Governor Reynolds gave her Condition of the State address yesterday (Tuesday). And, although she didn’t mention it directly in her address, the Governor included full funding of the Backfill in her FY 2019 budget. Officials with the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC), commends the Governor for recognizing the importance of county services and keeping property taxes low. They are urging the Iowa Legislature to follow her lead and fully fund the backfill.

In 2013, Iowa state law was changed resulting in a reduction in the tax revenue that local governments receive from commercial and industrial properties. This loss of revenue is paid back to local governments by the state with funds called the backfill. ISAC President and Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek says “Iowa’s county governments are essential to the daily lives of Iowans,” said. “The county you live in is responsible for many of the services Iowans need – keeping our communities safe, providing services to our most vulnerable citizens, fixing potholes, plowing snow, and offering parks to enjoy with your family and friends.”

ISAC Executive Director Bill Peterson said “It’s essential to Iowa county governments that the backfill remains intact and whole. Without these funds, many counties could be faced with a tough choice: raise property taxes on their residents or cut services on which they depend.”  ISAC says they are urging Iowans to contact their legislators to let them know that their community needs the backfill. Contact information for your legislators and other advocacy materials are available at www.iowacounties.org.

More information about the backfill and how it may affect you, is also available at the website previously mentioned.