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rodsullivan.org
SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
March 29, 2013
Sullivan’s Salvos 4/2/13
In this edition:
*Happy Birthday, Jordan!
*Marriage Equality
*Agape Café
*TIF Article
*Did You Know?
*Happy Birthday, Jordan!
Happy Birthday to my daughter Jordan on April 8th! Jordan turns 19, and this is her first birthday away from home. Jordan is a freshman at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois.
Jordan has certainly done a lot to make us proud in her 19 years! She is a really good girl, who has overcome many obstacles. In many ways, she is a hero to me. And I love her more than I could ever explain here. Happy Birthday, Honey!
*Marriage Equality
This past Thursday, the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in support of marriage equality. The vote was 4-1, with newest Supervisor John Etheredge voting against the measure.
Passage should come as no surprise. Johnson County has the highest percentage of LGBT residents in Iowa. Johnson County was the first County in Iowa to pass a Human Rights Ordinance – before the Iowa Legislature did the same, and well before the Iowa Supreme Court made marriage equality the law of the State. Marriage equality is even one of the top three issues in Johnson County’s Federal Legislative agenda.
I am extremely proud of Johnson County’s advocacy for Human Rights. I firmly believe we are on the right side of history. I am very honored to have played a very small role in this march toward justice.
As I write this, I cannot help but think of my friend and colleague Kim Painter. Kim and I first met long ago, while she was a “controversial” columnist for the Daily Iowan. You know what is interesting? Kim’s opinions have not changed, yet she is no longer “controversial”.
Kim became the first openly gay elected official in Iowa when she was elected Recorder for the first time in 1998. Kim is no longer known for her sexual identity; she is now known simply as an excellent County Recorder. Which is how she wanted it all along.
Kim Painter has long been one of my heroes. I am proud to stand by her, and support the issues she so courageously fought for back when it wasn’t cool. I hope you will join us.
Now let us hope that the US Supreme Court sees that this is a basic issue of civil rights, and grants marriage equality to all Americans!
*Agape Café
The Agape Cafe on the campus of The University of Iowa serves a free, hot made-to-order breakfast every Wednesday from 7 - 8:30 during the academic year.
Rise and Shine for the Agape Café - 20 Years and still Cookin’ Breakfast Fundraiser: Saturday, April 6, 8:00 am- 11:00 am at Old Brick Church in Iowa City.
Join us in celebration with great food, the Champagne Academy of Irish Dance, and door prizes as we thank our donors of 20 years for supporting Iowa City’s Breakfast Café. Freewill Donation requested - $10 is awesome, $20 purchases food for 15 Café guests.
Agape Café is a mission of the Episcopal Campus Ministry at the University of Iowa.
*TIF Article
My friend Nick Johnson recently wrote the following piece on TIF. I liked it so much I asked his permission to rerun it here:
Considering all the downsides of tax increment financing (TIF), you have to wonder why public officials continue to use it. Is there that much joy in playing Santa with other people’s money?
Whatever the reason, like death and taxes TIFs are here to stay. Officials and their lucky beneficiaries love them, and the public doesn’t seem to care — at least not enough to make an organized, political difference.
Nonetheless, it’s worthwhile to remind ourselves from time to time why they are such a bad idea. Here’s a summary:
• Roads and schools are traditional government undertakings. Funding private enterprise is not.
• TIFs are backwards: voters must approve bonds for legitimate public projects, like the justice center, but private TIFs are awarded without public approval, often over taxpayers’ objections!
• They’ve lost their way. Initially designed for urban renewal and low-income housing, taxpayer-funded TIFs are now used to build upscale condos.
• It’s ideological hypocrisy to praise free markets while coming to city hall tin cup in hand.
• Telling taxpayers, “I’ll keep the profits, you cover the losses,” conflicts with capitalism’s gamble of risks as well as rewards.
• TIFs intertwine government and business in something that’s neither socialism or capitalism. It’s called “corporatism,” and combines the worst qualities of both.
• TIFs distort the market.
• Even if distortion of market forces was desirable, governments have more effective tools than TIFs that don’t require taxpayers’ money — zoning regulations and building codes among others.
• It’s inexcusably unfair to fund one business person while leaving his competitors on their own.
• TIFs take money from schools and other government units, causing either cuts in programs or increased taxes.
• Even if TIFs would produce taxes many years from now, and they often don’t, are ever-increasing taxes (and budgets) an appropriate metric for measuring good government?
• TIFs aren’t needed. There are plenty of investors for sound, profitable business plans. If they and bankers won’t fund a project, why should taxpayers?
• Many TIFed projects would have gone ahead anyway; it’s virtually impossible to know if the beneficiary’s professed “need” is genuine.
• All ventures have risk. TIFs have more, because public officials with little business experience and no skin in the game make more mistakes than experienced investors watching their own money.
• Trying to move businesses from one community to another with competing TIF bribes is a lose-lose strategy.
• Businesses pick cities for reasons other than TIFs: workforce, local economy, schools, transportation, communication, quality of life.
• Telling officials to TIF “prudently” is as effective as beer ads urging University of Iowa binge-drinking students to “drink responsibly.” TIFs can be as addictive as alcohol.
• When officials give millions in taxpayers’ money to private, for-profit businesses, the temptations for good-old-boy corruption are great — and virtually impossible to uncover.
• TIFs are, for a taxing authority, what impulse buying is for the rest of us — an expensive, unbudgeted, one-off “I’ve got to have that!” moment, often followed by buyer’s remorse.
• TIFs can devastate a government’s credit rating, thereby increasing the cost of future legitimate projects.
These concerns are relevant for any city. But Iowa City has another reason to avoid TIFs: We don’t need them. Businesses here will thrive; others come because of what we offer. We’re ranked near the top of the nation’s cities in numerous categories.
I know our officials will continue dropping millions of taxpayers’ dollars to the bottom line of for-profit, private ventures. But it still doesn’t hurt to ask from time to time, “Why?”
Nicholas Johnson, a former school board member, teaches at the University of Iowa College of Law and maintains www.nicholasjohnson.org.
*DID YOU KNOW? The first TIF was in California in 1952.
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
www.johnson-county.com.
"Sullivan’s Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
These messages come solely from Rod Sullivan, and neither represents the viewpoints of the whole Board of Supervisors nor those of groups or individuals otherwise mentioned.
If you do NOT want the weekly E-mail, simply reply to this message, and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
If you know anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail me at rodsullivan@mchsi.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.
As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
March 23, 2013
Sullivan’s Salvos 3/26/13
In this edition:
*RIP Ann Bovjberg
*Happy Easter!
*Environmentalists Missed One!
*DVIP Souper Bowl
*American Winter
*Born Too Late?
*Did You Know?
*RIP Ann Bovjberg
I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Ann Bovjberg. She was a great lady who really defined what a citizen is supposed to be. I'll miss her. RIP, Ann!
*Happy Easter!
Happy Easter to those of you that celebrate it! I hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday!
*Environmentalists Missed One!
It did not receive the publicity of the Dooley rezoning, but Johnson County residents just missed an opportunity to protect more environmentally sensitive areas.
On Monday the 18th, the Board discussed our Sensitive Areas Ordinance. This ordinance requires developers to protect streams, slopes, old growth trees, etc. when doing subdivisions. Of all the things I have done as a Supervisor, this ordinance is one of the accomplishments of which I am most proud.
I had asked that the topic be placed on the agenda, because I wanted to extend these Sensitive Areas protections to more properties.
As things currently sit, developers can get around the Sensitive Areas Ordinance by simply doing very small developments. They can essentially incrementally avoid compliance with the ordinance.
My proposal was to apply the Sensitive Areas Ordinance to all subdivisions of two or more lots. This would still allow farmers to split out a single lot for a child without the additional regulatory burden, while requiring it in all other cases.
Unfortunately, there were not three votes to expand the reach of the Sensitive Areas Ordinance. I really wish the local environmental community would have taken this up as an issue. Board members pay attention when the public speaks up. I have tried, but I cannot MAKE people be interested in the topics I feel are important. So, an opportunity was missed.
Meanwhile, this can serve as a reminder – elections have consequences. Had Supervisor Stutsman still been in office, this would have passed at least 3-2; perhaps 4-1 or 5-0. But she is gone, and things are now different in Johnson County.
*DVIP Souper Bowl
The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) is holding its 16th annual Souper Bowl fundraiser on Thursday, March 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Clarion Highlander in Iowa City.
Live music will be provided by The Surf Zombies. Tickets are $25 per person, $15 for students and children eat free. For more information or to volunteer, call DVIP at 351-1043.
*American Winter
American Winter is an award-winning documentary that follows the lives of people struggling through our recent economic downturn.
Catch a free screening Saturday, March 30 at 2pm at the Englert Theatre in Iowa City.
*Born Too Late?
Ever heard the old pop hit “Born Too Late”? The Poni-Tails did that song in 1958. Interestingly, I have often thought that perhaps I was “born too late”. (My wife would counter that I am a prematurely grumpy old man. But she can write her own newsletter!)
Why do I sometimes feel this way? I have a couple theories: Growing up on the farm, in the middle of nowhere, we were always a few years behind. I had a party line phone until high school, and had never even sampled any ethnic food (outside of Italian) until I came to college.
A second factor is that I used to hang out with my father when I was a kid. We had a relationship that was more like being friends than being father/son. He took me places and talked to me about things that kids typically did not experience.
What makes me “born too late”? A few examples:
• I believe in traditions, so long as they are not discriminatory.
• I believe kids should respect their elders.
• I think 99% of all good music was recorded between 1955 and 1975.
• I like to wear my hair short.
• I prefer square bales to round.
• I listen strictly to AM radio.
• I believe in two-parent families. (They can be of the same gender, but you need at least two adults!)
• I hate the designated hitter rule.
I am not ashamed of being “old school” in some areas. In fact, I wear it with pride. I am concerned, however, that some of the things in which I believe most deeply are becoming old fashioned.
When I was a kid, people believed in unions. Republicans and Democrats both belonged. Bosses made more, but not WAY more, than their employees. People had insurance in case something went wrong, and pensions for retirement. The average union family could own a home, send kids to college, take vacations, and perhaps get by with only one parent working. I hope I was not “born too late” for this to once again be the reality in America!
When I was a kid, there was a strong belief that government was a good thing. Government protected us (cops, fire, military, etc.) and was there when we needed it (ambulances, FEMA, etc.) Government ensured that the air and water were clean, that food and toys were safe, that roads and bridges were in good shape. We were proud of our public schools. People had faith in our elections and institutions; that faith was well deserved because it had been earned. I hope I was not “born too late” for this to once again be the reality in America!
I am most concerned about the idea that we are all in this together. Where I grew up, there was a long, long tradition of opening your home to a stranger needing help. Neighbors helped each other with chores. They cooked for each other when something bad happened. Churches, civic groups, clubs, bowling leagues…we were connected. The idea of caring for your fellow man was never questioned; it was your DUTY. Unfortunately, this seems to be changing. I hope I was not “born too late” for this to once again be the reality in America!
We must not allow important pillars of our society to fade away as though they were fads like 8 track tapes or fondue pots. It is incumbent upon people who understand the importance of these institutions to speak up and speak out.
*DID YOU KNOW? Born Too Late was the #7 song of 1958.
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
www.johnson-county.com.
"Sullivan’s Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
These messages come solely from Rod Sullivan, and neither represents the viewpoints of the whole Board of Supervisors nor those of groups or individuals otherwise mentioned.
If you do NOT want the weekly E-mail, simply reply to this message, and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
If you know anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail me at rodsullivan@mchsi.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.
As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
March 15, 2013
Sullivan’s Salvos 3/19/13
In this edition:
*Shame On You, Senator Greiner!
*Dooley Development
*Did You Know?
*Shame On You, Senator Greiner!
State Senator Sandy Greiner recently voted to amend the Iowa Constitution to include discrimination against gays and lesbians. (The Bill is called Senate Joint Resolution 8.) I find these votes abhorrent. I think she should be ashamed. The Constitution is for protecting rights, not denying them.
We are used to a certain number of GOP elected officials making these despicable votes. Why is this Senator any different?
It is different because Sandy Greiner represents US! One half of Senator Greiner’s Senate District is in Johnson County. It includes Swisher, Shueyville, Oxford, Tiffin, North Liberty, Lone Tree, Frytown, and lots of rural areas.
State Representative Sally Stutsman, who represents the exact same territory in the Iowa House of Representatives, has a long and storied record of supporting human rights. Representative Stutsman believed in equal rights way back when it was a risky position. That is the type of person we need representing our county in the Iowa Legislature; not a fear monger longing for the bad old days.
People of Johnson County – remember this in 2014, when Senator Greiner seeks reelection. We deserve better.
*Dooley Development
There has been much news recently over the proposed Dooley development on Newport Road. Allow me to share some thoughts.
First – the county has a well-established Land Use Plan (LUP). http://www.johnson-county.com/dept_zoning.aspx?id=4921 This plan is quite clear in terms of its’ objectives – preserve ag land and natural areas. There are only two places in the county where residential development is allowed – villages (such as Sutliff or Sharon Center) and the area known as the North Corridor Development Area (NCDA). http://www.johnson-county.com/dept_zoning.aspx?id=4921
The NCDA is the area north of Iowa City, on both sides of the Iowa River. It can roughly be described as bordered by Highway 965 on the west and Sugar Bottom Road on the east. All told, it consists of less than 5% of the land in Johnson County.
When I first joined the Board, the NCDA was about five times its current size. Supervisor Neuzil and I argued that it should be much smaller, and we managed to shrink it dramatically on the north end. Once Larry Myers was elected, we reduced it even further, this time taking out land on the eastern end. As I noted, the current NCDA is less than 5% of the land in Johnson County.
It just so happens that the Dooley land sits in the NCDA. Because of this, the typical concerns of losing farmland to development are much different. This is the ONLY place that such a development can take place. It is the ONLY area in which we would rezone farmland.
The opposition to the development is organized and loud. Their arguments sound very good on their face. But the county is aiming to control/guide development into a single small area. The opponents just happen to live in that area.
Opponents claim we will lose prime farmland. While it is true we will lose some, very little of the Dooley farm could be considered “prime”. As a matter of fact, the decision was made to focus development in the NCDA in part because it is among the worst farmland in the county, and in part because so much was already developed. If we are going to lose some farmland, better that we lose it here. I am glad the opponents are concerned about the loss of farmland – AFTER they built their own homes!
Opponents are concerned about wells going dry. The USGS has done an extensive hydrological study, and they feel adequate water supplies exist into the distant future. I am glad the opponents are concerned about the water table – AFTER they built their own homes!
Opponents are concerned about response times for the Sheriff and Solon Fire Department. The proposed development will not change response times.
Opponents claim the development will lead to overcrowding at Solon Schools. Except that Solon Schools have NEVER opposed a county development; they welcome the growth.
Opponents claim that Johnson County “makes more money” from homes that are built in the cities. This is COMPLETELY false! Due to the overuse of TIFs, Johnson County collects almost no taxes from new construction in many cities. Plus, clustered subdivisions like the one being proposed cost less to serve.
Opponents complain that the proposed development is not infill. It IS infill. Just look at a map. There are literally scores of homes just to the north (Turkey Creek Area) and literally hundreds of homes just to the west. Iowa City is to the south. This area is surrounded on three sides by homes. It is the very definition of infill. Yes, there is land closer to Iowa City that could be developed. But most of that land is undevelopable flood plain. Besides, that land is not being proposed for development; this land is. I am glad the opponents are concerned about infill development – AFTER they built their own homes!
I also do not buy the argument that the development is somehow “out of character” with the area. The proposal is very similar to the nearby Westcott Heights subdivisions, which have been popular and basically trouble-free. Again, look at a map – this land is surrounded by houses. I am glad the opponents are concerned about the “character” of the area – AFTER they built their own homes!
Opponents claim there is no need for the development, noting that there are 1,604 vacant platted lots in rural Johnson County. While this is true, many of these lots are unbuildable. Many are “second lots” that are home to the septic system that serves the first. Many of these lots are owned by people who are not selling. Many of these lots are on the west side of the Res; some people want the Solon side. Some of these lots are 30’ x 50’ and located in Windham.
The total vacancy in this area is important, and very difficult to determine. (This is an area where Johnson County could improve in terms of data collection.) Lots for sale in the immediate area, which is still an imperfect measure, seem to be few.
I have spoken to 4-5 realtors about this, and their responses are interesting. They all refuse to go on the record. They fear that the Newport crowd will sabotage their business. So it is difficult to secure expert testimony. That said, all agreed that there is definitely a market for lots in that area.
The NCDA does not work for everyone, though. My sympathies do go out to two families in particular. The Stebrals and Sedlaceks farm along Newport Road, and have for decades. Unfortunately for these two families, they are forced to try to earn a living in the middle of a bunch of houses. Everywhere else in the county, we refuse to rezone agricultural land and protect the farmers’ “right to farm”. Unfortunately for them, the Sedlaceks and Stebrals get a different set of rules. These two families are innocent victims of an otherwise excellent policy. I feel for them.
With the two above exceptions, farmers in Johnson County are free to farm unencumbered by the effects of development. That is a very good thing! I am extremely proud of the way the LUP prevents incompatible uses of land.
We can all talk about what we would do if we owned the land. We do not own it. The owner (Sharon Dooley) has a right to request a rezoning. I find it ironic to see that our new Supervisor - who ran on a platform of “property rights” - voted to deny Ms. Dooley the same.
Similarly, many of the same people who claimed Newport Road was just fine when it was being considered for paving now feel the Dooley development would suddenly make Newport Road unsafe. (I believed the road was adequate then, and adequate now. My opinion has been consistent. Newport ranks pretty low on my list of roads that require attention.)
When push comes to shove, I am not a fan of rural residences. There is a big part of me that feels only active farmers should live in the unincorporated areas. All rural land should either be farmed or preserved as wilderness.
I feel as though I have lived out my beliefs personally. I live in town, and maintain a relatively small carbon footprint. I drive a hybrid, bike some, and keep my house pretty darn cold. I buy lots of local and organic food. I recycle everything. I adopted rather than bringing new children into the world. I donate to several environmental organizations. I’m tired of hearing from “environmentalists” who have 5-acre lawns and drive their SUVs 10 miles into town every day.
Professionally, I served on the LUP Committee. I pushed it through to passage over much opposition. I’ve consistently voted to follow it. The Conservation Bond was my brainchild. I think my record is very clear – I have been a friend of the environment and a friend to family farms.
Unfortunately, the reality is that many, many people want to live in the country. We have already shut off over 95% of the county to development. Is it really fair to shut it off 100%? I am only one of 5 votes, but I have decided no.
(I think the attorneys are glad we have decided no, too, as completely shutting off development would undoubtedly spur a lawsuit.) Some people feel strongly enough about this issue that they would vote to end all development. I tip my hat to them, as they are being consistent. But if they believe the development should go somewhere else? That is just being a NIMBY, plain and simple.
Given the above realities, my only real concern was the size of the rezoning. I do not take the decision to rezone land lightly. I was concerned that 90 acres was more than what is necessary to meet market demands. Having spoken to 4-5 local experts, I believe the market DOES exist. The fact that this rezoning passed does make me want to get a better measure of what constitutes “vacancy”, however.
Another thing – I spent a few years working alongside Larry Meyers. We became very good friends. We talked for HOURS about this kind of thing. The current LUP map is basically a result of his arguments. So I am REALLY not interested in people telling me how Larry would have voted. I do not think they know, and I think we should leave him out of this. When I hear that, I want to respond with a paraphrased quote of Lloyd Bentsen: “I served with Larry Meyers. And you’re no Larry Meyers.”
It is interesting, because I stood shoulder to shoulder with many of these same folks when it came to opposing the plan to widen and straighten Newport Road. Thing is, my support or opposition to any given plan is not dependent upon the people involved. I’m trying to do what is right. I believe they were right to oppose the changes to the road. I think they are wrong to oppose the Dooley rezoning.
I am extremely proud of the Johnson County LUP. Obviously, we have not done a very good job of explaining the details of the plan to members of the public. I promise to work on this.
So, the Dooley Development lives. Do you have thoughts for improving the LUP? Let me know!
*DID YOU KNOW? Maps of the North Corridor Development Area are available at www.johnson-county.com.
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
www.johnson-county.com.
"Sullivan’s Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
These messages come solely from Rod Sullivan, and neither represents the viewpoints of the whole Board of Supervisors nor those of groups or individuals otherwise mentioned.
If you do NOT want the weekly E-mail, simply reply to this message, and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
If you know anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail me at rodsullivan@mchsi.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.
As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
March 8, 2013
Sullivan’s Salvos 3/12/13
In this edition:
*RIP Lori Bears
*Saint Patrick’s Day
*Bob Sullivan
*Congratulations John Etheridge!
*Congratulations Kevin Hackathorn!
*Spring Break
*Conference Boards
*Did You Know?
*RIP Lori Bears
Johnson County lost a shining star this week with the passing of Lori Bears. Lori was a wonderful human being – one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. A great volunteer and a great advocate. She taught many people many lessons; I include myself in that group.
No services are planned - memorials can be sent to the Shelter House. RIP, Lori. You will be missed!
*Saint Patrick’s Day
Happy St. Patty’s Day on March 17! St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite days of the year. While not an “official” holiday, this day has long been celebrated heartily by my Irish family.
The tradition lives on… I almost always take St. Patrick’s Day off work. March 17 is a Sunday this year, so I get off easy.
Meanwhile, I hope each and every one of you is touched by a little luck o’ the Irish!
*Bob Sullivan
March 17 holds a special place in my heart that goes beyond St. Patrick’s Day. That was also the birthday of my late father, Bob Sullivan.
Dad was a proud union man, Hawkeye fan, and Irishman. We were father and son, but also best friends. I can honestly say he was probably the most fun person I have ever known.
Unfortunately, he left this world much too soon, and never got the chance to meet any of his nine grandchildren. I miss him every single day, but especially on St. Patty’s Day.
If you knew my dad and you are reading this – send me an e-mail some time. I could really use a little time swapping stories and reminiscing.
And, if you are looking for an extra toast on St. Patrick’s Day, allow me to suggest that you raise a glass to Bob Sullivan.
Happy birthday, Dad.
*Congratulations John Etheridge!
The election results are in, and Johnson County has a new member of the Board of Supervisors. Congratulations to John Etheridge, who was elected with 51% of the vote. Turnout was an abysmal 6.5% - probably not helped by the schools having a snow day.
I was very disappointed by the low turnout, and very disappointed that Terry Dahms lost. Terry is a great guy, and I feel bad for him.
Meanwhile, Mr. Etheridge is the first Republican Supervisor to be elected in Johnson County since 1958! We have only just met, but I look forward to getting to know him.
Now the real work begins! Mr. Etheridge can be sworn in on March 11 (following the canvass of votes), and his first regular Board Meeting is March 12!
*Congratulations Kevin Hackathorn!
Congratulations to Secondary Roads Maintenance Superintendent Kevin Hackathorn, who is retiring after 40 years of service to Johnson County.
Not only does Kevin have one of the most important jobs in the whole county – he is also one of the best people in the whole county! I REALLY like and respect Kevin, and I am REALLY going to miss him!
Thanks, Kevin, for 40 years of amazing service! You have done a very difficult job very well for a very long time! I appreciate it! Best of luck in your retirement!
*Spring Break
Most Johnson County students are on Spring Break this week. I hope that those of you who are travelling have safe and enjoyable trips! Come back refreshed!
*Conference Boards
The City and County Conference Boards met recently to discuss the performances and budgets of the Iowa City and Johnson County Assessors.
Assessors are the folks who determine the value of all our taxable real estate. Every county has an Assessor; so do several of the larger cities. In some areas, notably Des Moines/Polk County and Waterloo/Black Hawk County, the City Assessor’s Office has been absorbed by the County Assessor’s Office.
The Iowa City Assessor handles all the property inside Iowa City proper; the Johnson County Assessor does everything else. The IC Assessor is responsible for about $4.8 billion in appraised value; the JC Assessor is responsible for about $5.7 billion. Both serve a little over 65,000 residents.
Houses, businesses, farms and the like all go up and down in value. Because Johnson County has historically been viewed as a very good place to live, property values here have gone up steadily. While property values across the country crashed as the housing bubble broke, property values in Johnson County have remained fairly flat.
Property tax-levying governmental units (county, cities, schools) are represented on the Conference Boards. So the IC Assessor’s Office is overseen by Johnson County, Iowa City, and the ICCSD. The JC Assessor’s Office is overseen by Johnson County, ten cities (all but IC), and ten school districts (including the ICCSD).
Now for some very good news: Assessors are measured for accuracy and ranked every year. The IC Assessor’s Office ranked #3 in the state out of about 115 offices. The JC Assessor’s Office ranked #2. That is correct – Johnson County was number two! In all my years as a Supervisor, they have finished number 1 three times, number 2 four times, and number 3 once.
In addition to being number one as a simple matter of pride, we should be extremely pleased by these results. This means that property tax payers are likely paying their fair share. You are not likely paying too much, nor are you paying too little, relative to all property tax payers. That is a very good thing.
We are being well served by our Assessors. Congratulations to Iowa City Assessor Denny Baldridge, Johnson County Assessor Bill Greazel, and all their employees on these tremendous accomplishments!
*DID YOU KNOW? There are more Americans of Irish origin than there are Irish in Ireland. (36 million Americans claimed Irish ancestry in 2008; the population of Ireland was 4.4 million at the time.)
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
www.johnson-county.com.
"Sullivan’s Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
These messages come solely from Rod Sullivan, and neither represents the viewpoints of the whole Board of Supervisors nor those of groups or individuals otherwise mentioned.
If you do NOT want the weekly E-mail, simply reply to this message, and type "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
If you know anyone else who might be interested, just forward this message. They can E-mail me at rodsullivan@mchsi.com with "subscribe" in the subject line.
As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
March 1, 2013
Sullivan’s Salvos 3/5/13
In this edition:
*Vote Today!
*More on SEATS
*P&Z Stats
*Congrats Chief Rocca!
*Prairie Preview
*Did You Know?
*Vote Today!
The County Supervisor Special Election is Tuesday, March 5. I am supporting Democrat Terry Dahms. PLEASE VOTE!
*More on SEATS
I continue to be frustrated by the ongoing discussions over SEATS. As far as I am concerned, Iowa City is attempting to demand that Johnson County radically alter the way it does business.
This example should make the case pretty clearly. Please be advised – this is a HYPOTHETICAL situation. No one is considering shutting down SEATS!
Hypothetically, the county closes SEATS. Just shuts it down. Iowa City and Coralville are still federally mandated to provide the service.
To do so, they either need to raise taxes or cut services to the tune of $500,000. Why? Because Johnson County has been subsidizing the service! I don’t think it can be more clear!
The cities continue to act as though SEATS exists in a vacuum. The JECC moved about $4 million annually from city budgets to the county levy. The cities’ use of TIF has taken $41 million out of the county coffers over the past 12 years. Yet the cities act as though neither ever happened.
Let’s put these numbers into a perspective we can all understand. Imagine someone takes $415 from your wallet, then wants to quibble over whether they should pay you 2 dollars or 4 dollars for a sandwich. That is EXACTLY the scale here. The cities want to talk about the $2, and ignore the $415.
I’d LOVE to sit down and discuss municipal finance with the cities. But they don’t want to do that. They want to focus on a very small piece of the whole picture.
Iowa City continues to believe that because Iowa City is home to the most taxable value, residents of that city are paying too much. Understand – this is a new viewpoint that arrived with new staff. These same Councilors never expressed such concerns previously.
Just for the sake of argument, let’s agree that we decide to fund things differently, and begin looking at which municipality pays what. Shouldn’t we ALSO then look at which municipality USES what?
Say two families go out to dinner, and one is Iowa City and one is Lone Tree. Iowa City eats ten large pizzas and drinks 50 beers. Lone Tree eats one large pizza and drinks 5 beers.
When the bill arrives, Iowa City pays 66%. Iowa City has its chest puffed out, proud that it paid over half the bill.
The problem is, Iowa City ate and drank ten times what Lone Tree did. Even though IC paid more, they did not pay enough.
The concept of fairness has two parts: what you pay, and what you use. Iowa City wants to base things ONLY on what you pay. That is not fair.
Not only is the “Iowa City” model of county finance unfair, it fails on a couple additional fronts. As I have pointed out repeatedly, I have a strong feeling that Iowa City residents are net “takers” when it comes to county government. But to know that for certain, we would need to begin costing out everything.
Thus the “Iowa City” model would dramatically drive up the cost of county government as we spend thousands of hours determining who should be charged for what.
Plus, the “Iowa City” model is divisive. It takes us down a path of each individual taxpayer for herself. Fights are bound to occur between citizens who feel some other citizen got more or paid less. This is a path straight to ugliness.
Historically, the county has done things pretty simply. Everybody pays for services, and everyone can access them. You pay county taxes, and get county services. From Sutliff to Joetown, from Swisher to Lone Tree - we are one county. We are all in this together.
I like the fact that we are all in this together. I am in favor of some tinkering when it comes to who pays for what, but I refuse to be bullied into radical changes at Iowa City’s command.
Again, I wish Iowa City staff would spend more time running Iowa City and less time trying to run Johnson County. As an Iowa City resident, I know they have plenty of issues to address.
Meanwhile, I hope you like the idea of a single county with everyone in it together. I certainly do.
*P&Z Stats
The Johnson County Planning and Zoning Department does a very nice job. They recently provided us with their annual report (available on our website). I thought I would share a few interesting facts from this report:
There were 458 building permits issued by Johnson County in 2012 – a 24% increase. The total value of that construction was over $37 million.
The average new home in unincorporated Johnson County cost just over $335,000, up a few hundred dollars from 2011.
Johnson County rezoned 95 acres in 2012, down from 163 in 2011. There were 88 acres of Ag land lost in 2012, compared to 109 gained in 2011.
128 acres were annexed into cities in 2012 – 109 into Coralville, and 19 into Solon. This is up from 11 acres in 2011.
If you have questions, comments, or concerns regarding any of these numbers, please let me know!
*Congrats Chief Rocca!
Iowa City Fire Chief Andy Rocca recently announced his retirement after serving the people of Iowa City for over 30 years.
I have had the pleasure of serving on a few committees with Chief Rocca, and always found him to be smart, hard working, and just a really nice man.
Congrats on your retirement, Chief, and thank you for your service!
*Prairie Preview
The Johnson Country Heritage Trust announces the 30th Annual Prairie Preview will be held Thursday, March 7 at Parkview Church in Iowa City.
The event begins at 6:30 pm with exhibits, and at 7:30 Professor Thomas Rosburg of the Drake Biodiversity Center will speak on “How Prairies Work”. There is a great deal of free information available, and refreshments are provided.
The Prairie Preview is one of my favorite events. I hope you can join me! For more information, see www.jcht.org or call 338-7030.
*DID YOU KNOW? Local TIFs have cost Johnson County over $41 million in tax revenue over the past 12 years.
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
www.johnson-county.com.
"Sullivan’s Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
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As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
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