Light Supervisors agenda includes discussion of revenue loss from State's proposed cuts in tax rate

by Bob Beach

During the regular meeting of the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors Monday, May 16, Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour reported that proposed cuts to industrial and commercial tax rates at the State level of government would result in a projected five-year loss in revenues for Allamakee County of $875,000. Ridenour called the potential loss in revenue “a big concern” adding, “you need something to supplement it, you can’t just take it away.” Chairman Larry Schellhammer said that for urban areas, the cuts might make sense in terms of generating commercial growth, but rural counties like Allamakee County will not see enough growth to adequately supplement the loss in revenue.
Ridenour also presented the Board with contracts with Bruening Rock Products for granular resurfacing of the County’s gravel roads. The Board approved the contracts and Ridenour said the work typically begins after Memorial Day.
The Board also met with Allamakee County Relief Director Linda Kruse, who presented the Board with a letter of resignation from Kathy Renke. Kruse said she planned to advertise to fill the position sometime in August. The Board voted to accept Renke’s resignation.
In other business, the Board discussed lawn care at the County Farm, which had been handled by the late Cloy Kuhse in recent years. The Board voted to take bids for lawn mowing at the County Farm and at the nearby Solid Waste facility.
The Board also set Tuesday, May 31 at 9:15 a.m. as the date and time for a public hearing on amendments to the current County budget.