The Carroll City Council greenlit a $300,000 agreement with Region XII Council of Governments at their meeting earlier this week to build up to 10 homes in the community over the next several years. Earlier this summer, city officials were in discussions with Region XII staff regarding the terms of the agreement, but several council members wanted further clarification on funding avenues, construction timelines, and others. City Manager Aaron Kooiker outlines the key points of the contract.
Additionally, the city’s allotment would be capped at $300,000 and could be reduced from that amount if Region XII builds fewer than 10 homes. Current city code requires new residential construction to install sidewalks on the property when it is developed. There had been questions about if the city or Region XII would be responsible for sidewalk installation. Ward 4 Councilwoman Carolyn Siemann says that has been property owners’ responsibility for many years in Carroll, and the city should not move away from its longstanding policy.
The agreement indicates the city would provide up to $30,000 per home, up to $300,000, to Region XII to facilitate owner-occupied workforce housing construction in Carroll. Ward 3 Councilman Kyle Bauer worries the budget would be stretched thin if all 10 homes are built in a short timeframe.
Funding for the initiative is being sourced from Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) revenues. The council voted 5-0 in favor of approving the agreement. Ward 2 Councilwoman Misty Boes was not present at Tuesday’s meeting. With a contract now approved, Region XII will begin actively pursuing potential leads to construct new homes or utilize the Homes for Iowa program to bring new housing to Carroll. Most likely, the earliest new homes would begin appearing would be in Fiscal Year 2025.
