Entities will pay administration costs for county's help

The Plymouth County Supervisors on Tuesday approved charging $1,500 in administrative costs for helping issue bonds or grants under its tax-free canopy.

The topic came to light when Girls Inc., a nonprofit organization from Sioux City, requested the county's help to route revenue bonds through the county.

By using a governmental agency as an issuer, Girls Inc. and other such organizations are eligible for tax-exempt bonds under federal and state law.

K. Kae Meyer, Plymouth County auditor, said $1,500 will be adequate and that by having one set amount in place, anyone making the request will know the fee up front.

The supervisors will meet with representatives from Girls Inc. at its meeting next Tuesday, June 24, to consider approval of their request.

If approved, Girls Inc. would have to pay the county $1,500 for its administrative services.

This week the supervisors also:

*Learned the county will receive $973,146 in Local Option Sales Tax for fiscal year 2008 from the Iowa Department of Revenue. Meyer said that amount is up slightly from the previous year.

*Decided to advertise for a vacant seat on the Plymouth County Conservation Board after board member Ron Wilmot died June 9. Written applications may be mailed to the supervisors at 215 Fourth Ave. S.E. or dropped off at the auditor's office by 5 p.m. Monday, July 7.

*Heard that a Loess Hills Cultural Resource Study will be done in Plymouth County this fall. There will be an informational meeting on Sept. 18 in the Westfield Community Center.

*Learned two county roads opened following completion of bridge replacements. South of Remsen, 220th Street from Quartz Avenue east to Quest Avenue, opened Friday, and K-42 from Merrill north to C-38 opened Tuesday.