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Factory farms are always in line for a hand
out -- like taxpayer money from government programs, interest-free
USDA loans, and low-interest beginning farmer loans. You name it,
they try to get it. What do you get?
If you live near a factory farm, what you
get is reduced property values. Studies show that hog
factories can reduce property values by up to 50%.
What can
you do in your county? For starters, you can protest your
property tax assessment to the county Board of Review. In the past
several years, residents in Iowa and other states have succeeded
in getting their property taxes reduced because they live near hog
factories. It’s time to fight back.
If you are interested in protesting your
property taxes, follow the steps below or contact us for more information
at (515)282-0484 or iowacci@iowacci.org
- Pick up a Petition
to Board of Review at your county assessor’s office.
- Indicate
a downward change in property value since your last assessment
on your petition form. Make sure to clearly state that you feel
that nearby factory farms are driving down your property value.
- Request
an oral hearing to make your case, and ask friends and
neighbors to attend your hearing. The oral hearing will be held
later in May (generally toward the end of May).
- Submit
your completed petition to the county assessor’s office
by the deadline. Each year the date changes, but is generally
during the first week in May.
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