Residents voice frustration over 17% property tax assessment increases in rural Iowa

Residents of Woodbury County expressed frustration over significant property tax increases during the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing on April 3, 2025. One resident highlighted a staggering 17% rise in assessed property value, questioning the rationale behind such a steep increase, especially given the lack of city services like water and sewer in rural areas.

The county supervisors clarified that property assessments are determined by an independent county assessor, not the board itself. They explained that assessments are based on current market values, which can fluctuate significantly due to local real estate sales. For instance, a nearby farmland sale at double the price of a resident's property contributed to the increase in assessed values.

Concerns were raised about the affordability of living in the area, with residents fearing that continuous increases could push them out of their homes. One resident suggested implementing a cap on property tax increases, similar to California's Proposition 13, which limits annual increases to a small percentage.

The supervisors also discussed the state's rollback system, which aims to limit taxable value increases to 3% annually. However, residents noted that this rollback does not always align with their actual assessed values, leading to confusion and frustration.

As the meeting concluded, residents were encouraged to reach out to the county assessor's office for further clarification on their assessments and the factors influencing property values. The discussions underscored a growing concern among Woodbury County residents about the sustainability of living in their communities amid rising property taxes.