| 2012 - 2013 Budget Planning | ||
| Topic | Date presented to board | Additional Information |
| Transportation Fee Study Committee | February 2, 2012 | FAQ |
| Food & Nutrition Meal Charging | February 2, 2012 | FAQ |
| SEP JH Program of Study | February 2, 2012 | FAQ |
| Budget Adjustment Recommendations | March 1, 2012 | FAQ |
| Budget Discussion | May 3, 2012 | Presentation |
| School District Funding |
How does Tax Increment Financing (TIF) work? Click here for more information. |
Under Iowa law, cities may designate “urban renewal areas” and then divert future increases in taxes within that area to the city’s TIF fund. A city may claim part of this expanded tax base exclusively for a designated TIF project. Tax revenues that would normally flow to all local governments — for regular school, county and city services — are diverted to help pay for their share of the additional costs associated with development. To make up for the lost revenue, counties and school districts must raise their own property tax rates. TIF thus shifts costs to county and school taxpayers outside the city — and to state taxpayers, through state aid to local schools. Combined with loose stipulations on use of TIF, this creates strong incentives for cities to overuse and abuse TIF. |