The Henry County Board of Supervisors met on Thursday, October 5th, for their monthly department head meeting. The main discussion point came with the possibility of needing to decrease funding by 1.3 million dollars in the next four years. By 2028, the general basis levy, which is currently set at $4.83, will need to be at an even $3.50.
Henry County is one of 36 counties across Iowa that has their levy set higher than the newly proposed $3.50. Interestingly, most of these counties are in the southern portion of the state and happen to be mainly rural areas.
The Supervisors urged the department heads to closely monitor their budget for the upcoming four years and discern how best to make cuts.
This would demand a very steep cut in Henry County’s funding. In the past 11 years, the funding has increased 15%. Now, they are required to decrease 27.5% in just four years.
So, what does this mean for the citizens of Henry County? Many current services offered to us might be cut due to this House File 718. While it may just seem like a number on paper, the Supervisors believe that the community will really begin to feel it once those services cannot be given. For example, Henry County boasts of a driver’s license office where people living in town can take a quick drive to renew their license. Thanks to these cuts, if the driver’s license service was taken away, that commute time increases greatly as they would need to drive to Burlington for the closest office.
Sheriff McNamee spoke up, mentioning how “these legislators need to hear from us.” The Supervisors believe it is very important for the citizens of Henry County to use their voices and speak up.
Reach out to your Representatives and Senators to voice any concern you have over these potential cuts. The Henry County Board of Supervisors has already met with Representative Collins, Representative Shipley, and Senator Dickey, to discuss HF718.
Representative Taylor Collins Contact Information
Email: taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov
Phone: 515.281.3221
Representative Jeff Shipley Contact Information
Email: jeff.shipley@legis.iowa.gov
Phone: 515.281.3221
Senator Adrian Dickey Contact Information
Email: adrian.dickey@legis.iowa.gov
Phone: 515.281.3371