At the Monday meeting of the Wright County Board of Supervisors, Eagle Grove City Administrator Bryce Davis spoke via Zoom asking for support for a Residential Development and Workforce Housing Tax Credits for the City of Eagle Grove. He explained that currently it is not feasible to build rentals in Wright County as it costs around $100,000 per door. He added that the level building rentals becomes prudent is at $45,000-50,000 per door. One way to make this possible is through using a tax credit through the Iowa Economic Development Authority. According to Iowa Economic Development’s information for this program, it “provides tax benefits to developers to provide housing in Iowa communities, focusing especially on those projects using abandoned, empty or dilapidated properties.” The tax credit is available to eligible projects within the 88 least populous counties in the state.
The Eagle Grove plan is to build 10 apartment units, one a 4-plex and the other a 6. The tax credit is granted after the completion of the project. The city also has to contribute some matching funds. Davis noted that such programs are very competitive so additional support, both financial or non-financial, is critical. The board signed a resolution to support the project, though they will not contribute funds.
A public hearing was held over possible repairs to drainage district #107 in Norway Township in northwest Wright County. Dan Wiedmeier of McClure Engineering presented portions of the engineer’s report on the project. Various affected Wright County landowners joined the hearing via Zoom. Wiedmeier showed pictures of the sloughing, meandering, damaged outlet pipes and surface drains in the drainage ditch. The plan to repair the area would entail straightening the ditch bottom, widening side slopes, replacing outlets and controlling trees and stumps. The landowners who asked questions generally all seemed to agree the project is necessary, even though they will be footing the bill for it. Some FEMA funds may be available for the project as well. Hancock County landowners would also cover some portion of the costs, though it was not clear how much. Because there has been some confusion over Hancock County’s part of the cost and thus how much Wright County landowners would be in charge of, the item was tabled for a week so that could be determined.
Adam Clemons, Wright County Engineer, updated the board on maintenance activities. He discussed long-term sustainability of the county’s secondary roads as they are struggling given the level of traffic they receive and the variable Iowa climate. Clemons said he wanted to investigate if there is a better way they can get more road material out and quicker. He presented detailed figures on how he hopes to proceed with this plan down the road. The presentation was informational as the board did not have to vote on anything.
