(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors held their regular weekly meeting this (Tuesday) morning, in Red Oak. During their session the Board heard from Attorney John Danos with Dorsey & Whitney, LLP, with regard to the County’s options when it comes to a county-wide Urban Revitalization. Danos explained the difference between a property tax abatement and Tax Increment Financing (TIF), support tools, as they pertain to Urban Revitalization and development. With regard to a Residential/Multi-family and single family residential tax abatements, Danos said….

He says the option is more limited for single-family residential properties, unless there are special needs, such as in a blighted area, or historical preservation area.

John Danos speaks via video conference w/the Montgomery County BOS on June 24th 2025

He said recent legislative action may impact abatement of residential properties.

The school district levy, he said, does not apply to abatement of commercial properties. Danos said designation an entire county as an Urban Revitalization Area, would present a legal challenge because of the ag land restrictions.

He said one-way to get around that is to implement tax abatements on a case-by-case basis, and with certain limits. TIF, which Danos calls the “Cousin of Abatements,” has its own advantages and drawbacks. One of the advantages is…

Any ordinance created with regard to Urban Revaitalization, would need to have public input (i.e: a public hearing). He suggested the Board establish a non-binding policy that shows the County is open to conversation and willingness to work with prospective project owners, whether it be residential or commercial, and then move forward as necessary with the steps needed to make it happen. No action was taken following discussion on Danos’ presentation.

In other business, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors authorized Board Chair Charla Schmid to approve and sign the plans for the L and Q Avenue Railroad Bridges. They also approved the appointment of Jerald Palmquist to a three-year term on the County Veterans Affairs Commission, with the term ending June 30, 2028.