that are retired and trying to change budget to handle these increases in taxes that are constant and outrageously higher than what we would expect for inflation.

“When I moved her six years ago and bought my property, I figured a 5% increase in inflation, including taxes, insurance, electricity – everything – and I got it figured out that I could afford to live here. But, with your increases all the time, going up to 10% sometimes on assessments, it’s made it very difficult for me to the point where at 73, I’m working part-time in order to pay.”

Mills County is required to have its FY2026-2027 budget certified with the state by April 30. Before the budget is submitted to the state, the supervisors will conduct another public hearing on April 14, 8:15 a.m., during their regular meeting at the Mills County Courthouse