Over a hundred rural Warren County residents attended the Warren County Board of Supervisors session Tuesday, after a proposed property tax-levy was published, increasing the rural rate to $3.01 per $1,000 of valuation, up from $1.67. Per state law, all property tax rates have to be published by March 1st.

Board Chair Darren Heater said at the meeting the published tax increase was the maximum property tax increase, not the proposed tax amount, and the board has made no proposal that would increase taxes to that amount.

Due to the numbers of attendees, Indianola Fire Chief Greg Chia informed the supervisors that due to too many people in the boardroom, either the meeting needed to end or be moved due to fire code violation and for safety. The supervisors opted to adjourn the meeting and move to the Warren County Administration Building auditorium to continue discussions.

Heater also said during the meeting the budget discussions are ongoing, and changes are possible due to a potential $4.5 million deficit and changes to the property tax code in the Iowa Legislature.

A budget hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 28th at 7pm, after originally scheduled for 9:30am.