Extra Credit: Contain the Rain & Property Tax Relief Programs

In this episode of the Hall Monitors podcast, we’re breaking down two impactful City resources for the community:

• Contain the Rain Program—A City & County program that promotes sustainable landscaping by reimbursing residents and businesses 50% of costs for eco-friendly projects like rain barrels and native plants.
• Property Tax Relief Program—A program that provides tax rebates to low-income households, veterans, and seniors, helping to mitigate rising property taxes.

Host: Libby Johnson, Communications & Outreach Coordinator

Guest: Brandon Mills, Assistant City Administrator & City Clerk

 

00:25 Intro

01:19 Roll Call: Mills, B.

04:57 Contain the Rain Program

09:51 Property Tax Relief Program

19:42 Where are you headed?

20:50 Bloopers

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
.9999999999I think we need a first address the elephant in the room. 2 00:00:04,454.9999999999 --> 00:00:14,005 How do you feel about these desks? So I have to say I was pretty hesitant to come on this podcast just because there's no left-handed desk and I don't feel seen.
I'm just letting you know.
But as a good City employee, I'm gonna bear with it and I'm gonna power through this podcast, so I appreciate you inviting me.

(00:21):
You're very welcome. 6 00:00:59,516.341295223 --> 00:01:01,376.341295223 Welcome back to the Hall Monitors. 7 00:01:01,436.341295223 --> 00:01:06,806.341295223 I'm Libby Johnson and we're joined today by Brandon Mills, who's our assistant City Administrator and City Clerk. 8 00:01:07,149.577869534 --> 00:01:12,369.577869535 In this episode, we are talking about two City resource programs designed to help the community. 9 00:01:12,639.577869535 --> 00:01:18,969.577869535 One that supports sustainable landscaping and the other that just helps make home ownership more affordable. 10 00:01:19,19.577869535 --> 00:01:24,779.577869535 Whitney told me that you have a highly specific skill in explaining government to seventh graders. 11 00:01:25,129.577869535 --> 00:01:26,659.577869535 so, Okay. 12 00:01:26,659.577869535 --> 00:01:27,349.577869535 Very interesting. 13 00:01:27,349.577869535 --> 00:01:28,819.577869535 Let's put that to the test though. 14 00:01:28,879.577869535 --> 00:01:29,149.577869535 Okay. 15 00:01:29,149.577869535 --> 00:01:36,319.577869535 You explain your two roles for the City and can you explain them like, we're in a middle school building like, I'm a seventh grader. 16 00:01:37,429.577869535 --> 00:01:37,459.577869535 Okay. 17 00:01:37,459.577869535 --> 00:01:38,269.577869535 Um, Alright. 18 00:01:38,269.577869535 --> 00:01:38,749.577869535 So. 19 00:01:39,679.577869535 --> 00:01:41,629.57786953 Um, I'll start with the City Clerk role. 20 00:01:41,729.57786953 --> 00:01:58,819.57786953 So if you're talking about like a seventh grader, I guess the easiest way to explain it is I am the document keeper for the City, so anything that the mayor signs, any ordinances, resolutions, which are our laws for the City, I'm in charge of making sure that those copies are maintained and accessible. 21 00:01:59,99.57786953 --> 00:02:05,859.57786953 I'm also the main point of contact for a lot of external organizations such as Johnson County or the school district. 22 00:02:05,859.57786953 --> 00:02:11,669.57786953 I'm the main point of contact statutorily as the assistant City administrator, My job is really catchall. 23 00:02:11,719.57786953 --> 00:02:16,239.57786953 We have an administrator who is in charge of maintaining all the City functions. 24 00:02:16,239.57786953 --> 00:02:20,979.57786953 He's over all of our departments and really my job is to back him up and do anything. 25 00:02:20,979.57786953 --> 00:02:22,209.57786953 He doesn't have time to do. 26 00:02:22,209.57786953 --> 00:02:28,269.57786953 So part of my jobs are, like this morning I was talking with our fleet management coordinator. 27 00:02:28,269.57786953 --> 00:02:32,149.57786953 going through our next year's budget process of which vehicles we're gonna work through. 28 00:02:32,149.57786953 --> 00:02:37,549.57786953 And then about an hour later I was talking with our public works director about hiring someone. 29 00:02:37,549.57786953 --> 00:02:43,439.57786953 So my job spans lots of different departments and jurisdictions and different things and so different every day. 30 00:02:44,69.57786953 --> 00:02:49,229.57786954 That's it's, it's fun to, it's also hard to explain to someone, I feel like when you're like I did this and I also do that, Yeah. 31 00:02:49,229.57786954 --> 00:02:49,919.57786954 It's different every day. 32 00:02:49,919.57786954 --> 00:02:51,329.57786954 I think that's the thing I like about it. 33 00:02:51,409.57786953 --> 00:02:54,769.57786953 along those lines, we actually have a listener question. 34 00:02:54,919.57786953 --> 00:02:55,609.57786953 Okay. 35 00:02:55,684.57786953 --> 00:02:55,714.57786953 Okay. 36 00:02:56,794.57786953 --> 00:03:03,394.57786953 And by that we definitely mean we reached out to your wife and asked her if she has anything that we could surprise you with. 37 00:03:03,399.57786953 --> 00:03:03,659.57786953 That's, yeah. 38 00:03:03,664.57786953 --> 00:03:05,944.57786953 Um, And get some insider information. 39 00:03:06,64.57786953 --> 00:03:06,94.57786953 Okay. 40 00:03:06,94.57786953 --> 00:03:09,934.57786953 So this question is from Russell, your best friend from high school. 41 00:03:09,964.57786953 --> 00:03:10,744.57786953 Okay. 42 00:03:11,244.57786953 --> 00:03:26,754.57786953 Can you share your favorite coach memory from track or explain what your track coaches mean to you? Because I honestly don't know what this means, but I know it has something to do with maybe how your career is going and how you approached your role. 43 00:03:26,844.57786953 --> 00:03:27,234.57786953 Okay. 44 00:03:27,294.57786953 --> 00:03:32,874.57786953 Maybe let's, that's what, do you know what these people have some explaining to do? First of all, you guys did your homework. 45 00:03:32,874.57786953 --> 00:03:33,564.57786953 That's very nice. 46 00:03:33,624.57786953 --> 00:03:39,454.57786954 Um, um, I think, I think one of the things I learned about in track, and I'll back up. 47 00:03:39,534.57786953 --> 00:03:43,484.57786953 Russell and I were really good friends from high school where we started becoming friends running cross country. 48 00:03:43,764.57786953 --> 00:03:49,24.57786953 I think one of the things you learn when running for hours is endurance and the grit to get through things. 49 00:03:49,469.57786953 --> 00:03:52,709.57786953 this job changes every day, right? you have adversities every day. 50 00:03:52,709.57786953 --> 00:04:05,829.57786953 whether that be running up a hill when you're two miles deep into a three mile cross country race or running into a roadblock due to some kind of administrative red tape it's something that I've learned to develop and worked through as I've gone through my career. 51 00:04:05,959.57786953 --> 00:04:06,349.57786953 Yeah. 52 00:04:06,979.57786953 --> 00:04:09,139.57786953 So in school when it came to class projects mm-hmm. 53 00:04:09,379.57786953 --> 00:04:14,899.57786953 were you more of a let's carefully follow the instructions or let's see what happens. 54 00:04:14,899.57786953 --> 00:04:16,879.57786953 We'll figure it out as a go kind of person. 55 00:04:16,969.57786953 --> 00:04:17,449.57786953 Definitely. 56 00:04:17,449.57786953 --> 00:04:18,619.57786953 We'll figure it out as we go. 57 00:04:18,619.57786953 --> 00:04:22,689.57786954 I've made my career on saying we're building the plane as we're in the air. 58 00:04:22,749.57786954 --> 00:04:24,399.57786954 Um, Usually works out. 59 00:04:24,499.57786954 --> 00:04:28,179.57786954 But I'm definitely more of a go with the flow than a rigid strict rules person. 60 00:04:28,519.57786954 --> 00:04:36,999.57786954 And I think having that tie into your career and like your role that is, it's kind of necessary to have that ability 'cause you don't know what's gonna happen. 61 00:04:37,49.57786954 --> 00:04:37,529.57786954 Yeah. 62 00:04:37,629.57786954 --> 00:04:41,709.57786954 Russel and I are gonna have a very long conversation about this sneaky guy anyway. 63 00:04:42,399.57786954 --> 00:04:51,949.57786954 Well, The good news is, is whether you like guidelines or you're the type where you just want, wanna go with the flow type of person Contain the Rain is one of those programs that makes that kind of easy. 64 00:04:51,999.57786954 --> 00:05:09,399.57786954 can you explain the program what it is and tell me about the history of how it got started? So the Contain the Rain Grant is administered by Johnson County the grant encourages property owners to put in sustainable landscaping whether that be rain barrels or whether that be planning native plants. 65 00:05:09,459.57786954 --> 00:05:15,259.57786954 The goal is that we are reducing our runoff and improving our overall streamway health in the community. 66 00:05:15,329.57786954 --> 00:05:22,229.57786954 How long have we been doing Contain the Rain? To the best of my knowledge Johnson County has been having this program for well over 10 years. 67 00:05:22,269.57786954 --> 00:05:25,539.57786954 But we are on program year three, starting in March. 68 00:05:25,799.57786954 --> 00:05:34,439.57786954 how much of the projects cost does, the program help with? So generally speaking it's about 50% of the overall program costs. 69 00:05:34,439.57786954 --> 00:05:37,209.57786954 So if you put in a rain barrel, those are about 150 bucks. 70 00:05:37,209.57786954 --> 00:05:42,39.57786954 The county would reimburse you and the City would reimburse you so your total reimbursement is 50%. 71 00:05:42,44.57786954 --> 00:05:42,314.57786954 Okay. 72 00:05:42,744.57786954 --> 00:05:43,34.57786954 Okay. 73 00:05:43,179.57786954 --> 00:05:43,599.57786954 Gotcha. 74 00:05:43,599.57786954 --> 00:05:46,569.57786954 So like, if I wanted to get a rain barrel, you would split that cost with me. 75 00:05:46,569.57786954 --> 00:05:46,719.57786954 Yep. 76 00:05:47,179.57786954 --> 00:05:47,689.57786954 that's a good deal. 77 00:05:47,689.57786954 --> 00:05:50,459.57786954 Especially we see a lot of people that are really interested in that. 78 00:05:50,619.57786954 --> 00:05:51,999.57786954 Or they want to plant a tree. 79 00:05:52,159.57786954 --> 00:05:55,849.57786954 And trees aren't cheap, so if you can get 50% off of it, it's not bad. 80 00:05:55,939.57786954 --> 00:06:01,9.57786954 And is Contain the Rain, a program that's open to De Soto businesses as well? Yes. 81 00:06:01,59.57786954 --> 00:06:04,769.57786954 So it's open not only to residential property owners, but it's also open to businesses. 82 00:06:04,769.57786954 --> 00:06:06,149.57786954 We haven't seen any yet. 83 00:06:06,199.57786954 --> 00:06:13,549.57786954 I'm hoping that this next program year we'll see some businesses apply, but the point is not just to reduce runoff in neighborhoods, but it's throughout the entire community. 84 00:06:13,609.57786954 --> 00:06:13,909.57786954 Yeah. 85 00:06:13,969.57786954 --> 00:06:16,279.57786954 So if you are a business, please apply. 86 00:06:16,989.57786954 --> 00:06:28,424.57786954 What is the environmental impact of having these projects in place? When we talk about native plants um, plants that are native to Johnson County, generally speaking, have less watering requirements. 87 00:06:28,574.57786954 --> 00:06:39,884.57786954 So not only are we reducing the need to water which is good for the environment, but it also, by creating rain gardens and rain barrels, that allows you to reuse some of the water that's naturally occurring in the community. 88 00:06:39,884.57786954 --> 00:06:40,514.57786954 So, Yeah. 89 00:06:40,514.57786954 --> 00:06:42,194.57786954 Um, Overall it's great for the environment. 90 00:06:42,314.57786954 --> 00:06:42,584.57786954 Yeah. 91 00:06:42,884.57786954 --> 00:06:49,394.57786954 I also saw something like, when the, the water ends up in those storm drains and it ends up in the ditch or whatever. 92 00:06:49,394.57786954 --> 00:06:49,395.57786954 Mm-hmm. 93 00:06:49,484.57786954 --> 00:06:52,334.57786954 There's, you know, there's bacteria, there's chemicals, there's debris. 94 00:06:52,334.57786954 --> 00:06:52,394.57786954 Yeah. 95 00:06:52,494.57786954 --> 00:06:55,194.57786954 And then it goes straight into the river or the stream or the lake. 96 00:06:55,614.57786954 --> 00:06:58,839.57786954 So there's a lot of benefits to it and also these projects are really pretty. 97 00:06:58,869.57786954 --> 00:07:00,189.57786954 Yeah, some of them are really cool. 98 00:07:00,249.57786954 --> 00:07:00,459.57786954 Yeah. 99 00:07:00,459.57786954 --> 00:07:05,959.57786954 Some of the, some of the rain gardens that we've seen, we've had a couple come through in De Soto and they're fascinating. 100 00:07:05,959.57786954 --> 00:07:14,819.57786954 I'm not an engineer, but we have a couple people in De Soto that have done rain gardens the diagrams they have and how it flows off the properties and everything is really interesting. 101 00:07:15,389.57786954 --> 00:07:17,369.57786954 Oh, I'll have to look into those. 102 00:07:17,369.57786954 --> 00:07:24,279.57786954 What are some of the projects that fall into those guidelines? Yeah, some of the more obvious ones are native grasses or native bushes. 103 00:07:24,499.57786954 --> 00:07:29,509.57786954 Again, we're trying to encourage people to build sustainable landscaping so they don't need to water them as much. 104 00:07:29,849.57786954 --> 00:07:34,669.57786954 But also what we're seeing is several businesses in the area that have kind of put together their own programs. 105 00:07:34,669.57786954 --> 00:07:39,39.57786954 It's a plug and play situation um, where people are putting in native trees. 106 00:07:39,189.57786954 --> 00:07:46,509.57786954 I mean, there are several businesses that understand the program and say, you know, this tree is native and this tree will get you the full reimbursement for the grant. 107 00:07:46,509.57786954 --> 00:07:53,349.57786954 I would say talk to your local landscape company or your local um, nursery and they should be able to walk you through the steps of how to get the grant. 108 00:07:53,629.57786954 --> 00:07:58,279.57786954 What does the application process look like? So the application process is pretty simple. 109 00:07:58,309.57786954 --> 00:08:01,399.57786954 You can go to the City website and just type in, Contain the Rain and search for that. 110 00:08:01,739.57786954 --> 00:08:07,319.57786954 And it'll bring you up to our program page, and then you just click a link and it'll take you to the County page, which is where you apply. 111 00:08:07,569.57786954 --> 00:08:16,39.57786954 And it has pretty simple explanation of, you need to have your name, your address, where you live and then it'll have a list of all the top proper plans that are allowed. 112 00:08:16,219.57786954 --> 00:08:17,659.57786954 And then you just fill out the thing. 113 00:08:17,659.57786954 --> 00:08:22,159.57786954 So you could say, you know, I um, planted, type A tree. 114 00:08:22,399.57786954 --> 00:08:26,569.57786954 And then you basically submit your receipts and click submit it goes to the County. 115 00:08:26,759.57786954 --> 00:08:28,829.57786954 the County will vet it and send it to me. 116 00:08:29,99.57786954 --> 00:08:31,349.57786954 And then we will approve that and cut you a check. 117 00:08:31,529.57786954 --> 00:08:31,979.57786954 Okay. 118 00:08:32,69.57786954 --> 00:08:36,596.2445362 So I saw somewhere that you have to apply before you start the project. 119 00:08:36,596.2445362 --> 00:08:36,686.2445362 Mm-hmm. 120 00:08:36,926.2445362 --> 00:08:38,331.2445362 Is that true in De Soto? Yes. 121 00:08:38,516.2445362 --> 00:08:38,726.2445362 Yeah. 122 00:08:38,726.2445362 --> 00:08:42,716.2445362 So you apply before and then afterwards they make sure that you planted the, the tree. 123 00:08:42,716.2445362 --> 00:08:48,656.2445362 So it does take a little to get it, you start the program in March, but realistically we're not seeing applications until May or June. 124 00:08:49,16.2445362 --> 00:08:49,76.2445362 Okay. 125 00:08:49,576.2445362 --> 00:08:52,916.2445362 Is there a timeframe for a project like this? Yeah. 126 00:08:52,916.2445362 --> 00:08:57,556.2445362 So our program year starts in March and we accept our last applications in November. 127 00:08:57,686.2445362 --> 00:09:05,666.2445362 the idea is in March, really you're starting to see the ground start to thaw, and then by November we don't really want you planning anything because we're not sure it's gonna make it through the year. 128 00:09:05,856.2445362 --> 00:09:10,736.2445362 Part of the grant is that there's a commitment that you would keep whatever you plant for three years. 129 00:09:10,956.2445362 --> 00:09:12,996.2445362 And so we wanna make sure it's gonna survive the winter. 130 00:09:13,626.2445362 --> 00:09:13,656.2445362 Okay. 131 00:09:13,656.2445362 --> 00:09:14,196.2445362 That makes sense. 132 00:09:14,387.91120287 --> 00:09:21,407.91120287 How can people find more information, you said on the website, mm-hmm and then are you an available contact for people who have questions? Yeah. 133 00:09:21,407.91120287 --> 00:09:26,237.91120287 So on the website, at the very bottom, it has my contact information and you can feel free to reach out to me. 134 00:09:26,237.91120287 --> 00:09:33,527.91120287 Also, if you have more detailed questions, especially if you're talking about rain garden design, I would refer you to the Johnson County Stormwater Management Program. 135 00:09:33,737.91120287 --> 00:09:37,67.91120287 They can give you all kinds of templates and tell you the best way to put those. 136 00:09:37,157.91120287 --> 00:09:39,297.91120287 I'm not an engineer, so I don't want to touch that with a 10-foot poll. 137 00:09:39,297.91120287 --> 00:09:41,747.91120287 You're like, don't ask me about where to place it. 138 00:09:41,752.91120287 --> 00:09:41,922.91120287 Yeah. 139 00:09:41,922.91120287 --> 00:09:42,732.91120287 Don't ask me how to place it. 140 00:09:42,732.91120287 --> 00:09:46,722.91120287 I can walk you through the application process, tell you what to plant, but how to do the rain gardens. 141 00:09:46,752.91120287 --> 00:09:47,142.91120287 No clue. 142 00:09:47,262.91120287 --> 00:09:47,772.91120287 No clue. 143 00:09:47,862.91120287 --> 00:09:48,192.91120287 All right. 144 00:09:48,192.91120287 --> 00:09:51,162.91120287 At least you know your boundaries, you know your strengths, so that's important. 145 00:09:51,242.91120287 --> 00:09:51,962.91120287 All right. 146 00:09:52,262.91120287 --> 00:10:02,312.91120287 So now that we've covered how Contain the Rain can help with outside property improvements, let's shift gears into a program that can help with relief inside the home. 147 00:10:02,362.91120287 --> 00:10:13,402.91120287 can you walk us through the Property Tax Relief Program and how it works? Yeah, so the Property Tax Relief program is a rebate program for certain targeted populations in De Soto. 148 00:10:13,722.91120287 --> 00:10:19,832.91120287 So, um, the first being low-income households, which is set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. 149 00:10:19,862.91120287 --> 00:10:23,57.91120287 It's basically low income and it's done through Johnson County. 150 00:10:23,277.91120287 --> 00:10:30,147.91120287 they take an overview of the whole community and basically assign incomes based on the median household income in the county. 151 00:10:30,457.91120287 --> 00:10:33,37.91120287 And then also we were looking at veterans. 152 00:10:33,427.91120287 --> 00:10:42,917.91120287 The City Council just changed the policy and we're now looking at disabled veterans at 50% disability and then also we're looking at seniors as a targeted group. 153 00:10:43,7.91120287 --> 00:10:51,597.91120287 So people over the age of 65 and those property owners are now eligible for a rebate of just the City portion of their property tax. 154 00:10:52,107.91120287 --> 00:10:52,587.91120287 Gotcha. 155 00:10:52,637.91120287 --> 00:10:57,997.91120287 And you said that it was recently updated to include a wider range of veterans. 156 00:10:57,997.91120287 --> 00:11:04,77.91120287 Can you explain what that difference was, why it didn't work like that before? Yeah last year was our first year, I probably should have said that. 157 00:11:04,77.91120287 --> 00:11:05,847.91120287 Last year was our first year as our pilot program. 158 00:11:06,97.91120287 --> 00:11:10,597.91120287 And we were still trying to figure out our guidelines we set it based on some peer communities. 159 00:11:10,597.91120287 --> 00:11:16,97.91120287 So we looked at Merriam, Roeland Park and Johnson County to set our guidelines. 160 00:11:16,127.91120287 --> 00:11:20,397.91120287 And their programs were set at a hundred percent disabled veterans, basically. 161 00:11:20,527.91120287 --> 00:11:26,767.91120287 So what happens is the VA determines your disability based on certain criteria, so your mobility, other things. 162 00:11:27,17.91120287 --> 00:11:30,137.91120287 And so we set at a hundred percent, which was the standard throughout the county. 163 00:11:30,347.91120287 --> 00:11:42,27.91120287 However, when we went back to the Council, the Council actually asked us to reduce that amount to 50% to basically widen the amount of people that were eligible for the program because the goal is to expend the full $25,000. 164 00:11:42,87.91120287 --> 00:11:42,177.91120287 Mm-hmm. 165 00:11:43,317.91120287 --> 00:11:45,135.91120287 Well, And I think that's, I think that's awesome. 166 00:11:45,135.91120287 --> 00:11:45,455.91120287 Yeah. 167 00:11:45,455.91120287 --> 00:11:46,767.91120287 It's helping more people. 168 00:11:46,767.91120287 --> 00:11:47,517.91120287 Yeah, exactly. 169 00:11:47,517.91120287 --> 00:11:52,77.91120287 I think the goal is to spend down, so at the end of the year, we have $0 left in the program. 170 00:11:52,77.91120287 --> 00:11:56,337.91120287 So the more people that are eligible, means the more people will be able to use the funds, and that's our goal. 171 00:11:56,637.91120287 --> 00:11:56,877.91120287 Yeah. 172 00:11:56,877.91120287 --> 00:11:58,132.91120287 And yeah, more people to help. 173 00:11:58,192.91120287 --> 00:12:01,572.91120287 the interesting thing about it, and I want to give kudos to our governing body. 174 00:12:01,572.91120287 --> 00:12:09,352.91120287 Our mayor um, in the, what was this, in the fall of 2023 had an idea to start this program. 175 00:12:09,402.91120287 --> 00:12:15,772.91120287 and his thought process was not only just De Soto, but throughout Johnson County, we're seeing property values skyrocket. 176 00:12:16,82.91120287 --> 00:12:28,742.91120287 we have not only just low income, but senior um, residents who are experiencing just, you know, multiple uh, double digit increases in their property taxes because their home values are increasing through no fault of their own. 177 00:12:28,742.91120287 --> 00:12:36,532.91120287 And what we're seeing is that their increases in property taxes are not being captured by their income. 178 00:12:36,562.91120287 --> 00:12:42,382.91120287 Most people aren't getting 10, 15% increases, not only in social security benefits, but just as a raise at work. 179 00:12:42,382.91120287 --> 00:12:42,472.91120287 Mm-hmm. 180 00:12:42,712.91120287 --> 00:12:50,752.91120287 And so, um, the governing body decided that they would like to offer a program to relieve them from those, double digit increases. 181 00:12:50,812.91120287 --> 00:13:00,552.91120287 One of the peer communities we looked at, had um, a resident who was, well in their eighties, they purchased a house in the late seventies, and they purchased it for, we'll say $50,000. 182 00:13:00,692.91120287 --> 00:13:04,262.91120287 That house has now appreciated and it's well over $400,000. 183 00:13:04,262.91120287 --> 00:13:04,442.91120287 Oh my gosh. 184 00:13:04,772.91120287 --> 00:13:09,842.91120287 Um, And so it's kinda one of those things where their income can't keep up with the appreciation. 185 00:13:09,962.91120287 --> 00:13:12,272.91120287 They didn't do anything to it, they just lived in the house. 186 00:13:12,512.91120287 --> 00:13:15,332.91120287 And over that period of time, the home values have increased. 187 00:13:15,482.91120287 --> 00:13:15,752.91120287 Wow. 188 00:13:16,2.91120287 --> 00:13:18,612.91120287 these are things I haven't thankfully had to figure out yet. 189 00:13:18,787.91120287 --> 00:13:21,772.91120287 I haven't bought my first home, but it's an awesome program to have. 190 00:13:21,802.91120287 --> 00:13:22,72.91120287 Yeah. 191 00:13:22,172.91120287 --> 00:13:25,742.91120287 So you said the program is $25,000? Mm-hmm. 192 00:13:25,982.91120287 --> 00:13:26,102.91120287 Yep. 193 00:13:26,422.91120287 --> 00:13:28,307.91120287 so that's for the 2025 year? Yeah. 194 00:13:28,307.91120287 --> 00:13:35,677.91120287 the Council allocated $25,000 in 2024 for the first year of the program, and we kept the program amount flat for this year. 195 00:13:35,727.91120287 --> 00:13:44,577.91120287 Where does the fund come from? Those dollars are coming directly from development fees or franchise fees that we're seeing as a result of the development in the south end of town. 196 00:13:44,577.91120287 --> 00:13:53,127.91120287 So if we're thinking about Panasonic and Flint development, those those fees that the City's receiving is being directly put into the Property Tax Relief Fund. 197 00:13:53,187.91120287 --> 00:13:53,967.91120287 Hmm, That's awesome. 198 00:13:54,94.57786953 --> 00:13:54,594.57786953 It's, it's cool. 199 00:13:54,594.57786953 --> 00:13:58,644.57786953 It's one of those things where the City administrator always talks about, you know, development pays for development. 200 00:13:58,644.57786953 --> 00:14:01,74.57786953 This is development, paying to relieve taxes. 201 00:14:01,134.57786953 --> 00:14:01,554.57786953 Yeah. 202 00:14:01,554.57786953 --> 00:14:02,364.57786953 On our residents. 203 00:14:02,484.57786953 --> 00:14:02,754.57786953 Yeah. 204 00:14:02,814.57786953 --> 00:14:02,844.57786953 Okay. 205 00:14:03,394.57786953 --> 00:14:13,424.57786953 How many people did it help last year and how much money was alleviated in 2024? Yeah the total program was $25,000 for last year. 206 00:14:13,484.57786953 --> 00:14:19,554.57786953 And we awarded 55 total grants with an average award of about $452. 207 00:14:19,974.57786953 --> 00:14:28,824.57786953 Um, And so we allocated 98% of it, which don't, I'm not great at math, but it was somewhere around $600 left over in the fund at the end of the year. 208 00:14:29,59.57786953 --> 00:14:34,349.57786953 We were really proud and happy how successful this program was to allocate those funds throughout the community. 209 00:14:34,409.57786953 --> 00:14:34,559.57786953 Mm-hmm. 210 00:14:34,859.57786953 --> 00:14:35,9.57786953 Yeah. 211 00:14:35,9.57786953 --> 00:14:35,549.57786953 That's awesome. 212 00:14:36,89.57786953 --> 00:14:41,639.57786953 And then you said it would cover the City's portion of a resident's taxes. 213 00:14:41,669.57786953 --> 00:14:48,439.57786953 So first let's talk about the City's portion of property taxes and what that is. 214 00:14:48,499.57786953 --> 00:14:48,799.57786953 Yeah. 215 00:14:49,69.57786953 --> 00:14:56,179.57786953 So the City uh, if you think about your overall property tax bill, the City is approximately 13% of the entire bill. 216 00:14:56,299.57786953 --> 00:14:56,509.57786953 Okay. 217 00:14:56,569.57786953 --> 00:15:03,679.57786953 Um, So now that gets you streets, bridges, roads, but also it gets you law enforcement and all other City services. 218 00:15:04,184.57786953 --> 00:15:15,14.57786953 On an average home in De Soto, which in 2024 was about $370,000, that was $850 of property taxes paid to the City in 2024. 219 00:15:15,504.57786953 --> 00:15:29,604.59611736 Our rebate program is based off $500 as a cap why is it the $500 number? Yeah, so this kind of goes into some IRS regulations, so forgive me if this gets a little boring, but um, the IRS would consider this rebate income. 220 00:15:29,814.59611736 --> 00:15:35,184.59611736 And so the threshold for the IRS to account it as income to be reported as $600. 221 00:15:35,499.59611736 --> 00:15:39,99.59611736 So our thought process was we didn't want to tax a tax rebate. 222 00:15:39,179.59611736 --> 00:15:41,339.59611736 And so our threshold is $500. 223 00:15:41,399.59611736 --> 00:15:47,489.59611736 And that would give you some room in case there was a refund on a water bill or something like that, that you wouldn't be taxed on that full amount. 224 00:15:47,709.59611736 --> 00:15:49,989.59611736 So let's say this is something that I'm interested in. 225 00:15:50,559.59611736 --> 00:15:59,509.59611736 Where can I find more information? So our City website, we just got our policy approved We should have it up before the program starts on April 22nd. 226 00:15:59,839.59611736 --> 00:16:04,129.59611736 Um, But you can always find my contact information on the City website and give me a call. 227 00:16:04,129.59611736 --> 00:16:06,899.59611736 I'm happy to walk people through the process. 228 00:16:07,319.59611736 --> 00:16:09,164.59611736 I know you said we can talk to you on the phone. 229 00:16:09,164.59611736 --> 00:16:12,584.59611736 Is there any way to talk to you in person? I know residents like that. 230 00:16:12,584.59611736 --> 00:16:13,984.59611736 I personally like that stuff. 231 00:16:14,64.59611736 --> 00:16:14,334.59611736 Yeah. 232 00:16:14,334.59611736 --> 00:16:24,34.59611736 So, when we start the program and we do hold open houses, we're not quite ready to announce those dates yet, but um, within the first two weeks of the program, we're gonna hold three open houses at the Senior Center. 233 00:16:24,34.59611736 --> 00:16:31,754.59611736 And so you'll have opportunities to come in and I'm more than happy to help make sure you have the required documentation and kind of walk you through the process. 234 00:16:32,4.59611736 --> 00:16:40,814.5961174 So what usually does the timeline look like for this application process? How it works is we'll open the program and then the public will turn their applications. 235 00:16:41,34.5961174 --> 00:16:42,354.5961174 There's some documentation that we need. 236 00:16:42,354.5961174 --> 00:16:43,924.5961174 We're gonna need your tax documentation. 237 00:16:43,924.5961174 --> 00:16:45,4.5961174 That's how we prove your income. 238 00:16:45,4.5961174 --> 00:16:47,764.5961174 We look at your adjusted gross income or your AGI. 239 00:16:48,134.5961174 --> 00:16:51,804.5961174 And then we make sure you paid your property taxes as one of the requirements. 240 00:16:52,44.5961174 --> 00:16:58,154.5961174 Takes us about 30 to 45 days to process the applications, just because they typically come in waves. 241 00:16:58,184.5961174 --> 00:17:02,744.5961174 Last year we did 55 applications and we saw somewhere around 40 of those in the first two weeks. 242 00:17:03,224.5961174 --> 00:17:03,314.5961174 Oh, wow. 243 00:17:03,769.5961174 --> 00:17:03,889.5961174 Yeah. 244 00:17:03,889.5961174 --> 00:17:06,734.5961174 So, Yeah, which was it, it showed how popular the program was. 245 00:17:06,789.5961174 --> 00:17:09,934.5961174 But um, it does take us a little bit of time to do that processing of applications. 246 00:17:09,994.5961174 --> 00:17:14,314.5961174 And then our goal this year is to get those applications and checks cut within 60 days. 247 00:17:14,414.5961174 --> 00:17:21,324.5961174 So why were there so many applications in the first two weeks? So the program is first come, first serve and people were very eager to do it. 248 00:17:21,384.5961174 --> 00:17:23,574.5961174 I wasn't here early that morning. 249 00:17:23,574.5961174 --> 00:17:31,54.5961174 I had an appointment on the first day of the application window last year, but I was told there was a line outside the door at 8:00 AM with people applying. 250 00:17:31,54.5961174 --> 00:17:34,204.5961174 It was a flurry of applications that came in. 251 00:17:34,364.5961174 --> 00:17:42,224.5961174 just briefly explain, 'cause I know it can get complicated how the rounds work and what do you mean by having rounds of the program? Yeah. 252 00:17:42,224.5961174 --> 00:17:44,894.5961174 So our program is set up um, in two different phases. 253 00:17:45,224.5961174 --> 00:17:50,114.5961174 So our first phase is for low income seniors, and disabled veterans. 254 00:17:50,204.5961174 --> 00:17:50,294.5961174 Okay. 255 00:17:50,414.5961174 --> 00:17:56,844.5961174 Um, And that runs from April 22nd, which is the beginning date of the program year through August 1st. 256 00:17:57,64.5961174 --> 00:18:07,674.5961174 And then we have a second phase, which is open to all residents under the age of 65, who meet the income qualifications and anyone else who would meet the qualifications in phase one. 257 00:18:07,674.5961174 --> 00:18:11,684.5961174 That runs from August 4th, through December 1st, which is the end of the program year. 258 00:18:11,699.5961174 --> 00:18:17,774.5961174 when it opens up to the rest of the community, that's with the leftover the remaining amount, yeah. 259 00:18:17,774.5961174 --> 00:18:17,934.5961174 Yeah. 260 00:18:17,934.5961174 --> 00:18:22,639.5961174 So yeah, so any funds that are left over through phase one would then roll over into phase two. 261 00:18:23,129.5961174 --> 00:18:30,519.5961174 I would note there's a special cutout of 20% just to make sure that we do have some funding for anyone under the age of 65. 262 00:18:30,519.5961174 --> 00:18:30,939.5961174 Okay. 263 00:18:31,509.5961174 --> 00:18:34,209.5961174 Um, To be able to apply for phase two. 264 00:18:34,259.5961174 --> 00:18:34,319.5961174 Yeah. 265 00:18:34,344.5961174 --> 00:18:34,634.5961174 Yeah. 266 00:18:34,639.5961174 --> 00:18:50,809.5961174 So can you share why a top reason might be that someone would be declined property tax relief in their application? Yeah, for this next year one of the things we might see for people being um, denied the, their application being denied is we do have a one year residency requirement now. 267 00:18:51,89.5961174 --> 00:18:59,699.5961174 So essentially what we're saying is you need to live in the community for one year, because we are rebating property taxes, so this is a rebate on taxes paid in 2024. 268 00:18:59,699.5961174 --> 00:18:59,879.5961174 Yeah. 269 00:19:00,569.5961174 --> 00:19:06,119.5961174 Um, And so I think that might be one of, one of the main reasons we see any rejections is they just haven't been in the community for one year. 270 00:19:06,239.5961174 --> 00:19:10,229.5961174 Another one is, we did see a couple people who just missed that income threshold. 271 00:19:10,229.5961174 --> 00:19:11,489.5961174 They were just slightly above it. 272 00:19:11,489.5961174 --> 00:19:16,929.5961174 And that income threshold is set by HUD as we mentioned before, but it also is based on how many people are in your household. 273 00:19:17,179.5961174 --> 00:19:22,879.5961174 And so we did, we did see the one application, they just missed that income threshold by, a couple thousand dollars. 274 00:19:22,929.5961174 --> 00:19:27,579.5961174 I think it's interesting and it, it, it does make sense why you say you have to be in the community for a year. 275 00:19:27,579.5961174 --> 00:19:31,560.0092268 'cause then at that point you'd be rebating property taxes that aren't from De Soto. 276 00:19:31,630.0092268 --> 00:19:31,920.0092268 Yeah. 277 00:19:31,920.0092268 --> 00:19:32,160.0092268 Yeah. 278 00:19:32,160.0092268 --> 00:19:32,481.0092268 They're, yeah. 279 00:19:32,675.0092268 --> 00:19:35,75.0092268 And it would be from a previous homeowner, right? Yeah. 280 00:19:35,555.0092268 --> 00:19:39,995.0092268 So if you, if you just moved in the community, the person you sold, you the house, you'd be getting their money back. 281 00:19:39,995.0092268 --> 00:19:45,53.4207724 So that's the idea for That Makes sense rebating, Thank you for taking the time to chat with me today. 282 00:19:45,353.4207724 --> 00:19:49,733.4207724 Since this is the Hall Monitors podcast we have to know where you're headed to next. 283 00:19:49,783.4207724 --> 00:19:52,543.4207724 can you share some big projects or things you're working on next? Yeah. 284 00:19:52,593.4207724 --> 00:19:54,753.4207724 So some of the big projects I'm working on, they just. 285 00:19:55,53.4207724 --> 00:20:03,793.4207724 All happen to be parks related right now, but um, we're working on getting a contract signed and going to Council with um, a river for a riverfest master plan project. 286 00:20:03,793.4207724 --> 00:20:05,763.4207724 So we're looking at redeveloping that park. 287 00:20:05,983.4207724 --> 00:20:12,763.4207724 And we're gonna have lots of public engagement opportunities for the public to, ask what they want and let us know what kinda amenities they'd like to see out there. 288 00:20:12,793.4207724 --> 00:20:17,803.4207724 Another project that's gonna be starting soon is we're building soccer fields out at Riverfest Park as well. 289 00:20:17,803.4207724 --> 00:20:23,843.4207724 And so we're gonna have parking and soccer fields and it's gonna be a really good project 'cause that is our most popular parks program. 290 00:20:24,143.4207724 --> 00:20:28,973.4207724 And then the other one that you guys may have heard of is we're asking the public if they'd like to see a community center. 291 00:20:29,483.4207724 --> 00:20:29,723.4207724 Oh yes. 292 00:20:29,723.4207724 --> 00:20:35,563.4207724 So I'm gonna go meet with our consultant and talk about some of the findings from that survey. 293 00:20:35,833.4207724 --> 00:20:36,133.4207724 Alright. 294 00:20:36,253.4207724 --> 00:20:37,603.4207724 And we'll present that to Council in April. 295 00:20:37,933.4207724 --> 00:20:41,563.4207724 So lots of things to keep an eye out for the Parks department. 296 00:20:41,683.4207724 --> 00:20:41,953.4207724 Yeah. 297 00:20:41,953.4207724 --> 00:20:42,973.4207724 Very exciting stuff. 298 00:20:43,603.4207724 --> 00:20:44,383.4207724 All righty. 299 00:20:44,433.4207724 --> 00:20:46,553.4207724 That concludes episode two. 300 00:20:47,183.4207724 --> 00:20:47,513.4207724 Got it. 301 00:20:47,933.4207724 --> 00:20:48,708.4207724 Class dismiss. 302 00:20:50,153.4207724 --> 00:20:50,274.4207724 Class dismiss. 303 00:20:50,578.4207724 --> 00:20:50,868.4207724 Nice. 304 00:20:51,243.4207724 --> 00:20:52,353.4207724 It feels so uncomfortable. 305 00:20:52,383.4207724 --> 00:20:53,673.4207724 Close, but it looks right. 306 00:20:54,63.4207724 --> 00:20:55,443.4207724 Oh, the last time. 307 00:20:55,443.4207724 --> 00:20:56,313.4207724 30 seconds. 308 00:20:56,313.4207724 --> 00:21:05,843.4207724 Does it look awkward that I'm wearing a vest? Is it like, is you're like, why is she wearing a vest? how are they doing it at? So like how can you be that loud? Those are two floors above us. 309 00:21:06,323.4207724 --> 00:21:07,253.4207724 They're banging on. 310 00:21:07,283.4207724 --> 00:21:08,663.4207724 That's the wild thing about it. 311 00:21:08,663.4207724 --> 00:21:09,623.4207724 I was just thinking about that. 312 00:21:09,623.4207724 --> 00:21:12,218.4207724 Do we have you complaining on tape? Yeah, I'll bring donuts. 313 00:21:12,268.4207724 --> 00:21:12,868.4207724 I'll bring donuts. 314 00:21:12,868.4207724 --> 00:21:13,618.4207724 I don't care. 315 00:21:13,618.4207724 --> 00:21:13,708.4207724 Yes. 316 00:21:14,483.4207724 --> 00:21:16,448.4207724 Okay, okay, Lemme start that over. 317 00:21:16,948.4207724 --> 00:21:17,668.4207724 Now that we've can. 318 00:21:18,168.4207724 --> 00:21:19,38.4207724 A good all right. 319 00:21:19,98.4207724 --> 00:21:19,878.4207724 Third time's a charm. 320 00:21:20,68.4207724 --> 00:21:23,898.4207724 that? I think I just smeared a bug wing across my paper. 321 00:21:24,618.4207724 --> 00:21:24,738.4207724 Okay, good. 322 00:21:25,458.4207724 --> 00:21:30,863.4207724 When did you contact my wife? Do you feel like we're like, I feel betrayed in infiltrated. 323 00:21:30,863.4207724 --> 00:21:31,643.4207724 I feel betrayed. 324 00:21:33,113.4207724 --> 00:21:34,493.4207724 How did she uh, okay. 325 00:21:34,493.4207724 --> 00:21:35,33.4207724 That's okay. 326 00:21:35,83.4207724 --> 00:21:35,953.4207724 It's complicated. 327 00:21:35,953.4207724 --> 00:21:37,38.4207724 Property taxes are complicated. 328 00:21:37,148.4207724 --> 00:21:38,348.4207724 It's so complicated. 329 00:21:38,438.4207724 --> 00:21:42,48.4207724 You've already I have juice on my paper now into another change we didn't mention. 330 00:21:42,48.4207724 --> 00:21:42,918.4207724 That's a, yeah. 331 00:21:42,918.4207724 --> 00:21:42,919.4207724 Yeah. 332 00:21:43,188.4207724 --> 00:21:48,138.4207724 So you said miss Ma'am, you good? Tell that cough to Yeah. 333 00:21:48,198.4207724 --> 00:21:48,918.4207724 Calm down. 334 00:21:49,168.4207724 --> 00:21:53,138.4207724 Like, okay, wait, so what do we, how do we explain this? Because it Yeah. 335 00:21:53,258.4207724 --> 00:21:58,228.4207724 It just goes, it really does go to show like, you are not an idiot if you don't understand some of these things. 336 00:21:58,228.4207724 --> 00:22:03,628.4207724 Like even I try to ask you something simple like, can you tie, explain the mill levy? Please don't right now, by the way. 337 00:22:04,738.4207724 --> 00:22:05,68.4207724 Don't.