archivelocal news

Watch: Gov. Kim Reynolds discuses task force for Iowa 'DOGE'Hear from Gov. Kim Reynolds as she talks about Iowa's 'DOGE' on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at the Iowa State Capitol.Iowa's DOGE task force is considering issuing a recommendation to consolidate the state's 99 counties to improve government efficiency and enable property tax cuts.The task force argues that the current county structure is outdated and wastes resources, citing Iowa's low population density.The task force is focusing on streamlining services and regionalization rather than directly addressing property tax reform.Iowa's government efficiency task...

Habitat for Humanity of Collier County progresses on new Naples communityScenes from Habitat for Humanity of Collier County's Majestic Place community. When construction is complete, it will have 109 single-family homes.Collier County's preliminary property values increased by roughly 3% to $229.3 billion in 2025.Taxable property values saw a larger increase of 8.2%, reaching $164.5 billion, largely due to new construction.While market value growth slowed, new construction added $4.18 billion to the tax rolls.The final tax roll will be submitted to the state on July 1st, with TRIM notices sent to...

Open this photo in gallery:The loonie was trading 0.1 per cent lower at 1.3725 per U.S. dollar, or 72.86 U.S. cents, after trading in a range of 1.3702 to 1.3742.Mark Blinch/ReutersThe Canadian dollar CADUSD edged lower against its U.S. counterpart on Tuesday but was performing better than all the other Group of 10 currencies, as oil prices rose and investors awaited a Bank of Canada interest rate decision this week.The loonie was trading 0.1 per cent lower at 1.3725 per U.S. dollar, or 72.86 U.S. cents, after trading in a...

Open this photo in gallery:The loonie was trading 0.1 per cent lower at 1.3725 per U.S. dollar, or 72.86 U.S. cents, after trading in a range of 1.3702 to 1.3742.Mark Blinch/ReutersThe Canadian dollar CADUSD edged lower against its U.S. counterpart on Tuesday but was performing better than all the other Group of 10 currencies, as oil prices rose and investors awaited a Bank of Canada interest rate decision this week.The loonie was trading 0.1 per cent lower at 1.3725 per U.S. dollar, or 72.86 U.S. cents, after trading in a...

Open this photo in gallery:The loonie was trading 0.1 per cent lower at 1.3725 per U.S. dollar, or 72.86 U.S. cents, after trading in a range of 1.3702 to 1.3742.Mark Blinch/ReutersThe Canadian dollar edged lower against its U.S. counterpart on Tuesday but was performing better than all the other Group of 10 currencies, as oil prices rose and investors awaited a Bank of Canada interest rate decision this week.The loonie was trading 0.1 per cent lower at 1.3725 per U.S. dollar, or 72.86 U.S. cents, after trading in a range...

Here's how to properly calculate your property tax billNot sure how to calculate your property tax bill? Here's how to do it properly.In 2023, Davidson County led all Tennessee counties in total property tax per capita at $2,161, according to a Sycamore Institute study of property tax rates and capacity across the state.The study argues that a tax rate on its own tells us "very little" about whether residents in a Tennessee county actually pay high or low property taxes overall.Some Nashvillians are bracing for the prospect of a higher...

Sterling Heights — The city of Sterling Heights will start rolling out investments that are part of a new millage to preserve open space, fix sidewalks and plant trees in the upcoming fiscal year in its new budget, which starts July 1.The $319.9 million budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year is the first with funds from the city's new Pathway to Play and Preservation millage that voters approved in November. It includes funds to purchase some land to preserve open space; repair and replace thousands of sidewalks; plant 1,600 trees; and...