(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday morning, met in a regular weekly session, and received reports from County Engineer Karen Albert, and Assessor Sharon Dalton. Dalton spoke with regard to a homestead credit (House File 718 signed into law on May 4th) for Senior Citizens who own their own residence.

(Eligible claimants who own the home they live in and are 65 years of age or older on or before January 1 of the assessment year are now eligible for an additional homestead tax exemption.)

The $3,250 credit will go into effect for the assessment year that began January 1, 2023 and appearing in the Sept., 2024 tax roles. For assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, the exemption is for $6,500 of taxable value. An exemption is a reduction in the taxable value of the property rather than a direct reduction in the amount of property tax you pay. The credits are funded by the Counties, according to Dalton.

The Iowa Department of Revenue amended the Homestead Tax Credit and Exemption (54-028) to allow claimants to apply for the new exemption. Applications are due July 1st to your local assessor. If the exemption is granted, the exemption will be allowed for future years without future filing as long as the claimant continues to qualify.

Engineer Karen Albert briefed the Montgomery County Board on Secondary Roads Department activity.

In other business, the Board approved moving their July 4th meeting to July 5th at 8:30-a.m. , due to the holiday. They also approved Recorders and Sheriff’s fees for the Month of May ($18,656.88 & $12,409.18, respectively).

And, the Montgomery County Supervisors thanked Kathy Burson, Deputy Auditor, for her 27-years of service to the County. Burson is retiring from the position.

The Board’s next regular meeting is 8:30-a.m., June 13th.